This spring, Wisconsin’s turkey hunters have registered 31,285 wild turkeys, reflecting a 7% decrease from the previous year’s figures at this time. The data, sourced from the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), indicates that fewer hunters are participating, with registration numbers primarily affected by a decline during the first three regular hunting periods and a youth hunt combined.
Despite the decline, the overall turkey population in Wisconsin has remained stable since successful restoration efforts began in 1976. The state offers a strong turkey hunting tradition, with nearly 246,068 harvest authorizations issued for this year’s season. As wildlife biologists prepare to analyze the implications of this year’s numbers, they also point out that the last significant turkey harvest peak occurred in 2008, when over 52,000 birds were registered. The final tally for the 2025 season is anticipated in late May or early June, creating anticipation as to how current trends may influence future hunting seasons.
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