DEC Announces Opening of Spring Turkey Season on May 1

DEC Announces Opening of Spring Turkey Season on May 1
04/13/17 07:00am

Google Suggested Content:

NYS DEC Press Release:

DEC Announces Opening of Spring Turkey Season on May 1

Annual Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend is April 22-23

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is

opening spring turkey season on May 1 in upstate New York north of the Bronx-

Westchester County line, the agency announced today. DEC's annual youth

turkey hunting weekend is scheduled for April 22-23.

The youth turkey hunt for junior hunters ages 12-15 is open in all of upstate

New York and Suffolk County. DEC encourages experienced hunters to take a

novice hunter afield this spring, whether the novice is a young person or an

adult getting into the sport for the first time.

"Hunting is an excellent way to connect people to the natural world," DEC

Commissioner Basil Seggos said. "Spending time afield with a new hunter is a

chance to teach them about conservation, the environment, and wildlife. It's the

perfect opportunity to put novice hunters on the path to becoming safe and

responsible hunters."

DEC reports that the turkey population experienced reproductive success in

the summer of 2015, and combined with relatively mild winters in 2015-16 and

2016-17, it is anticipated that the spring harvest will be up from last year and

above the five-year average (about 20,000 birds). The estimated turkey

harvest for spring 2016 was 18,400 birds, and nearly 6,000 junior hunters

harvested an estimated 1,300 birds during the two-day youth hunt in 2016.

Important Details for the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 22 and 23

Hunters 12 to 15 years of age are eligible and must hold a 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, bow, or crossbow, or kill or attempt to kill a wild turkey
during the youth hunt.
Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.
The youth turkey hunt is open in all of upstate New York, north of the
Bronx-Westchester County boundary and across Suffolk County.
The bag limit for the youth weekend is 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 only in upstate New York,
north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary, beginning May 1.
Crossbows may only be used by hunters age 14 or older.
All other wild turkey hunting regulations remain in effect.

Other Important Details for the Spring Turkey Season, May 1-31, 2017

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 hunting
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 or crossbow.
Successful hunters must fill out the tag that comes with the 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 a harvest online at
DEC's website.