MADISON – Prospects are good for fall wild turkey, ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting seasons, according to state wildlife officials who say hunters should look forward to another exciting year in the field.
The fall turkey season runs today through Nov. 19 statewide, with an extended fall season in turkey management zones 1-5 from Nov. 30 to Dec. 31.
Overall, Wisconsin’s statewide wild turkey population remains strong. After 30 years of sustained population growth and expansion across the state, wild turkeys are now found statewide. Wild turkey numbers appear to be stabilizing at levels suitable to available habitat – they will likely ebb and flow around those levels in response to weather, food availability, and other natural factors.
Biologists closely monitor harvest during the either-sex fall turkey hunting season, as excessive hen harvest can affect turkey populations. Recent hen harvests in Wisconsin have been very low, and current hen harvest rates do not play a significant role in the dynamics of Wisconsin’s turkey flock.
“While this spring’s turkey harvest was down slightly compared to 2014, weather has been favorable across the state for much of the year, and hunters should see good recruitment of young birds into the population,” said McGinley. “Above all, we encourage hunters to enjoy the time spent in Wisconsin’s woods, and to always keep safety in mind.”
In zone A, the ruffed grouse season now through Jan. 31, 2016. In zone B, the season will open Oct. 17 and close Dec. 8.
Ruffed grouse drumming surveys have been used since 1964 to help monitor ruffed grouse population trends.Survey results suggest that we have reached the low point in the population cycle and we should start to see increases in the next few years as our grouse population starts to move toward the next peak.”
Grouse hunters are reminded to register with the Harvest Information Program if they plan to pursue woodcock, mourning doves or other migratory game birds. Registration is free and is available through all license vendors, as well as online.
In 2015, woodcock season will be open from Sept. 19 to Nov. 2.
