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May 14, 2024Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR releases turkey hunting numbers

turkey

DES MOINES, Iowa - Iowa's spring turkey hunting season has come to a close with record-breaking numbers, as hunters across the state hunted over 16,000 birds.

This surpasses last year's record harvest of just under 15,000, marking a significant achievement for turkey enthusiasts.

Officials with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources emphasized the varying distribution of turkeys across the state, with the majority of habitat located in the eastern third.

Officials attributed the success of this year's season to three consecutive years of favorable turkey hatches, bolstered by the benefits of a long-term drought that supported ground nesting birds.

The population has been particularly influenced by two-year-old birds, known for their active behavior and tendency to gobble.

The spring turkey season, spanning from April 5 to May 12, included five segments, catering to hunters of all ages and preferences.