Fall Controlled Turkey Hunts Start

Fall controlled hunts for wild turkey will begin in the Southwest and Clearwater Regions September 15. The season starts October 20 in the Panhandle Region. Fall turkey hunting began in a limited way in 1998 and 1999. Additional hunting was approved for this fall by the Fish and Game Commission because Idaho's wild turkey flocks have continued to expand dramatically. Game bird biologists say all high quality turkey habitat in Idaho is now filled. In some areas, landowners complain that turkeys cause damage to crops and other property. Fall hunting for turkeys is still strictly controlled. This season will offer 500 permits in the Panhandle, 200 in the Clearwater and 250 in the Southwest Region. Hunters may take either sex and are permitted to use hunting dogs.