ESTIMATED WILD TURKEY HARVEST REPORTS NY

[mookyj]

With the ongoing concerns about the observable decline of wild turkey populations in the great Empire State, it is a timely exercise to take a look at the estimated harvest numbers. We'll look at this by the statewide macro, all the way back before the observable peaks and what is considered by many to be the heyday of turkeys in nearly every place you might look for them. As a geeky engineer personality, I follow such statistics concerning our favored nemesis, including measurable trophy records. I ask that you consider this carefully from the macro view, as estimations rely on statistical modeling that bears true overall from large volumes of data rather than looking at widely varying micro-ecosystems. Before I dive into this further there is a list of precepts, assumptions, and points to make to take notice of and pay heed to before coming to any conclusions. The current topic of population decline is an emotional and often heated discussion full of finger-pointing and rife with blame and quick fixes. The purpose of this is to show how severe the decline is estimated to be.

more: https://www.turkey-talk.com/tblog/?p=2368

[Tail Feathers]

I'm guessing the estimated population is trending in a very similar fashion.  Sad to see that.

[tracker#1]

I've been hunting them since 83 here in NYS. I have been involved with many county federations and sportsmen groups. When the DEC biologist is in attendance at the meetings I always ask them "what's going on with the turkeys?"... and I get "crickets" for an answer...

[bbcoach]

2 things jump right out at me on this, 1. Estimated Harvest?? Doesn't NY have a Tag program and reporting program  2. Why a Fall season with declining numbers??  And this probably means killing of hens in the fall correct?  If this is the case, NY DNR needs a MAJOR overhaul.

[GobbleGitr]

That is tough to see, but is going to require some change in hunting opportunity as part of the solution..can't hunt bird sustainably in such a decline.  I am hopeful that reducing hunter pressure, combined with any insights that can be applied from research will boost turkey numbers

[Tom007]

No doubt, hens should be protected EVERYWHERE until things stabilize. Just my opinion here.....

[troutfisher13111]

They lowered the fall limit from 2 to 1 a few years back and shortened the fall season. Also, fall hunting has lost a lot of its popularity statewide. Those two things probably have the most to do with the lower fall harvest numbers.


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[troutfisher13111]

2 things jump right out at me on this, 1. Estimated Harvest?? Doesn't NY have a Tag program and reporting program  2. Why a Fall season with declining numbers??  And this probably means killing of hens in the fall correct?  If this is the case, NY DNR needs a MAJOR overhaul.

NY does have a tag system and a legal requirement to report. However, the DEC estimates that a large percentage of hunters either don't tag or don't report. So they estimate for that...


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[zelmo1]

Any state with a declining population/harvest should not be shooting hens for any reason. Just my  Z

[tracker#1]

2 things jump right out at me on this, 1. Estimated Harvest?? Doesn't NY have a Tag program and reporting program  2. Why a Fall season with declining numbers??  And this probably means killing of hens in the fall correct?  If this is the case, NY DNR needs a MAJOR overhaul.

They have a tag and report system. They went from 4 weeks to two weeks fall season a few years back. They also did two 5 year studies with no conclusive results...

[dah]

 Interesting data . Not sure what conclusions can be made . So many variables , here are some thoughts
 
* 1990 spring harvest looks like it was lower than the last few years .
* The last ten years the spring harvest is flat . Do not see a drastic decline or upswing .
* Wonder if its possible that it is returning to pre 1990 numbers , which brings us to the next point
* What happened in the 90's into 2000,s to have such a spike , figure that out and maybe numbers could rebound .
* The spike in spring harvest in mid 90's to early 2000's is a result of ?
* I dont even know what to think about the fall harvest numbers , only thing consistent with them is last number of years .

I know numbers have fallen greatly in my area in Oklahoma and Texas in the last five years . But when I was growing up , there wasn't any birds in these areas . I realize they had been decimated and re-stocked , seems like the re-stocking went well but now it has reversed . Lots of people now working this across the country , interesting to see where it all lands .

[troutfisher13111]

I think there was a period of overpopulation, and people think that should be the norm. I also think we are low in numbers now, but not as low as people think. You can't compare what it should be to the all time highs.

Regardless, I hunt all over NY and if you don't fill both your tags most years, it's on you.


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[quavers59]

  This same Topic came up on huntingny.com.
New York right now is in a better  position right now then States like Ohio, All the Southeast States,etc.
   Nothing g needs to be done. NY-DEC Slashed the Fall Turkey Season back in 2015.
6 Weeks to 2 Weeks
2 Turkeys cut back to 1
Former October 1st Opener moved over 2 Weeks back to October 15th.
I live in a area of New York where the Turkey Numbers are very Strong. Almost too many Turkey Hens.
   

[deadbuck]

100,000 birds bagged in 1995. WOW. Anybody know how that compared to Missouri in 1995?