New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife |
June 3, 2002
According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Division of Fish and Wildlife, spring turkey hunters had another great season in the Garden State. The newly formatted 2002 six-week spring gobbler hunting season ended on May 24 with an estimated 3,720 gobblers harvested, a number eclipsing the former record by over 500 turkeys. The 2002 total represented a 16.2% increase over the 2001 harvest and the success rate among permit holders was an exceptional 18%.
"An increase in season length and permit quotas -- the Division issued approximately 20,640 permits -- as well as excellent hunting weather are likely responsible for the record harvest of turkeys," said Division Director Bob McDowell.
Turkey hunters experienced good weather conditions throughout the season. Following above normal temperatures the first week, the remainder of the season was cooler; a period when temperatures and humidity can be typically high. With above normal temperatures and a general lack of snowfall this past winter, gobblers appeared to be in great condition and check station operators recorded excellent weights and beard lengths.
"Food availability and snow depth during the winter months can affect weights and beard lengths of wild turkeys, although winter weather was not a significant factor again this year," McDowell said.
Harvest figures follow. Information from the 2001 season is presented for comparison.
Spring Gobbler Harvest by Area
Turkey Hunting Area |
2002 | 2001 |
1 |
116 | 108 |
2 |
211 | 156 |
3 |
46 | 56 |
4 |
215 | 199 |
5 |
240 | 186 |
6 |
140 | 129 |
7 |
159 | 153 |
8 |
325 | 352 |
9 |
224 | 232 |
10 |
119 | 86 |
11 |
387 | 322 |
12 |
129 | 100 |
14 |
80 | 62 |
15 |
176 | 140 |
16 |
104 | 69 |
20 |
594 | 507 |
21 |
359 | 272 |
22 |
96 | 73 |
TOTALS | 3720 | 3202 |