Hunters took 6,136 wild turkeys during 2020, including 627 turkeys taken in the April youth weekend hunt, 4,791 gobblers taken during the regular spring season, and 718 birds during the fall.
“Although 2020 will undoubtedly be remembered as the year of many challenges, at least one thing remained the same – Vermont hunters took to the woods to enjoy some restorative time afield and were again rewarded for their efforts,” said Chris Bernier, turkey biologist. “Second only to 2010, a near record number of turkey licenses were sold during 2020, resulting in an impressive turkey harvest that closely tracked the average harvest reported over the past ten years.”
Hunter success rates remained high with 20% of resident hunters taking birds during the spring hunt, and 32% of those successful hunters taking a second bearded bird. Youth hunters also enjoyed a remarkable 29% success rate during the April youth weekend season.
“The 6,136 turkeys represent an estimated 140,000 servings of locally sourced, free-range, wild turkey meat as well as countless memories and an enduring connection to the land,” Bernier added.
Turkeys were hunted statewide and were harvested in 241 of Vermont’s 255 towns. The northern Lake Champlain Valley and the Connecticut River Valley continued to be productive regions for turkey hunters with the highest harvests again recorded in these parts of the state.
“Vermont’s long history of careful and considerate management of wild turkeys has positioned us to maximize the benefits we all receive from this remarkable bird. Beyond the simple enjoyment and sustenance people get from watching and hunting wild turkeys, these birds play a critical role in the environment as an important prey item and influence the populations of many other species.”