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First week harvest numbers up nearly 14 percent from 2007
COLUMBUS, OH – Ohio hunters killed 10,374 wild turkeys in the first seven days of the spring hunting season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Last year, 9,114 birds were harvested during the season’s first week.
“This season has got off to a fantastic start with many hunters, from the young to the more experienced, enjoying success,” said David M. Graham, chief of the Division of Wildlife.
So far this season, the 10 counties reporting the highest numbers of turkeys harvested are: Ashtabula-386, Harrison-348, Guernsey-323, Coshocton-322, Tuscarawas-317, Jackson-290, Washington-282, Columbiana- 280, Trumbull-279, and Meigs-263.
Hunters age 17 and younger killed 1,838 birds during a special youth-only season held the weekend of April 19-20. That number was a sharp increase over last year’s total of 1,630 birds harvested. Top youth counties this season were: Ashtabula – 69, Trumbull – 64, Coshocton and Washington – 61 each, Monroe – 57, Guernsey – 56, and Ashland, Columbiana, Harrison, and Tuscarawas – 55 each.
This year’s opening-day harvest figure of 2,768 birds was an increase from last year’s 2,569. The season remains open through May 18.
Spring wild turkey hunters may hunt in all 88 counties (except at the Lake La Su An Wildlife Area in Williams County). Turkey hunting is permitted a half-hour before sunrise until noon daily. Hunters may take two bearded turkeys per spring season. Shotguns using shot, crossbows and longbows are legal during this season. A spring turkey permit is required, along with an Ohio hunting license.
For more information about Ohio’s spring wild turkey hunting season, visit wildohio.com.
