Illinois Spring Turkey Harvest Totals 14,767

Weather conditions, smaller cohort of 2 year old birds during early spring likely contributed to smaller harvest

SPRINGFIELD , IL – Hunters in Illinois bagged a preliminary statewide total of 14,767 wild turkeys during the 2007 Spring Turkey Season.

Hunters harvested a total of 14,197 wild turkeys during the regular seasons conducted April 9-May 10 in the south zone and April 16-May 17 in the north zone. An additional 570 turkeys were harvested during the Youth Turkey Season conducted March 31-April 1in the south zone and April 7-8 in the north zone.

“This year’s spring turkey harvest fell short of last year’s record setter, but all in all it was a pretty good season,” said Paul Shelton, manager of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Forest Wildlife Program. “ Turkey hunting is challenging and we congratulate those hunters who succeeded in bringing home a bird this spring. Weather conditions during early spring likely contributed to delayed nesting, and this in combination with a smaller cohort of 2 year old birds from below-average reproduction in 2005 resulted in some tougher-than-expected hunting conditions. However, Illinois ’ turkey flock remains in excellent condition, and we have more record-setting seasons to look forward to in the future.”

Last year, hunters in Illinois harvested 16,086 turkeys during the regular spring seasons and 521 during the youth hunt for a total harvest of 16,607 in 2006. Previous statewide spring turkey harvest totals (regular and youth seasons) include 15,422 in 2005, 15,538 in 2004, 14,977 in 2003, and 14,314 in 2002.

The top counties for spring turkey harvest in 2007 were: JoDaviess (542), Pike (528), Adams (456), Macoupin (400), and Fulton (386).

Preliminary 2007 county-by-county spring turkey harvest results (by zone) are below.