Turkey Population Decreasing (AA2)

When it comes to spring gobbler hunting in New York State, the good old days weren’t so long ago. But what a difference a decade makes. Combinations of factors are habitat loss, increased predation, and Mother Nature have conspired to send the state’s wild turkey population to its lowest in 20 years, and as a result the spring gobbler kill has seen a corresponding plummet. The spring gobbler kill peaked in 2003 when an estimated 36,800 birds were taken in New York State. Mother Nature has also played a role as New York’s turkey population struggles to rebound from historic highs. Wet and cold spring weather impacts nesting success and survival and in recent years that’s been the case in New York. From 2009 through 2011 we couldn’t catch a break with the weather. Last year was also below average from a production standpoint in many areas. A solid nesting season two years out means more two year old long beards will be available to hunters this spring. But last year’s below average production will likely translate to fewer yearling gobblers in some areas. Predators too have been eyed as a factor in the turkey population drop. However the recent winter will be a wild card in the turkey population. Typically a tough winter affects the young yearling birds more than adult birds. The DEC is in the second year of a four year study into hen survival and harvest rates and data from that study is likely to lead to alterations in the fall turkey hunting season. Despite the gloom and doom, good turkey hunting still exists across much of New York. However the total harvest may not be as good as they were ten years ago. Because of the decreasing population of birds all hunters should hunt smart and take advantage of the opportunities any birds give you.