Will Iowa’s 2021 spring turkey season challenge the record-breaking harvest and hunter participation of 2020? Even if it’s not repeated the 2021 spring turkey season has plenty of opportunities.
“We had good turkey production and poult survival over much of the state, but especially in southeast Iowa, which is good news for hunters in that region,” said Jim Coffey, forest wildlife research biologist. “Hunters should expect to see a number of year-old males (jakes) and also see a good number of mature toms that will include last year’s class of now two-year-old birds.”
Resident youth only season is April 9-11, followed by first regular season April 12-15; second season is April 16-20, third season is April 21-27, and fourth season is April 28 to May 16. The archery only season is April 12 to May 16. Hunters may purchase two gun/bow licenses as long as at least one if for season four.
Larger winter flocks, are breaking up and distributing across the landscape ahead of breeding season. Turkeys may not be in the same places this spring as they were during the winter, Coffey said. “They will seemingly disappear.”
Turkey hunting is different than other types of hunting. It’s a close, intimate experience where success isn’t measured by whether a hunter bags a turkey or not. And for good reason. On average, only about one in five spring turkey hunters will bring home dinner.
“Even with the near record level of spring turkey licenses sold last year, we still had around the same percentage who reported harvesting a bird,” Coffey said.
Matching 2020 participation may be a challenge, but Coffey expects a carryover, and with more hunters in the woods, he reminds everyone to be aware of their fellow turkey hunters.
“We all want our time in the woods alone and safety is paramount,” he said. “Hunters should avoid wearing patriotic colors – red, white, and blue – the colors are associated with a tom turkey’s head, and should not take the shot until they positively identify the turkey’s beard, and not only see the turkey, but what’s behind it.”
There were two reported injuries during the 2020 spring turkey seasons. Conservation officers advise properly identifying target and what is beyond it, as well as properly identifying the target.
Hunters are required to report their harvest by midnight the day after it is recovered online, calling the toll free number on the tag, or at any license vendor during regular business hour. The harvest can also be reported by texting the registration number to (800)771-4692 or by using the GoOutdoors Iowa app.
Hunters have an added tool in the Iowa Hunting Atlas, available online. A mobile version is also available.