Wisconsin Ag Connection - Permit Numbers Remain Stable for Fall Turkey Hunt

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Permit Numbers Remain Stable for Fall Turkey Hunt
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 07/30/2014

Fall turkey permit availability in 2014 will be equal to the number offered during the 2013 fall season. The Department of Natural Resources says a total of 96,700 permits will be available statewide, with permits allocated to specific turkey management zones based on the amount of habitat available and relative size of turkey population.

Fall permit levels are set by the DNR after review by the Turkey Advisory Committee, a group that includes representatives from the department and numerous partner organizations with an interest in Wisconsin's wild turkey resource.

"The pursuit of turkeys in the fall provides a different experience from the spring hunt," said DNR assistant upland wildlife ecologist Krista McGinley. "Getting out there in the fall allows hunters to experience the Wisconsin woods and engage with the birds during a different part of their annual cycle when different hunting techniques are required."

Spring permit levels were reduced in northern zones 6 and 7 for the 2014 season in response to an extremely harsh winter. Overall, spring harvest was down only slightly in the north. While the department recorded some mortalities likely associated with a harsh winter, it became apparent that this mortality was localized and occurred where flocks were trapped by deep snow in areas without accessible food sources.

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