Over the weekend, Ohio's youth wild turkey hunters took to the forests and fields, marking the special youth-only hunting days with notable success. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources reports that hunters aged 17 and younger bagged 1,740 birds on April 12-13. Accompanied by non-hunting adults, these young enthusiasts made the most of an event that promotes wildlife management and conservation through controlled sport.
Following the closure of the two-day season, the state issued 6,731 youth turkey permits, according to the ODNR Division of Wildlife, giving each youngster a chance to hunt throughout the entire season. Each hunter is allowed to harvest only one bird, and clearly, they took the bearded turkeys only, respecting the guidelines designed to sustain the population.
Regarding regional performance, Monroe County led the pack with 62 turkeys checked, while Noble and Guernsey counties were close contenders at 60 and 55, respectively. Tuscarawas County was tied with Guernsey at 55. These numbers suggest a robust and vigorous season for the young hunters, potentially indicating a well-managed turkey population across the state.
Compared to spring 2024, Ashtabula County had the highest harvest, with 470 turkeys taken by the season's close—the ODNR Division of Wildlife's previous report affirms. The top five counties saw a respectable collective harvest, with Belmont, Tuscarawas, Monroe, and Washington contributing to a successful year. This continuity is a testament to effective wildlife management, as is the staggered opening of the upcoming hunting seasons. The south zone's season will commence on April 19 and extend till May 18 for hunters of all ages, allowing broader participation in this regulated turkey chase.
Adjusting to regional ecological patterns, the northeast zone will witness a slightly later season, opening May 3 and ending June 1, encompassing counties like Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, and Geauga. Through these staggered seasons, ODNR caters to the nuances of turkey incubation and ensures a balance between the sport of hunting and conservation efforts.
