A mild winter and a healthy flock of carry-over birds equals good prospects for the Spring Gobbler Season getting underway shortly.
Virginia’s abundant population of wild turkeys entices many hunters to venture into the woods each spring when the sound of the male turkey, or gobbler, fills the air. This year the Spring Gobbler Season in Virginia runs from April 9 to May 14, 2016. The special Youth-Apprentice Turkey Hunt Weekend is April 2-3, for youth age 15 and under or Apprentice license holders regardless of age. Youth hunters between the ages of 12-15 must have appropriate valid hunting licenses. Hunters under the age of 12 are not required to have a license, but must be accompanied by a licensed adult. See the Department’s website or Hunting & Trapping in Virginia Regulations and Information digest for more information on Hunter Education requirements. The Youth–Apprentice turkey hunt is a great way for an experienced hunter to introduce a youngster to the great outdoors.
“Getting close, but not too close, is one of the golden rules of spring gobbler hunting.” Special Feature from the Pages of Virginia Wildlife: How Close Can I Get? By Gary Norman, DGIF Wild Turkey Project Leader
Remember Safety First! Because turkeys have both keen hearing and sharp eyesight, hunters wear camouflage. It is essential for every hunter to positively identify their target and the area beyond their target, before pulling the trigger. Most hunting fatalities are the result of the hunter not making sure of his or her target. Read more safety tips on the National Wild Turkey Federation Website and be safe and have fun!
