Post by Woody Williams on Apr 10, 2008 17:13:51 GMT -5
DNR Turkey Tracks Report
------------------------------------
2008 spring turkey hunting news
- Spring turkey season forecast
- Turkey hunting range
- Youth season dates & information
- Spring turkey season dates
- Turkey hunting safety
- Make your own turkey tags
2008 spring turkey season forecast
-------------------------------------------
Indiana DNR wildlife research biologist Steve Backs expects about 60,000 hunters will take to Hoosier woods and fields for the 2008 Indiana spring turkey hunting seasons, resulting in a harvest of between 11,000 and 13,000 birds.
Backs predicts that low turkey brood production during the last three summers (2005-07) will moderate harvest totals and hunter success rates. Data also indicates that Indiana's turkey population growth rate is leveling off.
"We still expect a harvest of more than 11,000 birds, but hunters will probably need to expend more effort to harvest a bird. Preseason scouting always pays off, but so does patience and woodsmanship during the actual hunting season," Backs said. "Experienced turkey hunters keep in mind that calling a wild turkey gobbler into gun range with a hen call is generally the opposite of the normal turkey breeding behavior. Normally, hens gravitate to a gobbler."
Backs said stabilization of Indiana's wild turkey population growth rate was expected, as restored turkey populations reach habitat saturation levels and Indiana's wild turkeys shift to a level maintenance population.
"Based on our experience and experience of other states, the shift in population growth begins to occur 10 to 15 years after population restoration," Backs said.
The majority of Indiana's turkey populations around the state are either approaching or have surpassed 15 years since restoration. Turkey populations in the northern part of the state are still growing; however, suitable wild turkey habitat is very limited in many areas of central and northern Indiana.
Backs is optimistic about this summer's turkey production. "Hopefully the 2008 summer will be better for turkeys. Right now, much of the primary turkey range is experiencing above-normal precipitation and flooding, which will discourage hens from nesting in flood-prone areas. Later flooding can ruin nests. At this time, there is sufficient moisture to assure lush spring growth, which translates into a higher abundance of invertebrate foods needed by young poults."
Indiana's peak turkey hatch normally occurs the first week of June.
----------------------------------------------------
2008 turkey hunting range and youth season
----------------------------------------------------
The Indiana spring hunting range will remain the same as in 2007 with 91 of 92 counties open to spring turkey hunting. Henry is now the only county closed during the spring turkey season. The DNR released turkeys in Henry County in 2004, but there were several early mortalities among the released birds. "The Henry County closure will allow additional time for these turkey flocks to grow," Backs said.
The youth turkey hunting weekend will be April 19 and 20. The regular spring season runs from April 23 to May 11.
During the youth wild turkey weekend, hunters 15 years old or younger can take a bearded or male wild turkey. The youth must be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age.
The youth hunter may use any legal shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow. The adult accompanying the youth hunter must not possess a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while in the field, and does not need to possess a turkey hunting license. A youth hunter may take only one bearded or male wild turkey during all spring seasons. The youth must be properly licensed to take a wild turkey and comply with all tagging and check-in requirements.
-------------------------------
2008 spring turkey seasons
-------------------------------
Youth Wild Turkey Season
Saturday/Sunday April 19-20
(Bearded or male turkey only)
Regular Spring Wild Turkey Season
April 23 - May 11
(Bearded or male turkey only)
------------------------------
Safety rules for turkey hunting
-------------------------------
- Select a calling position where you can see for at least 50 yards in all directions and where you are protected from the backside.
- Whistle or shout to alert approaching hunters of your position. Never wave or stand up.
- Never sneak in on a turkey or use a gobbler call near other hunters. Never crowd another hunter working a bird.
- Never shoot at sound or movement.
- Use a flashlight when walking in the dark.
- Be aware of turkey "fever" and its prevention. Disregard peer pressure to bag a bird.
- Be extremely careful using turkey decoys.
- Do not wear red, white, or blue outer wear or exposed inner clothing.
- Make sure your headnet doesn't obscure your vision.
- Don't assume you are the only hunter in the area. Be certain of a companion's location.
- Know and identify your target and what is beyond.
- Discuss safety techniques with companions.
- Never assume that other hunters are responsible.
- Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Always keep your gun unloaded until ready to use.
- Never use alcohol or drugs before or while hunting.
- Respect property rights and secure permission before hunting.
- Hunters should unload their guns when crossing fences, climbing into stands, jumping ditches or traversing steep ravines.
----------------------------
Turkey tag requirements
----------------------------
Because DNR Web-generated turkey licenses do not include a turkey tag, the DNR has adopted a rule allowing turkey hunters to tag wild turkeys with a piece of paper indicating the month and day of the kill and the name and address of the hunter taking the turkey.
A sample turkey leg tag is available at:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/licenses/pdf/turkeytag.pdf
More Indiana turkey data:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/publications/notes/notes.htm
Turkey licenses may be purchased online at:
dnr.IN.gov/indianaoutdoor/
DNR property information:
dnr.IN.gov/destinations/list.html
Wild turkey hunting regulations:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/huntguide1/hunting1.htm
---------------------------------------
Media contact,
Steven Backs,
State Wildlife Research Biologist,
(812) 849-4586
------------------------------------
2008 spring turkey hunting news
- Spring turkey season forecast
- Turkey hunting range
- Youth season dates & information
- Spring turkey season dates
- Turkey hunting safety
- Make your own turkey tags
2008 spring turkey season forecast
-------------------------------------------
Indiana DNR wildlife research biologist Steve Backs expects about 60,000 hunters will take to Hoosier woods and fields for the 2008 Indiana spring turkey hunting seasons, resulting in a harvest of between 11,000 and 13,000 birds.
