Sunday is the opening day of spring turkey hunting season upstate.
The spring turkey harvest in New York averages approximately 19,000 birds and the DEC expects hunters to take more turkeys than last year.
Note: In the image to the left the orange marker on the tree identifies a camouflaged hunter to others.
Here are some rules you need to know:
- You will need a hunting license and a turkey permit.
- You may hunt with a bow or crossbow, but you may not hunt turkey with a crossbow in the fall in the Northern Zone if you are using dogs. A crossbow may not be used in Westchester or Suffolk counties.
- You may hunt with a shotgun or handgun only when using shot no larger than #2 and no smaller than #8.
- You may not take a turkey with a rifle, or with a handgun firing a bullet.
- You must fill out the tag which comes with your permit and attach it to any turkey you shoot immediately.
The DEC offers helpful tips available on their website.
