How Soon For A " 1 Spring Gobbler Limit" Across All States?

[GobbleNut]

I just hope everyone can learn to slow down and enjoy the area they're hunting. There's too many guys hustling from state to state chasing the reputation of being a turkey killer that I have to assume they're missing out on the whole experience.

As for the original question, I think you will see a lot more states implementing the lottery and limited NR tags. I'd venture to say it's already overdue. Eliminating the killing of jakes is something I would support as well.

First of all,...lots of good posts on this topic in this thread...   

Great post, ruffbritt (and since you are relatively new here, a belated welcome to the site).  I personally agree on both counts.  UNLESS the problems related to declining turkey numbers are solved, even though those problems are FUNDAMENTALLY not related to hunting, wildlife managers will eventually have no choice but to reduce hunting pressure.  The way things are headed, not only will nonresidents be impacted, but so will residents at some point (we are already there in some places,...and are rapidly getting there in others)

In the meantime, those of us that are passionate turkey hunters need to adjust our attitudes about body counts,...or, as is being witnessed, someone else is going to do it for us. 

[NCL]

It would seem that unless the root cause of the problem is  defined then any random action will not be very feasible. For instance if over harvest is the problem then reduced limits would be a very viable solution. But as Gobblenut has pointed out if the problem may be nesting success, then limiting take probably will not help much. I believe in defining the problem. which in this case is probably multiple causes then applying solutions to each aspect of the problem. The limiting factor to this approach is money, if predation is the problem then adding a solution be it bounty or state trapper is going to add to the budget.

[jgard]

It appears Kansas is going to a draw for non residents

[Old Gobbler]

Growing up my dad had a saying " close the gate after the horse runs off" that's the path we are on in Florida with Osceolas ...

In Florida...check station data ...is reporting about 500 gobblers killed on public WMA's for the entire state ...half of those are hybrids or Easterns

You read that right ...about 500 .. a 5 with only 2 zeros on the back of it , down from about 700 a dozen years ago ..in a dozen more years if the current trend continues... probably down again ..

There's some of you that don't believe me or are in denial ...but when we go from 21 million residents to 45 million by the year 2050 ...you will be regretting the doubt

What to do about it ....well they took a important step with online harvest reporting ...

1) put in a (Jake rule) asap like some other states with a 6 inch beard minimum...they have regulations in place for deer points and length in Florida..the time to do it is NOW() $5,000 dollar fine 5 year licence revocation

2) hen loophole ...some private and archery/fall turkey seasons have hen loopholes ...close those asap...that includes bearded hens -$5,000 dollar fine , 5 year licence revocation

3) this is controversial...and unpopular, the south zone below state road 70 used to open up 1 weekend before the rest of the state , and the rest of the southern states for the matter ..they went for 2 weeks ...we need to push it back to 1 week prior .. possibly put it at the same week as the rest of the state

Let me explain...the entire country is closed for turkey hunting...we have turned into a booty call for every turkey hunter in Florida , and there are thousands upon thousands of them plus the usual out of state guys

If you want to come and hunt south Florida,...fine , do so ...but choose between hunting your own area or ours ...not both ..we are getting hunters , that are hunting here because they want to simply start early , before thier own state or local season and don't care that they are wiping out Osceolas on public property...and yes they are banging the Jake's too after all the gobblers are gone

Opening the season 2 weeks early was a huge mistake..and the numbers don't lie ...the population has plummeted SOUTH FLORIDA HAS THE LOWEST TURKEY POPULATION EVER AND ITS GETTING WORSE

4) give it a few years ...if the harvest figures don't turn around start implementing tighter harvest regulations and that includes going from 2 to 1 with out of state ...then public WMA's then across the board ..but I don't think it won't be necessary

No Jake's...no hens ...no 2 week early booty  call season

--Shannon

[GobbleNut]

Although I am not extremely familiar with Florida hunting, my impression is that it is the "poster child" for what happens when you have too many hunters hunting a very limited resource on public land.  In the long run, hunting opportunity and quality is going to be impacted, not to mention the negative impacts on the turkey population. 

[Cut N Run]

The NCWRC regulates public gamelands around reservoirs here in central N.C. and adopted draw only hunts for turkey season.  It restricts the number of hunters and the days those lands can be hunted.  Otherwise, there'd be just too much pressure on too small a resource.  Giving turkeys days off where they're not being hunted helps breeding and gives the turkeys a better chance to move around and survive.

Jim

[arkrem870]

Glad I got to travel and hunt well before the social media whores set their bombs off on this sport.

[Tom007]

The resource is declining, reducing limits and tag availability is a fast way to help change the curve on declining pops. Adjusting hunting periods according to breeding schedules is another fast stop-gap. Some states allow all day hunting, this could be looked at. Giving the turkeys pressure breaks will possibly help. These are quick measures that can be tested across the board to see if this slows or changes the declines in numbers. We all agree here that there are numerous causes in play, several measures are needed to reverse what seems to be happening across the country. I feel the stats show this should be addressed sooner than later.......

[bradr3367]

Unfortunately it probably is in the foreseeable future as many state game agencies or wildlife boards are regulating seasons/ amending regulations due to public outcry rather than heeding the advice of the state biologists (Looking at you Tennessee).

With the huge inflation in demand I'm more in favor of pricing out more folks with non-resident license costs to the point only the die-hard turkey hunters will remain in the traveling game rather than slashing limits. Turkey hunting appears to be going in the direction of western big game and it is not pretty.

You can thank a plethora of mitigating factors for where we are today. I place direct blame on influencers, money hungry state game agencies, and improper management of the resource.

It is depressing to think of all the places off the top of my head that have been ruined by influencing and advertising. Shame.... it was good while it lasted.

I agree 100%. Took the words outa my mouth.

[deerhunt1988]

I'm just amazed everyone knows reducing limits is going to help the issue of raising baby turkeys when there's no evidence yet to prove it.

[Copperback]

No way in hell I will ever let some corrupt state or government agency limit my turkey hunting, Spring and Fall, to only one longbeard. As if attempting to jack with my Spring start date wasn't bad enough.

[AndyN]

No way in hell I will ever let some corrupt state or government agency limit my turkey hunting, Spring and Fall, to only one longbeard. As if attempting to jack with my Spring start date wasn't bad enough.

#1 predator for wild turkeys, and the overall determining factor in their numbers plummeting has, and always will be "hunters".

[Copperback]

No way in hell I will ever let some corrupt state or government agency limit my turkey hunting, Spring and Fall, to only one longbeard. As if attempting to jack with my Spring start date wasn't bad enough.

#1 predator for wild turkeys, and the overall determining factor in their numbers plummeting has, and always will be "hunters".

If everyone still hunted turkeys as I do, population issues would never be an issue

[Roost 1]

 

No way in hell I will ever let some corrupt state or government agency limit my turkey hunting, Spring and Fall, to only one longbeard. As if attempting to jack with my Spring start date wasn't bad enough.

#1 predator for wild turkeys, and the overall determining factor in their numbers plummeting has, and always will be "hunters".

If everyone still hunted turkeys as I do, population issues would never be an issue