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April 14, 2011

Spring turkey hunting begins April 15

By Ed Mitchell, IDFG

   Hunters who have finished with taxes before the deadline can expect to find Idaho's wild turkey populations in good shape.

   The general season youth turkey hunt runs Thursday, April 8 through Wednesday, April 14. Youths 15 years or younger on April 8, may participate in the youth hunt. All youth hunters must have a valid hunting license and turkey tag.

   The general spring turkey hunts open April 15 and runs through May 25. Dates vary for controlled hunts, listed in the Upland Game brochure.

   Turkey hunting seasons and rules can be found in printed form at all Fish and Game offices and at license vendors statewide. The brochure is also on the Fish and Game Website at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov in PDF format. The brochure includes maps showing the general areas of wild turkey distribution across Idaho.

   Hunters also can use the convenient Idaho Hunt Planner, found in the hunting section of the Website, where detailed maps are available.

·   Hunters must have a valid Idaho hunting license and turkey tag. They may buy two turkey tags - on general and one extra tag - for the spring season before May 26.

·   Resident adults pay $19.75 for the first tag and $12.25 for an extra tag.

·   Discounted tags for youth, seniors and disabled veterans are $10.75.

·   Nonresident turkey tags cost $67.50, except for junior mentored tags priced $10.75.

   Turkey hunting requires special attention to safety in the field. Hunting information and safety tips are found at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/hunt/turkey/safety.cfm on the Fish and Game Website.

Sportsmen's Report sponsored by John and Lorraine Weiland