DEC Contact: Jomo Miller (518) 402-8000 April 16, 2021
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DEC ANNOUNCES SPRING TURKEY HUNTING SEASONSYouth Turkey Hunting Weekend is April 24-25, Followed by Regular Season Opener May 1 |
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that spring turkey season opens May 1, in all parts of Upstate New York, north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary. In addition, DEC's annual youth turkey hunting weekend will take place April 24 to 25. The youth turkey hunt for junior hunters aged 12 to 15 is open in all parts of Upstate New York and Suffolk County. "Turkey hunting has long been a sign that spring is here. It also presents a wonderful opportunity for New Yorkers to get outside and enjoy the outdoors and introduce the next generation of hunters to the sport,” Commissioner Seggos said. “As hunters take to the field this spring, DEC reminds everyone to hunt safe and hunt smart by following the guidelines to support hunter safety and prevent the spread of COVID-19.” Last year, turkey hunters took approximately 21,500 birds in New York during the spring season, an increase of about 25 percent from 2019. Much of the increase was likely due to a rise in hunter participation as more people looked for outdoor activities close to home during the COVID-19 pandemic. This spring, hunters can expect good numbers of jakes based on average-to-good productivity in 2020 and a mild winter. However, two-year-old birds may be more difficult to find. During 2019, turkeys in New York experienced one of the worst breeding seasons in the 25 years DEC has been monitoring productivity, and the effects of this poor productivity will be experienced most heavily for hunters targeting adult birds this year. About the Spring Youth Hunt, April 24-25:
About the Spring Turkey Season, May 1-31:
Hunt Safe, Hunt Smart! While statistics show that hunting in New York State is safer than ever, mistakes are made each year. Every hunting-related shooting incident is preventable and DEC encourages hunters to use common sense this season and remember what they were taught in their DEC Hunter Education Course:
DEC also encourages all hunters to wear blaze orange or blaze pink when moving between hunting spots to make themselves more visible to other hunters. A blaze orange or blaze pink vest or other material can be hung in a nearby tree when you are set up and calling birds so other hunters are alerted to your presence. In addition, all hunters should continue to follow COVID-19 precautions to ensure a safe hunt, including social distancing and wearing masks. A hunter education class is required for all new hunters and is available in-person (for free) or online (for a fee). To find an in-person hunter education class in your area, visit DEC's Hunter Education Program website or call 1-888-HUNT-ED2 (1-888-486-8332). Tips for a Successful and Safe Turkey Hunting Season
For more information about getting outdoors and #RecreateLocal, go to DEC's Website. Buy Sporting Licenses Online DEC is encouraging hunters, trappers, and anglers to purchase sporting licenses online to help further limit the community spread of COVID-19. Sporting licenses may be purchased online at any time, and anglers may use their privileges immediately by simply carrying their transaction number (DEC-LS#) while afield. Anglers, hunters, and trappers may also use the HuntFishNY mobile app to display an electronic copy of their license. The HuntFishNY app is available for download through the Apple App or Google Play stores. Back tags and carcass tags must still be mailed, and customers should allow 10-14 days for receipt of their tags. Please visit our website for more information about sporting licenses. Citizen Science Opportunity: DEC Seeks Turkey Hunters for Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey Turkey hunters can record the number of ruffed grouse they hear drumming while afield to help DEC track the distribution and abundance of this game bird. To get a survey form, go to DEC's website or call (518) 402-8883. To participate in DEC's Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey or other wildlife surveys, visit the "Citizen Science" page of DEC's website. Photo caption: Hunter Margaret Ackert, age 15, with her first turkey after a successful youth turkey hunt in Dutchess County in 2013. (photo attached) |
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