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The Conservation of the Wild Turkey and the Preservation of our Hunting Heritage.
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Why Should Turkey Hunters Support a Spring Turkey Hunting License?

March, 2007

  • Turkey populations are at their highest levels since we’ve been keeping record (estimated over 300,000).
  • When it comes to turkey hunting, we are in the “good ole days” – but those times won’t always be here.
  • With over 240,000 an estimated turkey hunters and very little work dedicated to the wild turkey resource and turkey hunters, these “good ole days” could quickly become a thing of the past.
  • We need to act NOW to keep turkey numbers high for the future.
  • A steady source of funding will allow the Game Commission to manage wild turkeys and turkey hunting more efficiently and effectively.
  • The Management Plan for Wild Turkeys in Pennsylvania , which specifies how the Game Commission is to manage wild turkeys through the Year 2005, cannot be fully implemented because of a lack of funding.

How will a $5.00 spring license help?

  • Improved and more detailed information on wild turkey harvest will become available.
  • Better research data to provide the information Biologists need to make management decisions.
  • Turkey hunter safety material will be provided directly to turkey hunters.
  • Leg banding and radio telemetry studies will show the rate at which we are harvesting turkeys in each management area so hunting seasons can be adjusted more effectively.
  • More habitat improvement projects helping to increase turkey populations.
  • Better law enforcement aimed specifically at wild turkey violations.
  • Turkey hunter opinions and satisfaction levels will be acquired more efficiently.
  • Some funds might be used for purchasing more game lands.
  • Management Plan for Wild Turkeys will continue be successful.

How will the average turkey hunter benefit?

  • This license will help ensure the future of the sport you enjoy.
  • Funds will provide turkey hunters with specific turkey hunting and turkey biology information and hunter safety materials.
  • Turkey hunter surveys will give you the ability to express your concerns and opinions about turkey management in the Commonwealth.
  • More places to hunt.
  • Improved habitat may provide additional hunting prospects.
  • Turkey hunter safety will be improved.
  • Better research data and hunting information about our turkey populations could result in expanded hunting opportunities in the future.

Our wild turkey resource is a valuable asset to Pennsylvania . We have managed the resource for nearly a century using the available information. In the 21 st century, it is time to manage wild turkeys with the best available information. A turkey hunting license would help provide that information and ensure a bright future for these great birds in Pennsylvania .