Utah Hunters Might Have More Shots at Wild Turkeys

Aug 14, 2008 by Eric Ray

(KCPW News) Next year, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources plans to offer nearly double the amount of wild turkey hunting permits it handed out this year. DWR officials say the 81% increase in permits won't significantly harm the state's population of the popular game bird.

"As far as the populations go, we are in good shape. The populations are spreading and we are trying to continue with transplants within the state to try and expand ranges and where turkeys are found," says DWR Upland Game Coordinator Dave Olsen. "So with those combined, and then the fact that we are only taking gobblers and do have some safeguards in place, we feel comfortable in moving along this way."

Olsen says the idea to offer more turkey permits was spearheaded by sportsmen in the state calling for more opportunities to hunt the birds. The proposal calls for more than 13,700 permits to be handed out in 2009. Olsen says it reflects the growing popularity of turkey hunting.

"In the early part of my career here in the state there were some avid turkey hunters in Utah but they had to go elsewhere. And now that we've got birds here it's really taken off and become popular, and it's spreading," says Olsen. "Last year we had over 20,000 people apply for just under 8,000 permits. So it shows a little bit about how exciting it is for folks."

In 2006 and 2007, turkey hunters in Utah experienced a success rate of 57%. The rate dipped to around 35% last year. Olsen estimates there are 18,000 to 20,000 wild turkeys in Utah, existing in two subspecies, Rio Grande and Merriam's. The proposal to increase permits is being taken to the DWR's Regional Advisory Councils for comment before going to the Wildlife Board for approval.

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