It’s now been 30 years since the first re-introduction of wild turkeys to Maine and what a success the program has been.
As wild turkeys continue to expand into new areas, the hunting season continues to expand with them. In addition to the new areas opened in 2006, wild turkey enthusiasts will also be able to hunt in WMD 7 in spring 2007. But along with the ever-increasing turkey hunting opportunity comes the task of keeping track of and properly managing the wild turkey population of Maine.
When turkey hunters take to the field this spring, they will have the chance to help contribute to wild turkey management in our state. Previously, only randomly selected turkey hunters – who were mailed a survey – could provide information that is used to help manage Maine’s wild turkeys. However, in 2007, a new web-based turkey hunter survey is available and is open to all wild turkey permit holders. Simply log on at
www.maine.gov/ifw/hunttrap/turkey_spring_survey_2007.htm
In addition to helping Maine biologists better manage wild turkeys, all participants in the web-based survey will be eligible to win a one-year National Wild Turkey Federation Membership and framed wild turkey print.
Wild turkey forecast for spring 2007
The spring of 2006 was cold and wet for way too long. Unfortunately for wild turkeys, these unpleasant conditions can mean poor reproductive success and these conditions also influence turkey hunting success. Last spring, slightly more than 20,000 hunters harvested 5,931 turkeys in Maine. That’s down from 6,235 wild turkeys registered in 2005. The decline in the turkey harvest was likely caused by poor nesting conditions. There was also a lower than normal age ratio of only one jake (one-year-old males) for every three toms (adult males) harvested.
Reports from the new (volunteer) August wild turkey sighting report indicated a large number of hens with either no poults or very small poults in 2006. It seems that the long, cold and wet spring resulted in fewer than normal wild turkeys produced last year.
However, while the number of jakes may be limited this spring, survival of large, mature toms is nearly 100% over the winter and turkey hunters will still be graced with many thrilling gobbles, plenty of exciting hunts, and the always exciting opportunity
to harvest their Maine longbeard.
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