DEC Announces First-Ever Spring Long Island Wild Turkey Hunting Season

[nywaw]

In case anyone missed it!

DEC Announces First-Ever Spring Long Island Wild Turkey Hunting Season

Responsible Management of Reintroduced Wild Turkeys Results in Rebounding Healthy Turkey Population

https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/127161.html

[Water Rat]

I think this is going to be like shooting fish in a barrel. 

[GreeneHunter]

12 hours ago, Water Rat said:

I think this is going to be like shooting fish in a barrel. 

Good , I like Fish !  LOL

[virgil]

it's pretty easy to see birds from the road- i see them all the time on my way to work.  I am guessing that there will be a lot of hunters showing up at the same spots- unless there is a sign-in process like during the deer season.  

[2BuckBizCT]

Just got the email from NY DEC

[ATbuckhunter]

Called up the regional DEC hours after they posted it on the website (I didnt know they had done it at the time). First few days will be fun calling to birds that never really get called to in the spring. Its not the first season for them though. Its the first spring season for adults. You can hunt them in the fall and they did have a youth spring hunt years ago.

[NYRturkeycall]

I should have figured, it's going to be a lottery. At least we can call to make reservations and we don't have to go to the check station. I'm thinking reservations are only weekends like January. Hopefully we don't have to make a reservation during the week day. Does anybody know if spring turkey hunting is allowed on any of the Suffolk archery only lands?

[nywaw]

Merged topics

[ATbuckhunter]

On 3/5/2023 at 9:33 PM, NYRturkeycall said:

I should have figured, it's going to be a lottery. At least we can call to make reservations and we don't have to go to the check station. I'm thinking reservations are only weekends like January. Hopefully we don't have to make a reservation during the week day. Does anybody know if spring turkey hunting is allowed on any of the Suffolk archery only lands?

Theres a list of what lands are open to turkey and with what implements. Some pieces are bow only for them.

[NYRturkeycall]

1 hour ago, ATbuckhunter said:

Theres a list of what lands are open to turkey and with what implements. Some pieces are bow only for them.

Yes, but I believe that's only for DEC lands. I don't think Suffolk county archery lands that are typically open for deer are specified as to whether you can take turkey on them or not with a bow. I'll probably call the Suffolk county Parks department tomorrow.

[ATbuckhunter]

21 hours ago, NYRturkeycall said:

Yes, but I believe that's only for DEC lands. I don't think Suffolk county archery lands that are typically open for deer are specified as to whether you can take turkey on them or not with a bow. I'll probably call the Suffolk county Parks department tomorrow.

Oh that's a different story. Id be interested in hearing that as well

[virgil]

Areas Open for the Spring Season

All of Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County) is open for spring turkey hunting. The demand for spring turkey hunting on DEC-managed lands makes it necessary for hunters to follow specific access procedure to ensure equal hunting opportunities for all. More information is available on the DEC website at DEC's Hunting on Long Island webpage. Properties open to shotgun spring turkey hunting require entering a drawing and advance reservations. Lands that will be open for spring turkey on Long Island are:

DEC-Managed Lands in Suffolk County:

• Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest - Archery Only
• East Bartlett Pine Barrens State Forest - Archery Only
• Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest - Archery Only
• Ridge Conservation Area - Archery Only
• Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest - Shotgun and Archery
• Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve - Shotgun and Archery
• Henrys Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest - Shotgun and Archery

Cooperative Hunting Areas that will allow spring hunting season are:

• Barcelona Neck Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery
• David A. Sarnoff Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery
• Kings Park Cooperative Hunting Area - Archery Only
• Otis Pike Preserve Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and Archery

Tidal Wetlands Properties: (archery only, no reservation required)

• Fireplace Neck
• Havens Point
• Long Beach Bay

DEC-managed lands open to shotgun turkey hunting will be closed to other users from two hours before sunrise until noon throughout the season. Properties owned by local, county, and/or state (State Parks) governments may or may not allow spring turkey hunting. Hunters and recreationalists should reach out to the landowner to determine if access restrictions are in place. For more information on hunting seasons and regulations, please visit the DEC's hunting webpage. For tips and further details on regulations on turkey hunting, contact DEC regional wildlife office at (631) 444-0310 or visit DEC's Turkey Hunting Regulations webpage.