New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife Back to State of NJ Homepage Back to Fish and Wildlife Homepage Back to DEP Homepage 

June 3, 2002

SPRING GOBBLER HUNTERS REPORT RECORD HARVEST

For more information contact:
Al Ivany at 609-984-1795

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