3,042 - Spring 2005

2,704 - Spring 2004

2,600 - Spring 2003 ---- 196 - Fall 2002

The turkey hatch during spring 2005 was above average, and the 2005-2006 winter was perhaps the easiest for turkeys and deer in 30 years or more. The outlook for Spring 2006 is very promising.

2006 Season Dates - May 3 to May 31:
WMUs B, C1, C2, D1, D2, E, F, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, M
Areas CLOSED to Wild Turkey Hunting: WMU A

Limit: One male or bearded turkey

Hunting Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12 noon.

Legal methods: Archery or shotgun (10, 12, 16 or 20 gauge shotgun using 2, 4, 5 or 6 size shot)

Registration: The fully-feathered, intact turkey must be registered and sealed within 12 hours of the time of taking.

2004 Season Dates: Sept. 15 - Dec. 15: WMUs D1, D2, E, F, G, H1, H2, I1, I2, J1, J2, K, L, M
Areas CLOSED to Wild Turkey Hunting: WMUs A, B, C1, C2

Legal methods: Archery only

Registration: The fully-feathered, intact turkey must be registered and sealed within 12 hours of the time of taking.

Bag Limit: One wild turkey of either sex

Legal Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset

The wild turkey had completely disappeared from the Granite State by the mid-1800s. This largely parallels the deforesting of the state for expanded agricultural purposes. Not meeting with any level of anticipated success, the reforestation process started. Even today, as you explore older forests, you will find endless walls of stone that marked farm boundaries.

Fish and Game released 25 wild turkeys in 1975. Thirty years later, based on careful management and good science, there are more than 25,000 turkeys statewide. The restoration efforts are funded through the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration program.