The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reports 11,400 turkey tags were reported as filled this spring. Turkey season officially opened on April 5 for youths and came to a close on May 12. According to the agency, hunters purchased 47,400 tags and harvested 300 fewer birds than in 2018. While the time to hunt turkeys may be over, officials are still requesting the public’s help in monitoring populations. Residents are asked to report all turkeys seen from July through August to the DNR. Beginning on July 1, the agency’s website will have a link to a survey where Iowans can provide the date and county in which the birds were seen, its age and whether or not any baby turkeys were seen. Population surveys are conduct on an annual basis by the DNR and are an important component of developing species management plans. Everyone is encourage to participate in the online survey once it opens later this summer.
