Mild weather, low hunting pressure combine serenity and suspense during fall season
PRATT -- Wild turkey populations in most of Kansas have been growing for years, offering hunters the opportunity to pursue this large game bird in the fall. All of Kansas except Unit 4 (westcentral and southwestern Kansas) is open to fall hunting. Long seasons this year run Oct. 1-Dec. 1, Dec. 14-31, and Jan. 11-31, 2010. One turkey permit per hunter is allowed, valid in Unit 1 (northwestern Kansas), Unit 2 (the eastern one-half of the state), and Unit 3 (central Kansas). In addition, hunters may purchase as many as three additional turkey game tags valid in Unit 2 only. One turkey of either sex may be taken with each permit or tag.

Unit descriptions may be found in the 2009 Kansas Hunting & Furharvesting Regulations Summary, available at the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) website — www.kdwp.state.ks.us — KDWP offices, and license vendors.

October offers some of the best hunting. Turkeys are in small groups, with many young birds that have never been hunted. Often, a hunter can stalk the birds or break up a group, then hide and call them back. Public wildlife areas and Walk-In Hunting Access lands often hold large numbers of turkeys in October before hunting pressure moves them to private land.

The combination of good turkey populations, uncrowded hunting, and mild fall weather make October an excellent time to go turkey hunting. It's also a good time to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner.

For more information on turkey hunting in Kansas, go to the KDWP website.
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