Not that Wild Turkey, the other one. Yes, spring is almost here after a long winter. Wild turkey season (the bird) is here. Although turkey populations are down over the past 10 years, hunters in Nebraska still took over 16,000 turkeys last year. 

There are several areas in the western side of the state to hunt. Realtree.com offers some great tips on where to look. "Although the state consists mostly of private land, it's still possible to knock on doors and get hunting access. Quite a few landowners want turkeys gone." 

The Pine Ridge complex (North West NE) and Sandhills contain a mix of all 3 subspecies of turkey. Merriams, Rio Grande, and Eastern Gobblers. In our readings we found that most hunters don't care which species they come across. In the end, all 3 species gobble, strut, and taste good on rye bread with mustard and cheese.

The turkey population has gone through its ups and downs through the decades. In 1915 the wild turkey population was considered extinct in Nebraska. The Pittman-Robertson act of 1937 established wildlife restoration funding for the thanksgiving staple. After the second world war repopulation efforts began. Then, in 1959 a small flock of Merriam turkeys were released in the Pine Ridge area. That flock soon expanded quickly into a growing population. In 1961 the other two species were introduced in other areas and now Nebraska has one of the most abundant populations in the United States.  

Grab a friend, your gun or bow, and get outdoors for some great hunting. Remember, a bad day hunting beats a good day at work.

Season dates & regulations     PERMITS

 Spring archery: March 25, 2023 – May 31, 2023
 Spring youth shotgun: April 8, 2023 – May 31, 2023
 Spring shotgun: April 15, 2023 – May 31, 2023
 Fall youth archery and shotgun: Oct. 1, 2023 – Nov. 30, 2023
 Fall archery and shotgun: Oct. 1, 2023 – Nov. 30, 2023