04-15-2008, 12:09 AM
Indiana DNR wildlife research biologist Steve Backs expects about 60,000 hunters will take to Hoosier woods and fields for the 2008 Indiana spring turkey hunting seasons, resulting in a harvest of between 11,000 and 13,000 birds.
Backs predicts that low turkey brood production during the last three summers (2005-07) will moderate harvest totals and hunter success rates. Data also indicates that Indiana's turkey population growth rate is leveling off.
"We still expect a harvest of more than 11,000 birds, but hunters will probably need to expend more effort to harvest a bird. Preseason scouting always pays off, but so does patience and woodsmanship during the actual hunting season," Backs said. "Experienced turkey hunters keep in mind that calling a wild turkey gobbler into gun range with a hen call is generally the opposite of the normal turkey breeding behavior. Normally, hens gravitate to a gobbler."
Backs said stabilization of Indiana's wild turkey population growth rate was expected, as restored turkey populations reach habitat saturation levels and Indiana's wild turkeys shift to a level maintenance population.
"Based on our experience and experience of other states, the shift in population growth begins to occur 10 to 15 years after population restoration," Backs said.
The majority of Indiana's turkey populations around the state are either approaching or have surpassed 15 years since restoration. Turkey populations in the northern part of the state are still growing; however, suitable wild turkey habitat is very limited in many areas of central and northern Indiana.
Backs is optimistic about this summer's turkey production. "Hopefully the 2008 summer will be better for turkeys. Right now, much of the primary turkey range is experiencing above-normal precipitation and flooding, which will discourage hens from nesting in flood-prone areas. Later flooding can ruin nests. At this time, there is sufficient moisture to assure lush spring growth, which translates into a higher abundance of invertebrate foods needed by young poults."
Indiana's peak turkey hatch normally occurs the first week of June.
Backs predicts that low turkey brood production during the last three summers (2005-07) will moderate harvest totals and hunter success rates. Data also indicates that Indiana's turkey population growth rate is leveling off.
"We still expect a harvest of more than 11,000 birds, but hunters will probably need to expend more effort to harvest a bird. Preseason scouting always pays off, but so does patience and woodsmanship during the actual hunting season," Backs said. "Experienced turkey hunters keep in mind that calling a wild turkey gobbler into gun range with a hen call is generally the opposite of the normal turkey breeding behavior. Normally, hens gravitate to a gobbler."
Backs said stabilization of Indiana's wild turkey population growth rate was expected, as restored turkey populations reach habitat saturation levels and Indiana's wild turkeys shift to a level maintenance population.
"Based on our experience and experience of other states, the shift in population growth begins to occur 10 to 15 years after population restoration," Backs said.
The majority of Indiana's turkey populations around the state are either approaching or have surpassed 15 years since restoration. Turkey populations in the northern part of the state are still growing; however, suitable wild turkey habitat is very limited in many areas of central and northern Indiana.
Backs is optimistic about this summer's turkey production. "Hopefully the 2008 summer will be better for turkeys. Right now, much of the primary turkey range is experiencing above-normal precipitation and flooding, which will discourage hens from nesting in flood-prone areas. Later flooding can ruin nests. At this time, there is sufficient moisture to assure lush spring growth, which translates into a higher abundance of invertebrate foods needed by young poults."
Indiana's peak turkey hatch normally occurs the first week of June.