Kansas Turkey Season Rumor...

[wytrat785]

 I was at the vet getting my dog's shots updated and we were talking turkeys. He said he had heard a rumor that KDWPT was contemplating big changes for turkey hunting. The numbers were low enough and the success rate high enough that they are thinking about no Fall season next year or changing the limits for Spring or possibly no seasons at all until the numbers rebound. Anyone else hear this?

[Spring Creek Calls]

 KS has already announced the season dates for spring 2017 on their website. Looks the same to me.

[dirt road ninja]

Population seemed fine to me

[davisd9]

Population seemed fine to me

Until you and son left.


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[fallhnt]

All I saw was they were going to talk about seasons and limits in a public meeting as part of the agenda. Didn't say they wanted to change anything. NATIVEKS would be the man to hear from. Hopoe I got his site name correct.

[mtns2hunt]

Have a hunt scheduled in Kansas this Spring. I hope there are one or two birds left!

[wytrat785]

All I saw was they were going to talk about seasons and limits in a public meeting as part of the agenda. Didn't say they wanted to change anything. NATIVEKS would be the man to hear from. Hopoe I got his site name correct.

After doing some searching that's all I can find also. I think my vet just misinterpreted what he read. From my personal observations, the population is doing fine in my area. I've seen several hens through the summer and into this fall so far that have good numbers of this years poults with them so I'm not worried  I think my vet meant well but needs to read a little more thoroughly 

[nativeks]

The state biologist wanted to close the fall season. The other option on the table was one bird in the spring one in the fall. Neither was passed by the commission. 2 commissioners wanted to make fall male birds only but that didn't pass. They estimate populations in some areas are down 25%. We had nearly zero recruitment this year due to flooding.

[wytrat785]

Thanks for that info nativeks, much appreciated. Sucks to hear those numbers being down that much but not surprised. I was wondering how some areas fared with the wet, long Spring/early Summer we had this year.

[mtns2hunt]

I also appreciate the updates on the Kansas Turkey population. Especially as I have a spring hunt scheduled. I have texted my outfitter to see how his area is faring. Will update.

[fallhnt]

It looks like they changed Fall regs again. 1 ether sex permit in all 6 units. Unit 4 has been closed for a long time. Not sure if this is signed into law.

[nativeks]

http://ksoutdoors.com/KDWPT-Info/News/Weekly-News/10-27-16/Commission-Approves-Turkey-Hunting-Park-and-Fishing-Regulations

I know guys come from other states and say "looks like they have plenty of turkeys". Lots of states have more birds but ours have nowhere to hide so they are more visible. I remember when seeing a turkey was a big deal. I also remember when the population exploded in the 90s, then watched it implode in the mid 2000s. We have never recovered. They sent out a survey to resident hunters last year about KS turkey management. I got one and know several others that did too. A buddy of mine put on his that he was pissed he could only shoot one fall bird. The biologist actually contacted him and told him that while he may still have birds he is hearing from a lot of people that used to have birds and do t anymore.