Spring turkey hunting forecasted; turkeys rebounding statewide
“Snowstorm one day, heat wave the next…” spring has arrived in the Cowboy state. Not only does this time of year see the return of migratory birds, but it’s also a time for hunters to return to the field after a winter sabbatical. However, it is not the call of a songbird, rather the lusty gobble of a big tom turkey that ushers in the spring hunt. Spring hunting seasons for wild turkey are now open in all hunt areas.
Sundance game warden, Chris Teter, reports while bird numbers are down a bit, there seem to be enough around for those who showed up to hunt. “Opening weekend was really slow as far as what I saw for hunters, but just about everywhere I went, I saw a few birds around,” He reported.
Game and Fish’s wildlife biologist for the Black Hills, Joe Sandrini, agreed noting, “Our turkey numbers are probably a little better than half of what they were when we peaked five or six years ago, but poult production the past two years has helped us begin to rebound.”
Hunter harvest data, which is one of the main ways the Wyoming Game and Fish Department tracks turkey populations, indicates participation in spring turkey hunting declined about 25% between 2010 and 2014, as a tough winter and several years of poor reproduction caused turkey numbers to drop statewide. The change was even more notable in the Black Hills where spring hunter numbers decreased approximately 50% in the face of a 60% dip in the wild turkey population according to Sandrini.
“Bird hunters sort of regulate themselves,” Sandrini professed. He added, “When the numbers of wild turkeys decline, fewer hunters show up to hunt; but it takes about a year or so for hunter numbers to tick up or down as the bird population fluctuates. The state has seen an overall change in the direction wild turkey populations are headed, and I am expecting a few more hunters to show up this year.”
And, while the best public land spring turkey hunting prospects are found in the Black Hills, General license spring hunting opportunities are available in all five of the State’s wild turkey hunt areas.
Sandrini, who also heads the Game and Fish’s wild turkey working group, added, “Wild turkey populations in much of the state have followed a pattern similar to that in the Black Hills, but some areas have rebounded a bit more, with good numbers of birds being reported in locations around the Big Horn Basin and in southeast Wyoming.” He added, “In these areas, and along the east front of the Bighorns, fairly decent hunting can be found; but most of the birds are on private land.” As such, he reminds hunters to seek permission ahead of time to take advantage of this resource.
Hunters are also reminded to check the regulations before they head out, including the requirement to purchase a 2016 Conservation Stamp if they need one.
Spring turkey hunting can be very rewarding, even if you don’t connect. Collin Smith, regional biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation, mentioned that it has often been likened to hunting bull elk in the rut. The call, the response, and the heart pounding action as a bold dominate male makes his appearance – challenging all comers. “There is nothing quite like it in terms of excitement and anticipation,” he said.
And while turkey hunting is a very safe sport, because hunters are camouflaged, attempting to call birds and often use decoys and blinds, Smith noted that safe hunting practices need to be followed; and he encouraged hunters to look at the hunting and safety tips the Wild Turkey Federation posts on their website.
Spring turkey hunting is a great way to get back out in Wyoming’s great outdoors and experience a thrilling hunt. As nature begins to renew itself, start off your 2016 hunt year chasing the largest game bird in the State.
Sundance game warden, Chris Teter, reports while bird numbers are down a bit, there seem to be enough around for those who showed up to hunt. “Opening weekend was really slow as far as what I saw for hunters, but just about everywhere I went, I saw a few birds around,” He reported.
Game and Fish’s wildlife biologist for the Black Hills, Joe Sandrini, agreed noting, “Our turkey numbers are probably a little better than half of what they were when we peaked five or six years ago, but poult production the past two years has helped us begin to rebound.”
Hunter harvest data, which is one of the main ways the Wyoming Game and Fish Department tracks turkey populations, indicates participation in spring turkey hunting declined about 25% between 2010 and 2014, as a tough winter and several years of poor reproduction caused turkey numbers to drop statewide. The change was even more notable in the Black Hills where spring hunter numbers decreased approximately 50% in the face of a 60% dip in the wild turkey population according to Sandrini.
“Bird hunters sort of regulate themselves,” Sandrini professed. He added, “When the numbers of wild turkeys decline, fewer hunters show up to hunt; but it takes about a year or so for hunter numbers to tick up or down as the bird population fluctuates. The state has seen an overall change in the direction wild turkey populations are headed, and I am expecting a few more hunters to show up this year.”
And, while the best public land spring turkey hunting prospects are found in the Black Hills, General license spring hunting opportunities are available in all five of the State’s wild turkey hunt areas.
Sandrini, who also heads the Game and Fish’s wild turkey working group, added, “Wild turkey populations in much of the state have followed a pattern similar to that in the Black Hills, but some areas have rebounded a bit more, with good numbers of birds being reported in locations around the Big Horn Basin and in southeast Wyoming.” He added, “In these areas, and along the east front of the Bighorns, fairly decent hunting can be found; but most of the birds are on private land.” As such, he reminds hunters to seek permission ahead of time to take advantage of this resource.
Hunters are also reminded to check the regulations before they head out, including the requirement to purchase a 2016 Conservation Stamp if they need one.
Spring turkey hunting can be very rewarding, even if you don’t connect. Collin Smith, regional biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation, mentioned that it has often been likened to hunting bull elk in the rut. The call, the response, and the heart pounding action as a bold dominate male makes his appearance – challenging all comers. “There is nothing quite like it in terms of excitement and anticipation,” he said.
And while turkey hunting is a very safe sport, because hunters are camouflaged, attempting to call birds and often use decoys and blinds, Smith noted that safe hunting practices need to be followed; and he encouraged hunters to look at the hunting and safety tips the Wild Turkey Federation posts on their website.
Spring turkey hunting is a great way to get back out in Wyoming’s great outdoors and experience a thrilling hunt. As nature begins to renew itself, start off your 2016 hunt year chasing the largest game bird in the State.
Wyoming Game and Fish (307) 777-4600
