Sumter outdoors columnist Dan Geddings: Wild turkey report
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources' "Report on Public Meetings Related to Wild Turkey Declines and Options for Future Management" will be made to the Senate Fish, Game and Forestry Committee on Wednesday, Jan. 17, at 11 a.m., Room 308, Gressette Building.
SCDNR has expressed concerns about decreasing turkey numbers, lower reproduction and declining harvest across the state. DNR hosted a series of public meetings around the state during July and August of 2023 to present available data and take comments and questions from attendees and hunters.
A video presentation was made available on the DNR website after the in-person meetings. A survey was provided to attendees and online viewers. One thousand, eight-hundred ninety-one surveys were completed. There are approximately 50,000 turkey hunters in South Carolina, and the survey numbers represent a little more than 3%.
The survey found that 75% surveyed hunters have observed a decline in turkey populations in the areas they hunt, and 85% feel that regulatory changes are needed to address turkey declines. About 75% supported a later start date to the season, and 69% supported a shorter season. Approximately 81% supported a reduction in the bag limit. Fifty-four percent supported prohibiting afternoon hunting early in the season, and 33% supported prohibiting afternoon hunting all season. Approximately 86% supported limiting the harvest of jakes to youth hunters only, and 62% supported prohibiting the use of strutter decoys. Seventy-one percent of respondents supported an increase in the fee for resident turkey tags to benefit habitat management efforts for wild turkeys.
Based on support from survey respondents, SCDNR recommends beginning the season on April 10 statewide, a 31-day season, and decreasing the bag limit from three to two birds. I think these proposed changes are too restrictive, and I don't think 3% can speak for me.
I attended the Orangeburg meeting in July 2023. Questions/statements from the attendees covered coyote and predator problems, reaping with strutter decoys and habitat incentives. Also, the question was asked if we have seen any benefit from reducing the bag limit three years ago fromwsws five to three. There was no good answer.
The SCDNR presentation focused on a declining trend in reproduction, harvest rates and gobbling. Other topics included hunter success, ongoing research, timing of harvest and use of strutter decoys. In regard to habitat, it was pointed out that changes are dependent on forestry and agriculture industries and that DNR has no control on private lands. The stated goal is to get the harvest down temporarily so reproduction can start improving.
At other public meetings, there were questions on incentives for trapping predators, county harvest limits, prescribed burning and success in other states that have shifted seasons. North Carolina's management efforts were given as a good model. When asked about statewide or regional population differences, it was pointed out that individual properties that are well managed are "doing well" and seeing an increase. There are research efforts ongoing by SCDNR, the Forest Service, timber companies and the NWTF.
The report given to the South Carolina Senate Committee will start the legislative process. SCDNR cannot make changes to the regulations; only the legislature can do that. Three years ago, these same recommendations were given to the legislature. I attended the Senate and House committee meetings and testified at each as a concerned hunter. The National Wild Turkey Federation also offered testimony. Any citizen can attend these public meetings and be heard if they wish.
One of the Senate committee meetings was on the opening day of the turkey season. How ironic is that? I believe my participation in the process made a positive difference. After the report, there will be committee meetings scheduled in the Senate and the House. If interested, call (803) 212-6340 for more information.
Reach Dan Geddings at cdgeddings@gmail.com.