Turkey Season Changes for Idaho

[BrianID]

The proposal that will affect me most is changing the spring controlled turkey hunt by Preston into a general season hunt.
Here's a link to more info.
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/news/surveys/turkey_2005.cfm

 

[Wally Dog]

Brian,
Do you feel the population will support a general season?
I've seen additional pressure on a population actually make them a better, more wary bird. It also should tend to make them spread out within their present range.
What a success story!
WD

 

[BrianID]

The turkeys around Preston have been a true success story. Hopefully the places the F&G have planted turkeys in other parts of Eastern Idaho can even have half as successful as the Preston area. I think the area around Preston could support a general season but I would rather that the F&G double or trippled the number of tags before turning it into a general season.

 

[BrianID]

Here's an update on what changes were made.


commission adopts turkey seasons


The opportunity to hunt wild turkeys will be expanded again in the 2005 hunting seasons approved by the Idaho Fish and Game Commission December 10.

Meeting by telephone conference, the Commission unanimously adopted department recommendations that increase Idaho turkey hunting. Turkey tag sales have gone from about 2,000 in 1992 to more than 22,000 in 2004. Regional biologists report ample turkey populations that can provide more hunting.

The department recommended no change in tag and permit options or for bag limits in 2005. Hunters interested in a spring controlled turkey hunt must draw a controlled hunt permit to participate; apply from January 15-February 15, 2005. Only the general turkey tag (not an extra tag) can be used with the controlled hunt permit. The general turkey tag is valid from April 15 through December 31 and is good for general youth hunts. Hunters may also purchase up to two extra tags that are valid May 1 through December 31.

The annual turkey limit is three with a daily limit of one. Two bearded turkeys may be taken in the spring and two birds of either sex are allowed in the fall but the total for one year can be no more than three.

Youth hunt eligibility has been changed to match the rule used in pheasant and waterfowl youth hunts so that youth 15 years of age or younger on the opening date of a youth hunt are eligible. Last year, youth hunters had to be 15 or younger as of January 1.

Controlled hunts for youth hunters will all start April 15. General season youth hunts are set for April 9-10.

The new rules will add units 16A, 19 and 20 to the spring hunt in the Clearwater Region. Southeast units 73, 74, 75, 77 and 78, will be a general spring hunt with a closing date of May 25. Youth permits are added to controlled hunts in Unit 54 and Unit 38.

Fall hunts will include a new late hunt in the Clearwater for private lands only. This hunt is intended to help landowners with depredating flocks while avoiding a depredation hunt.

For the first time, the Salmon Region will have a turkey hunt: a five-permit controlled hunt in Area 36B which is Unit 36B and 37. Access is extremely limited and hunters are encouraged to obtain permission before applying for this hunt.