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Connecticuts Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is reminding hunters that the 2014 Connecticut spring wild turkey hunting season runs from Wednesday, April 30 to May 31 in Fairfield County and across the entire state. This year marks the 34th consecutive year that sportsmen have hunted turkeys in Connecticut, according to a press release.
The statewide turkey population is estimated at about 35,000 birds, according to the release.
"Healthy and numerous wild turkey populations exist throughout the majority of Connecticuts woodlands. During the 2013 spring turkey season, 9,017 hunters took 1,248 bearded turkeys," representatives said in the release.
In addition to longer and warmer days, spring brings a special treat for many Connecticut hunters turkey hunting, said Michael Gregonis, Wild Turkey Program biologist for the DEEP Wildlife Division. Our mixed hardwood forests and adjacent agricultural lands offer ideal habitat and plentiful forage, which in combination provide for some of the finest turkey hunting in New England.
During the 2014 spring season, two bearded turkeys may be taken on state land and three on private land, according to the release.
All harvested turkeys must be tagged immediately and reported to the DEEP within 24 hours on the DEEP website or by phone at 1-877-337-4868. After reporting their harvest, hunters will be given a confirmation number to write on their Harvest Tag to serve as proof that the harvest was legally reported, according to the release.
Hunters are asked to eliminate the colors red, white and blue from hunting outfits as the colors are associated with a gobblers head and could be mistaken as a turkey.
Common sense and patience are required for maintaining a safe hunting experience and harvesting a gobbler, said Gregonis. Spring turkey hunting requires preparation. Scouting, calling, and hunting techniques unique to this effort can be learned by attending seminars, reading articles, watching videos, and talking with experienced turkey hunters.
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