Turkey stalking numbers in Ohio continue to rise
Ohio wild turkey hunters might get their groove back.
From a year ago with a one-bird end due to declining turkey numbers, early returns for the season indicate resilience among both hunters and turkeys. As of last Sunday, the total number of bearded birds was 10,351, 2,800 more than what was examined at the same point a year ago.
When accounting for the two-day youth season, the first week of the Southern Region season and the opening weekend of the five-district Northeast region season, receiving increased 37.1% of the 2022 total of 7,551.
The numbers are already in the range for last year’s statewide season final tally of 11,872 turkeys. Overtaking this past year seems almost certain given that three weeks of the 30-day season remain in the Southern region, which includes central Ohio, and four weeks in the Northeast counties.
Turkey size during spring hunts was 14,546 in 2021, 17,894 in 2020, 19,088 in 2019 and 22,612 in 2018. Turkeys underwent a predictable boom in 2016 after the hatching of a V-brood of 17 years of cicadas in most of Ohio, like insects provide food for turkeys.
However, the numbers have slipped during subsequent springs which has been attributed to the relatively poor hatch success. The low numbers finally prompted the Ohio Department of Wildlife to put an end to the single bird last year, changing the dynamic of the spring season for many hunters.
A year ago, the department issued 48,815 spring permits, which is a decrease of more than 12,000 permits from the previous year. Total passes for 2023 through Sunday were 45,027.
Muskingum led Ohio counties after the first nine days of hunting with 316 turkeys checked, followed by Gallia 297, Tuscarawas 287, Belmont 279 and Monroe 277. Later starting Ashtabula, traditionally among the best turkey counties, reported 170 checks after opening weekend.
Licking led Central Ohio Counties with 210, followed by Fairfield with 79, Delaware 56, Union 35, Franklin 17, Pickaway 16 and Madison Four.
Things to do
As part of America’s Avian Biggest Humble Week, curious humans in fail wear will be training telescopes and field glasses through next Sunday on newborn tropical migrants with colors that rival those of boas with brighter plumage.
Organized birding takes place at popular spots along the Lake Erie coast between Huron and Toledo. However, Greenlawn Cemetery in Columbus is a good place to watch migratory birds.
One caveat: Although people decide when to announce bird week based on past patterns, birds are largely driven by weather rather than advertising, marketing, and calendar dates.
In short, there are days when the trail in the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area is as alive with birds as any aviary. Other days, not so much. Find the details on the website, America’s Biggest Week.
A nature picnic is scheduled from 1-3 p.m. Wednesday at Alum Creek State Park. It meets at Howard Road Boat Ramp.
An introduction to archery, including practical instruction, is scheduled from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at Alum Creek State Park. Meet at the amphitheater camp.
A 4-mile Mother’s Day morning hike is scheduled from 10 a.m. to noon next Sunday at Alum Creek State Park. Meet at the new picnic area Galena.
parting shots
The addition of nearly 500 acres increases the Woodland Trails Wildlife Area in southern Preble County to 1,684 acres. … The daily retention limit for black bass taken from Lake Erie through June 23rd is no shorter than 18 inches. The daily limit as of June 24 goes back to five with a minimum of 14 inches.
