DNR officials say hunters harvested fewer turkeys and they sold fewer license during last fall’s hunt. DNR ecologist Scott Hull says a lack of interest and poor brooding conditions for the past two years led to the disappointing numbers. He says the harvest was down by more than 2,000 birds, and about 7,600 fewer hunters were in the woods compared to the fall of 2008 season.
Hull says the spring turkey hunting season remains strong. He says hunters had a record harvest last year and he expects another one this year. Still, he says the fall hunt should continue. Hull says hunters can shoot female turkeys during the fall season, and that’s important for population control. They can only shoot bearded turkeys, which are usually male, during the spring hunt.
WHBY