By Dave Koehler
Idaho DFG
The expansion of wild turkeys across Idaho has been truly remarkable. In 1983, turkey hunting opportunity in the Clearwater consisted of a nine-day general spring season that was only open in four management units. Two lucky hunters each harvested a bird. That's right, two birds were harvested in the entire region. The statewide turkey harvest in 1983 was a meager 14 toms.
Beginning in the early- to mid-1980s, a statewide emphasis was placed on an active trap-and-transplant program to move both in-state and out-of-state birds to areas of suitable habitat for the respective subspecies.
As a result, turkey hunting opportunity has exploded. By 1993, the regional turkey hunting season increased to a 28-day general spring season that was open in nine units. Harvest jumped to a previously unimaginable 509 toms in the Clearwater Region, while the statewide harvest also set a new record of 977. Both of these totals were more than double previous highs.
Still, these numbers pale in comparison to current levels. In 2003, Clearwater Region hunters harvested 2,528 toms out of the 6,491 statewide. The 2003 season increased to a 41-day general spring hunt in 13 management units, followed by 36 days of general fall hunting in some units. Additionally, hunters were allowed to harvest up to two turkeys in 2003, which was increased to three turkeys per year starting in 2004.
For those preparing for the upcoming season, the following are a few regulation changes that will impact regional hunters in 2005.
On April 9 and 10, the second General Spring Youth Hunt was held in Idaho. This hunt was open to all licensed youth 15 years of age or younger on April 9, in all game management units open to general season turkey hunting. All youth hunters had to be accompanied by a licensed adult 18 years of age or older.
Turkey hunters should check rules for the area they intend to hunt. Rules booklets are available at license vendors, Fish and Game offices and on the Internet at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.
Have a great season, always ask permission to hunt on private land and be safe.
Dave Koehler is a turkey hunting enthusiast and wildlife biologist for the Clearwater Region. He has worked for IDFG since 1986.
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