10/25/2004

Spotlight: Fall Turkey Season

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Did you know that, historically, turkey season was held in the fall? Spring turkey hunting wasn't even legal until the 1950s, when the Alabama Department of Conservation experimented with a spring gobbler season.

Outrage accompanied the season, because some hunters believed that a spring season would disrupt the wild turkey's breeding season and eventually eliminate all males even though research showed otherwise, but the spring season quickly gained in popularity.

Bust'em Up If done properly, busting a flock can be a fun and effective way to hunt wild turkeys in the fall. Once a flock has been found and the decision to break it up has been made, follow Rob Keck's tips to get the job done right. Sneak as close as possible by using available cover. Learn what the flock consists of; hens, jakes, jennies or gobblers, as this determines the strategy and calls to be used. Rush the flock while making as much noise as possible. Try firing a few rounds above the flock, but be sure of your backdrop. You also should never run with a loaded firearm. If the birds spook in the same direction, mark their landing area and try again. You want the birds scattered in all directions. Once you have busted the flock, set up and wait until you hear the birds calling to get back together. Start calling and let the birds come to you.

Today, 49 of the 50 states - Alaska doesn't have a turkey population - and four Canadian provinces conduct a spring gobbler season. Spring gobbler hunting has surpassed the fall season in popularity with more than two million participants a year.

However, fall turkey hunting is gaining in popularity as turkey populations rise, and states have realized the economic benefits and new hunting opportunities for hunters of a fall turkey season.

Once again, though, some hunters are speaking out against the new fall seasons, even though research has shown that a regulated, either-sex, fall turkey season does not reduce overall wild turkey populations.

"It's mostly what people are accustomed to that determines their beliefs," said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, National Wild Turkey Federation senior vice president of conservation programs. "If they start with a fall season, they worry about a spring season. If they start with a spring season, they worry about a fall one."

Currently, 41 states offer some sort of fall turkey season and Oregon is considering a fall season.

According to NWTF CEO Rob Keck, many hunters overlook fall turkey hunting, because they don't realize the opportunities.

"The action is a little faster and turkeys are usually more vocal, which makes fall turkey season a good way to introduce children to hunting," said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. "Also, in most states both sexes are legal, which improves the chance of success."

The most popular tactic for hunting turkeys in the fall is the flock bust. Hunters run at the birds and try to scatter them so the birds will get lonely and start calling to reform the flock.

In some states, hunters use dogs to scatter the birds, but be sure to check your state's turkey hunting regulations before heading out. The NWTF's Fall Hunt Guide lists season dates, harvest limits and legal tactics for all 41 states that allow fall turkey hunting.

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