Delaware 2009 Spring Turkey Season Ends on a High Note
Source: http://www.dnrec.delaware.gov
Published: Jun. 03, 2009
The results are in: Delaware’s 2009 spring turkey season which ended May 1 has set a new state harvest record of 313 birds, surpassing the previous state record of 249 birds taken in 2008. The 2009 season also marked the first time the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife has designated a special day for children and disabled hunters – April 4, when four birds were harvested.
“This special day is a great way to introduce kids to turkey hunting, and it provides disabled hunters with an opportunity they might not otherwise have,” said Wildlife Section Administrator Greg Moore. “While only a few birds were taken this year, we expect the participation and success to increase as time goes on.”
Of the overall record, Wildlife Operations Manager Ken Reynolds noted the high number of birds taken was a bit surprising. “The weather was not the best for hunting on several days of the season so it suggests that turkey numbers must have been high,” Reynolds said.
What wasn’t a surprise is that most of the turkeys were taken on private land. Of the total, 279 came from private lands. As for state lands, Redden State Forest near Georgetown led the pack once again with 10 birds, followed closely by the Norman G. Wilder Wildlife Area near Dover with eight.
“A total of 34 birds came from public lands, which is actually pretty high since the number of hunters allowed on state lands is limited,” noted Game Bird Biologist Matt DiBona.
Most of birds harvested were adults - 205 adult gobblers compared to 106 “jakes” and only two bearded hens. This year’s hot spot for turkey hunting was western Kent County, which accounted for 37 percent of the total harvest with 116 birds.
For hunters needing to plan ahead, next year’s regular spring turkey season will open Saturday, April 10, 2010, with the special youth and disabled hunter day set for Saturday, April 3.
For more information, please contact the Wildlife Section at 302-739-9912.
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