This season, Ohio’s wild turkey hunters have harvested 10,734 birds as of May 15. The total represents 23 days of hunting across most of the state.
Although not a record highest, Lucas and Wood county hunters accounted for 64 of the birds–45 in Lucas and 19 in Wood.
The three-year average 2019 through 2021 was 15,538 wild turkeys and in 2021, the number checked was 13,365.
The top 10 counties for wild turkey harvest so far this season are Tuscarawas, 308; Guernsey, 288; Columbiana, 283; Ashtabula, 279; Belmont, 279; Harrison, 279; Muskingum, 278; Jefferson, 267; Gallia, 261, and Adams, 251.
Declining wild turkey harvests, likely a result of lower wild turkey numbers and decreased hunter participation, have been a longterm trend since 2001, when Ohio’s harvest peaked.
Several factors play a role in fluctuating turkey populations, including weather events, predation, disease and hatch productivity. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife is taking conservation measures to reduce the wild turkey harvest while ongoing research looks closely at Ohio’s population.
Each summer, the division conducts a turkey brood survey to estimate population changes. Poor hatches from 2017-2019 have caused a temporary depression in turkey numbers.
The Division of Wildlife remains vigilant in monitoring Ohio’s wild turkeys.
Biologists expect the population dip to be temporary given the 2021 brood survey showed encouraging results. Young turkeys will be tracked closely in the coming years.
The brood survey is largely based on public reports, and observations of young turkeys during July and August may be submitted at wildohio.gov.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all.
