Kansas Halts Fall Turkey Hunt Over Population Dip

**Kansas Puts a Hold on Fall Turkey Hunting Season Amid Population Concerns**

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, many Kansas outdoor enthusiasts typically look forward to the fall turkey hunting season. However, this year, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) has made the difficult decision to suspend the season, citing a concerning decline in wild turkey populations that has been observed over the past 15 years.

Kent Fricke, a small game biologist with KDWP, explained the rationale behind this decision, stating, "We've documented consistent declines in turkey populations due to reduced production levels." He also noted that this is not an issue isolated to Kansas—similar trends have been reported across the Midwest and Southeast.

The suspension was formalized this spring when the Kansas Wildlife and Parks Commission, after deliberating over four public meetings and reviewing staff recommendations, chose to cancel the fall season. Mississippi has also taken the same precautionary measure for its 2023 fall turkey hunting season.

In efforts to mitigate the impact on wild turkey populations in previous years, Kansas officials reduced the bag limit from four to one bird in 2017 and shortened the hunting season from 123 days to just 41 days in 2019. The shortened season spanned from October 1 to November 10, a significant cutback from the previous October 1 to January 31 timeframe.

Despite these measures, the fall turkey harvest in 2022 was estimated at less than 500 birds—a small fraction of the statewide population. However, Fricke emphasized that even this modest harvest adds to the mortality rate of turkeys, particularly when hens are taken.

Financially, the suspension of the fall season is expected to result in approximately $92,000 less in revenue from permits and tags. Additionally, stricter regulations for the spring turkey hunting season are projected to decrease revenue by about $696,000. Dan Riley, a KDWP attorney, acknowledged these financial impacts but stressed that maintaining previous tag numbers was unsustainable given current turkey population challenges.

Despite these economic considerations, KDWP officials are clear that hunting is not the primary cause of the turkeys' decline. Low production rates are identified as the main driver, with biological issues suspected to be affecting hatch numbers.

To address this problem and improve wildlife management strategies, a new research project focusing on wild turkey ecology is set to commence in January. The National Wild Turkey Federation and KDWP are funding the study at Kansas State University. The research will involve tagging turkeys with GPS transmitters and leg bands to track their movements and gain insights into their nesting habits and habitat use.

The utilization of 300 GPS transmitters, particularly on adult hens, will allow researchers to collect valuable data with minimal disruption to their nesting activities. The goal is to avoid causing hens to abandon their nests while still gathering crucial information on nesting behavior.

Fricke shared his enthusiasm for the project with commissioners, saying, "The primary objectives are really to get us a much better baseline on overall demographic rates, habitat use, and resource selection across the state." He expressed confidence that the data gathered would significantly contribute to developing accurate population models and informing future harvest and management decisions.

For those in the outdoor survival industry who rely on tactical supplies and equipment for their hunting excursions, such as night vision scopes and binoculars or solvent traps for firearm maintenance, this suspension may come as a disappointment. However, it's an essential step towards ensuring sustainable wildlife populations for future generations of hunters.

While the fall turkey hunting season is on pause, Kansas still offers a spring season that attracts more participants. This allows hunters to continue their pursuit while contributing to conservation efforts by adhering to the regulations set forth by KDWP.

The dedication of KDWP staff to learn from ongoing research and adapt their habitat and harvest management strategies offers hope for a future where both wild turkey populations and hunting traditions can thrive. As stewards of wildlife and advocates for responsible outdoor activities, it's crucial that we support these efforts and understand the long-term benefits they hold for our natural heritage.