Turkey Hunt Details Updated

Idaho turkey hunters can find statistics on last year's hunts in their favorite game management units by going online. Statistics including the number of tags sold and turkeys harvested in general as well as controlled hunts are available by region and unit on the Fish and Game Internet web site at http://www2.state.id.us/fishgame/hunt/programsinfo/turkey/statistics.htm. Charts show harvest, hunter numbers and transplant history as far back as 1991. The outlook for turkey hunting conditions including population numbers is also available there. Statewide figures show a good year for Idaho turkey hunting in 2003. Tag numbers slipped from 23,367 in 2002 to 21,639 last year (tag numbers include those that came with Sportsman Packages) while total of turkeys taken in general and controlled hunts increased from 5,115 to 6,377. The Clearwater Region produced the most turkeys in spring hunts with a harvest of 2,068 while the Southwest Region dominated other regions in the fall hunt with 1,230 birds taken. Barring unfavorable spring weather, this year's turkey hunts are expected to be excellent. Game biologists estimate a total Idaho wild turkey population of 30,000. As turkey numbers continue to rise in Idaho, fall hunts have been changed from controlled hunts to all general seasons for 2004. Printed turkey hunting brochures are available at license vendors as well as Fish and Game offices statewide. The brochure can also be found on the department web site at www2.state.id.us/fishgame.