What do you know about wild turkeys and turkey hunting? The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) wants your input. They are looking to change the current seasons and limits. The same turkey hunting rules have been in place for twenty years.
Population
MDC Wild Turkey Biologist Nick Oakley stated,
Turkey populations across the country and in Missouri have declined, predictably, after a post-restoration boom. Turkey hunting participation, over time, has also declined [1].
Hunting Seasons
Missouri’s spring turkey hunting season was designed to begin after the peak in turkey breeding. Furthermore, MDC is finding that the current season setup, combined with the reproductive ecology of turkeys, has resulted in relatively low harvest rates on young and adult turkeys over the years.
Additionally, Oakley stated that MDC is considering changes to fall turkey hunting regulations. This aims to balance the health of the turkey population while maximizing hunting opportunities.
The MDC is looking to reduce the harvesting of the hens. Nonetheless, they want to continue a fall harvest. To properly change the season and its limits, the MDC needs input from people who are out in the wild, and who see and hunt wild turkeys.
Deadline
MDC wants to make a decision soon. Please add your input by Friday, October 6. You can go here to add your comment or find out more.
Notes:
- ^ {{MDC asks turkey hunters and others for input on possible changes to hunting regulations}} (go back ↩)