Backs predicts that low turkey brood production during the last three summers (2005-07) will moderate harvest totals and hunter success rates. Data also indicates that Indiana's turkey population growth rate is leveling off.
"We still expect a harvest of more than 11,000 birds, but hunters will probably need to expend more effort to harvest a bird. Preseason scouting always pays off, but so does patience and woodsmanship during the actual hunting season," Backs said. "Experienced turkey hunters keep in mind that calling a wild turkey gobbler into gun range with a hen call is generally the opposite of the normal turkey breeding behavior. Normally, hens gravitate to a gobbler."
Backs said stabilization of Indiana's wild turkey population growth rate was expected, as restored turkey populations reach habitat saturation levels and Indiana's wild turkeys shift to a level maintenance population.
"Based on our experience and experience of other states, the shift in population growth begins to occur 10 to 15 years after population restoration," Backs said.
The majority of Indiana's turkey populations around the state are either approaching or have surpassed 15 years since restoration. Turkey populations in the northern part of the state are still growing; however, suitable wild turkey habitat is very limited in many areas of central and northern Indiana.
Backs is optimistic about this summer's turkey production. "Hopefully the 2008 summer will be better for turkeys. Right now, much of the primary turkey range is experiencing above-normal precipitation and flooding, which will discourage hens from nesting in flood-prone areas. Later flooding can ruin nests. At this time, there is sufficient moisture to assure lush spring growth, which translates into a higher abundance of invertebrate foods needed by young poults."
Indiana's peak turkey hatch normally occurs the first week of June.
----------------------------------------------------
2008 turkey hunting range and youth season
----------------------------------------------------
The Indiana spring hunting range will remain the same as in 2007 with 91 of 92 counties open to spring turkey hunting. Henry is now the only county closed during the spring turkey season. The DNR released turkeys in Henry County in 2004, but there were several early mortalities among the released birds. "The Henry County closure will allow additional time for these turkey flocks to grow," Backs said.
The youth turkey hunting weekend will be April 19 and 20. The regular spring season runs from April 23 to May 11.
During the youth wild turkey weekend, hunters 15 years old or younger can take a bearded or male wild turkey. The youth must be accompanied by an adult of at least 18 years of age.
The youth hunter may use any legal shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow. The adult accompanying the youth hunter must not possess a firearm, bow and arrow, or crossbow while in the field, and does not need to possess a turkey hunting license. A youth hunter may take only one bearded or male wild turkey during all spring seasons. The youth must be properly licensed to take a wild turkey and comply with all tagging and check-in requirements.
-------------------------------
2008 spring turkey seasons
-------------------------------
Youth Wild Turkey Season
Saturday/Sunday April 19-20
(Bearded or male turkey only)
Regular Spring Wild Turkey Season
April 23 - May 11
(Bearded or male turkey only)
------------------------------
Safety rules for turkey hunting
-------------------------------
- Select a calling position where you can see for at least 50 yards in all directions and where you are protected from the backside.
- Whistle or shout to alert approaching hunters of your position. Never wave or stand up.
- Never sneak in on a turkey or use a gobbler call near other hunters. Never crowd another hunter working a bird.
- Never shoot at sound or movement.
- Use a flashlight when walking in the dark.
- Be aware of turkey "fever" and its prevention. Disregard peer pressure to bag a bird.
- Be extremely careful using turkey decoys.
- Do not wear red, white, or blue outer wear or exposed inner clothing.
- Make sure your headnet doesn't obscure your vision.
- Don't assume you are the only hunter in the area. Be certain of a companion's location.
- Know and identify your target and what is beyond.
- Discuss safety techniques with companions.
- Never assume that other hunters are responsible.
- Always keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.
- Always keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.
- Always keep your gun unloaded until ready to use.
- Never use alcohol or drugs before or while hunting.
- Respect property rights and secure permission before hunting.
- Hunters should unload their guns when crossing fences, climbing into stands, jumping ditches or traversing steep ravines.
----------------------------
Turkey tag requirements
----------------------------
Because DNR Web-generated turkey licenses do not include a turkey tag, the DNR has adopted a rule allowing turkey hunters to tag wild turkeys with a piece of paper indicating the month and day of the kill and the name and address of the hunter taking the turkey.
A sample turkey leg tag is available at:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/licenses/pdf/turkeytag.pdf
More Indiana turkey data:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/publications/notes/notes.htm
Turkey licenses may be purchased online at:
dnr.IN.gov/indianaoutdoor/
DNR property information:
dnr.IN.gov/destinations/list.html
Wild turkey hunting regulations:
dnr.IN.gov/fishwild/huntguide1/hunting1.htm
---------------------------------------
Media contact,
Steven Backs,
State Wildlife Research Biologist,
(812) 849-4586