The State Department of Environmental Conservation said one of the new rules that went into effect last fall allows shot sizes as small as Number 9 for turkey hunting. This regulatory change affects both the spring and fall seasons statewide. The change was made to modernize regulations as technology has advanced over the years to increase the down-range effectiveness of smaller shot sizes.

Spring turkey harvest in New York averages about 18,000 birds and varies based on the number of participants and turkey productivity in previous springs. This spring, improved turkey harvest is expected compared to last year.

Overall, turkey populations are lower now than a few years ago due to below-average reproductive success two of the last four years. However, improved turkey productivity in 2020 and 2022 means a greater proportion of toms available to hunters this spring compared to last year.

Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Citizen scientists provide important data that helps our biologists examine how factors such as weather, predation, and habitat conditions during the breeding and brood-rearing seasons impact turkey survival.

Turkey populations in New York State peaked in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, over the past decade, turkey productivity has consistently been below average, leading to lower populations.
Since 1996, the DEC has conducted the annual Summer Wild Turkey Sighting Survey to track wild turkey populations and estimate the number of wild turkey poults (young of the year) per hen statewide. This index allows the DEC to gauge reproductive success and predict future turkey populations and harvest opportunities.

The DEC uses reported observations of wild turkeys to track annual productivity over time and in different parts of the state. User-submitted data also helps wildlife managers forecast hunting prospects for the coming fall season and subsequent spring seasons.

To submit turkey observations, citizen scientists are encouraged to use DEC’s online form:
https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/fe7ec92ebf7b45bf8e11a295bf83117e

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said the spring turkey harvest in New York averages approximately 19,000 birds and varies based on the number of participants and turkey productivity in the previous few spring seasons.

This spring, DEC biologists expect hunters to take more turkeys than last year. Hunters prefer to take toms (birds older than two years) over younger male jakes, so typically wildlife managers see a two-year lag between summer productivity and spring take. Overall, turkey populations are lower than a few years ago due to below-average reproductive success in two of the last three years.

Some information turkey hunters should know for the May Spring Turkey Season include
– Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Long Island;
– Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their hunting license;
– Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day;
– Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day;
– Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 8, or with a bow or crossbow;
– Successful hunters must fill out the tag that comes with their turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested;
-And successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird by callling 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT).

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said the proposal, if enacted, would not be in place until later this year.

A proposal scheduled to take effect this fall, would change the minimum shot size from #8 to #9 for turkey hunting statewide, to account for advances in shotshell technology. Previously, shot sizes smaller than #8 were prohibited because they lacked the kinetic energy down-range to humanely harvest a turkey. Recent advances in shotshell technology use heavier metals such as tungsten alloy, tungsten-iron, or bismuth. These heavier shot types, sometimes referred to as “Tungsten Super Shot” or “TSS,” maintain enough energy to humanely harvest a turkey. In terms of kinetic energy, #9 tungsten can have the same weight as #5 lead shot and achieve a higher pellet count.

The DEC is accepting public comment on these regulatory proposals through June 5, 2022. Comments can be sent by email to wildliferegs@dec.ny.gov with “Proposed Turkey Regulations” in the subject line; or by mail to Joshua Stiller, NYSDEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 12233-4754.

For more information, visit the DEC proposed regulations page at https://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/propregulations.html