April 12 and 13 was youth spring turkey hunting season in all of Oklahoma. Hunters 17 and younger will have the first chance to harvest a gobbler during these two days ahead of the regular spring turkey season, which runs from April 16 to May 16 statewide.
Bill Dinkines, chief of wildlife for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said winter turkey flock survey results show a general increasing trend in statewide numbers, with some parts of the state higher than others.
“Last year’s quail hunting season was one of the best in years, and we are hopeful that our turkey season returns similar results,” Dinkines said. The wildlife department is continuing a 4.5-year, $2 million research effort to investigate turkey population declines and what can be done long-term to manage turkey populations. Researchers are examining nesting success, nesting site characteristics, and cause-specific mortality of poults and hens, along with genetic health studies.
Hunters wanting to support biologists in current turkey research, along with ODWC’s conservation and management efforts, can simply purchase a hunting license, whether they intend to hunt or not. Each hunting license sold secures federal matching funds at a rate many times the price of the license, giving ODWC more resources to fund wildlife conservation activities.
For those hoping to harvest a tom turkey this year, several ODWC biologists in the field have shared reports from their regions in this year’s Gobbler Report.
NORTHEAST REGION J.D. RIDGE
WILDLIFE SENIOR BIOLOGIST
Current gobbler activity: Flocks have been breaking up and birds are spreading out. Reports have varied across the region, but gobbling activity is generally reported as good, especially while birds are on the roost. There have been several reports of strutting toms with hens over the last couple of weeks.
Condition of habitat: The spring green-up is well underway, and conditions across the region are reported as good to excellent. Insects are emerging and appear to be in good abundance. Immediate bird response has been reported for several areas where prescribed burns have been conducted.
Reports from landowners or scouting hunters: Landowners are reporting seeing more birds, indicating better reproduction and recruitment last spring. Scouting hunters report observing increasing breeding activity with even some single hens being observed.
WMA best bets: The region has several WMAs open to turkey hunting. Cherokee Game Management Area is a good option and should hold a fair number of birds.
Tips for success: Scout the areas you plan to hunt. There will likely be less hunting pressure on weekdays. Plan to hunt all day if possible. Brush up on private and public land regulations in the Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations.
Mistakes to avoid: 1. Movement while calling a responsive gobbler. A turkey’s ability to detect the slightest of movements cannot be over-stated. 2. Not being familiar with the terrain. Approaching birds can “hang up” on fence lines or natural terrain features such as drainages, thickets, etc., so think about this when scouting. 3. Giving up too quickly. If a responding gobbler goes quiet, be patient. He may just be sneaking in the rest of the way.
Opening-day expectations: Bird numbers appear to be a little better than last year, so opportunities are out there. Expect hunting pressure to be high on public land, especially early in the season. Above all, be safe and enjoy being outdoors in the springtime!
