Across the northern United States, a surge in turkey populations is creating a buzz among hunters. Mild winters in recent years have significantly boosted the survival rates of wild turkeys, leading to increased hunting opportunities and success rates. This resurgence is welcome news for wildlife agencies and hunters alike, following concerns about declining populations in some areas.
Ohio’s Strong Start
Ohio’s spring wild turkey hunting season has kicked off with impressive numbers. During the opening weekend starting April 19th, hunters reported harvesting 4,281 birds, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). While slightly below the previous year’s 4,367, this figure surpasses the three-year average of 3,912. The youth-only weekend contributed an additional 1,740 birds to the total. Turkey hunting in the northeast zone began on May 3rd. Hunters are reminded that the bag limit is one bird, and all harvested turkeys must be registered via the HuntFish OH app, phone, or online by 11:30 p.m. on the day of harvest.
Utah’s Rebounding Population
Utah is also experiencing a positive trend in its turkey population. The spring general-season turkey hunt is scheduled from April 28th to May 31st, following the youth turkey hunt from April 25th-27th. After population declines due to drought and severe winter conditions in 2022-23, increased survival rates have been observed over the last two breeding cycles. The mild winter has allowed hunters to anticipate greater turkey numbers in northern Utah compared to last year.
Challenges and Considerations
While the overall outlook is positive, challenges remain. A recent case of High Path Avian Influenza (HPAI) was detected in a commercial turkey operation in Sampson County, North Carolina. This serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and biosecurity measures to protect turkey populations from disease. (This is the second HPAI case in commercial poultry in North Carolina this year.)
Conservation Efforts and Future Outlook
The resurgence of turkey populations is a testament to effective wildlife management and the resilience of these birds. As hunting seasons continue, it’s essential for hunters to adhere to regulations and practice responsible hunting ethics to ensure the long-term sustainability of turkey populations. With continued mild winters and ongoing conservation efforts, the future looks bright for turkey hunting in the northern US.