Spring wild turkey hunting opens in all 88 Ohio counties on Monday, April 18, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Wildlife.  The season continues through Sunday, May 15.

"Hunters may see three-year-old gobblers this spring based on the strength of the 2008 hatch," said ODNR Wildlife Biologist Mike Reynolds.  “Overall, turkey numbers should be good across the state, but the harvest will likely not top last year’s kill — the second highest all-time.”  

Hunters harvested 23,421 wild turkeys during last year's youth and spring turkey seasons. Reynolds added that Ohio's current wild turkey population is around 200,000.  He anticipates as many as 70,000 licensed hunters, not counting private landowners hunting on their own property, will enjoy Ohio's popular spring wild turkey season.

A special youth-only turkey hunt for those possessing a valid youth hunting license and youth turkey permit will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 16-17.  Young hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, 18 years of age or older.  The young hunter's turkey season is open statewide with the exception of Lake La Su An State Wildlife Area in Williams County which requires a special hunting permit.