New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Joe Martens recently reminded hunters that the 2011 spring turkey season opens on May 1 in all of upstate New York lying north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary. The annual Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend was April 23-24.
“Turkey hunting remains a very popular activity with over 100,000 turkey hunters taking to the field each spring in pursuit of this exciting game bird,” Commissioner Martens said. “Since 2004, we have also offered a special opportunity for junior hunters. The Youth Turkey Hunt is an excellent chance for young hunters to spend time afield with experienced adult hunters to learn about conservation first hand, gaining the necessary knowledge and skills to become safe and responsible members of New York’s hunting community.”
The Youth Turkey Hunt
Eligible hunters are 12-15 years of age, holding a junior hunting license and a turkey permit.
Youth 12-13 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or adult over 21 years of age with written permission from their parent or legal guardian. Youth 14-15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or adult over 18 years of age with written permission from their parent or legal guardian.
The accompanying adult must have a current hunting license and turkey permit. The adult may assist the youth hunter (including calling) but may not carry a firearm or bow or kill or attempt to kill a wild turkey during the youth hunt.
Shooting hours were from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.
The bag limit for the youth weekend was one bearded bird. This bird becomes part of the youth’s regular Spring season bag limit of two bearded birds. A second bird may be taken in upstate New York (north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary) beginning May 1.
All other wild turkey hunting regulations are in effect.
Other Important Details For Turkey Season, May 1-31
• Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Long Island.
• Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their small game hunting or sportsman license.
• Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.
• Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season but only one bird per day.
• Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 8 or with a bow and arrow.
• Successful hunters must fill out the tag which comes with their turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested.
• Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report harvest online, http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html.
For more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2010-11 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the “Turkey Hunting” pages of the DEC website, http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8366.html.
The Cardinal Rules Of Hunting Safety
(1) assume every gun is loaded;
(2) control the muzzle;
(3) keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot;
(4) be absolutely sure of your target and what may be beyond it; and
(5) Don’t stalk! Set-up with your back against a large tree and call birds to you.
The DEC seeks turkey hunters for a ruffed grouse drumming survey. Turkey hunters in pursuit of that wary gobbler in the spring are ideally suited for monitoring ruffed grouse during the breeding season. The characteristic sound of a drumming male grouse is as much a part of the spring woods as yelping hens and gobbling toms. Turkey hunters can record the number of grouse they hear drumming while afield to help us track the distribution and abundance of this exciting game bird. To get a survey form, go to http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/48169.html or call (518) 402-8886.
Do you have photos from a spring turkey hunt you would like to share? DEC has created a Hunting and Trapping Photo Gallery for junior hunters (ages 12-15), young trappers (under age 16) and hunters who have harvested their first big or small game animal. If you are the parent or legal guardian of a junior hunter or if you are an adult who would like to share your first successful hunt, visit the photo gallery on the DEC website, http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/54055.html.