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"We haven't had many accidents during
turkey hunting seasons of the past, and we'd like it to stay that
way," said Illinois Department of Natural Resources Director Joel
Brunsvold. "We are balancing all the interests of all the people who
enjoy Illinois state parks in the spring, from hikers to hunters."
Most properties under the jurisdiction
of the Department of Natural Resources that offer spring turkey
hunting will not be open for morel hunting until after 1 p.m. daily.
This restriction will be in place through May 5 in the south turkey
hunting zone and through May 12 in the north zone. However, some
sites with low turkey hunter densities may remain open all day, so
morel seekers are advised to call ahead before planning a morning
morel hunt. Some sites may also close equestrian and popular hiking
trails where turkey hunting is allowed.
"We're
taking these extra precautions because harvesting turkeys requires a
different strategy than hunting many other species," said Galen
Westerfield, Conservation Police chief.
Unlike many other animals, turkeys
can distinguish colors, and the fowl is very alert to the slightest
movement by humans. As a result, the turkey hunter wears camouflage,
rather than the blaze orange worn during other types of hunting
seasons.
The
Department of Natural Resources offers the following turkey hunting
safety guidelines:
- Know your target is legitimate
game and a legal animal before firing.
- Make sure you have the
appropriate hunting license and permit, as well as a habitat stamp
unless exempted.
- If hunting on private property,
secure the permission of the landowner in advance.
- Be respectful and aware of other
hunters.
- Turkey hunting is allowed from 30
minutes before sunrise until 1 p.m.
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 The Department of Natural Resources
estimates approximately 50,000 people will turkey hunt during the
next six weeks.
Permits are issued for five different turkey seasons, varying
between the north and south zones of the state. The south zone
includes Crawford, Jasper, Effingham, Fayette, Bond and Madison
counties, and all counties south of those. The five turkey seasons
in the south zone are April 4-8, 9-14, 15-20, 21-27 and April 28-May
5. The five turkey seasons in the north zone are April 11-15, 16-21,
22-27, April 28-May 4 and May 5-12. A hunter is allowed up to three
permits for the spring turkey season, with an allowable harvest of
one turkey per permit.
The wild turkey population in
Illinois now tops 100,000, after dropping to near extinction in the
middle part of the last century. Rules that are in place are those
needed for public safety, as spring is a time when Illinois state
parks are popular for a variety of activities. The rules have been
crafted to maximize enjoyment for the largest number and variety of
park visitors.
[Illinois
Department of Natural Resources news release]
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