2020 Youth Turkey Season Harvest Numbers Up
Youth turkey hunting harvest numbers are up in the few states reporting so far, despite the nationwide lockdown over COVID-19. Luckily most states are still allowing turkey hunting amid stay at home orders. Hopefully the trend continues with other states such as Wisconsin and Nebraska set to open this week. With social distancing measures in place there is no better time to turn your young ones into your regular hunting partner.
Illinois IDNR reported a preliminary 1,744 birds taken during the 2020 Youth turkey season, a record harvest. Harvest were up 25% from 2019 when a total of 1,392 turkeys were taken and up 14% from the previous harvest record of 1, 531 turkeys taken in 2017.
The Missouri youth turkey season kicked off April 4-5 and MDC reports young hunters harvested 2,712 turkeys during youth weekend, an increase of 7% over the 2,546-reported harvest in 2019.
With seasons in other parts of the country set to open in the coming weeks hopefully the trend continues, and more kids get out and harvest a turkey.
Most states are proceeding with regularly scheduled Turkey season, although Washington did cancel their youth season and the regular season is still on hold. According to DNR, the Wisconsin youth turkey will proceed as planned on April 11-12. The Indiana youth turkey season will open April 18-19. New York’s season is still set to open on April 25-26 with strict recommendations for social distancing due to COVID-19. Pennsylvania’s youth hunt is still set for April 25th.
Some states are making changes due to social distancing measures. State areas that previously held in-person drawings have been canceled and changed to a mail-in drawing. Public land areas that normally require birds to be checked in are moving to online reporting.
States allowing hunting among the pandemic are offering guidance to protect you and your kids while out youth hunting. Among the most common tips for hunting during the pandemic:
- Hunting only with members of the same household
- Staying 6ft away from anyone you may encounter in the field
- Wearing gloves
- Using camo mask or gaiter to cover your nose and mouth
- Carry hand sanitizer for clean ups in the field
If your youth turkey season hasn’t started yet, or you plan to take the kids hunting during the regular season, good luck! Be sure to check your states regulations for up to date information on harvest reporting and COVID related closures and changes.
