Virginia Sees Increased Turkey Harvest on Eastern Shore, Statewide…

The Virginia DWR reports a total harvest of 20,565 wild turkeys in 2025, a 6% decline from 2024. Notably, Accomack and Northampton Counties experienced increases in their harvests. The drop in statewide numbers is linked to lower juvenile turkey recruitment in recent years. DWR emphasizes the importance of habitat improvements for sustaining turkey populations.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has released its 2025 spring wild turkey harvest figures, revealing a statewide total of 20,565 turkeys harvested. While this marks the fourth-highest harvest in Virginia’s history, it also represents a 6% decrease from 2024. However, two counties on the Eastern Shore, Accomack and Northampton, have reported increases contrary to the state trend.

In Accomack County, hunters had success, harvesting 318 turkeys, which is a 12% increase compared to the previous year and 10% above the county’s three-year average. Similarly, Northampton County recorded a harvest of 86 turkeys, marking an increase of 16% from last year and exceeding its three-year average by 12%. This localized success contrasts with the overall statewide decline.

Although the state saw fewer turkeys this year, the harvest remains among the largest ever recorded. DWR attributes the decrease to lower turkey brood recruitment in recent years. Surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023 indicate below-average juvenile turkey numbers, known as poults, which are essential for sustaining adult populations in future hunting seasons. This shortfall in young turkeys has likely resulted in fewer mature birds available for hunters.

Interestingly, the percentage of juvenile gobblers, or “jakes,” taken by hunters rose from 7% last season to 11% this year. This shift signals a trend where more younger birds are being harvested, likely due to the diminishing adult population. DWR Executive Director Ryan Brown discussed the dynamic nature of turkey populations in the state, emphasizing consistent recreational opportunities despite fluctuations.

“Even with annual fluctuations based on the hatch, weather, and food conditions, turkey populations continue to provide great recreational opportunities across the Commonwealth,” Brown said, underscoring the resilience of Virginia’s turkey populations.

While turkey numbers are deemed healthy in several regions, DWR warns that some areas are not reaching the population targets set in Virginia’s Wild Turkey Management Plan. The agency stresses the importance of improving habitats to enhance nesting and brood success, which will be crucial for maintaining and potentially increasing turkey populations in the long run.

In summary, while Virginia’s overall wild turkey harvest has decreased, Eastern Shore counties like Accomack and Northampton have seen gains. DWR attributes the statewide decline to lower juvenile turkey numbers, a factor that indicates challenges for future populations. Nonetheless, officials remain optimistic about turkey hunting opportunities and stress the need for habitat improvements to ensure the long-term viability of turkey populations.

Original Source: shoredailynews.com