The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has announced the dates for the first-ever spring Long Island wild turkey hunting season. The opening of this new season is the result of wild turkey reintroduction efforts DEC initiated in the mid-1990s.
In 2009, the first fall-only wild turkey season opened in the region. No hunting safety incidents have been reported throughout 14 fall seasons.
The spring wild turkey season will open on May 1st and run through May 31st, consistent with management practices in New York State and the Northeast. Hunters may take no more than 1 bearded turkey per season in Wildlife Management Unit 1C.
Hunters interested in hunting state lands must register for a lottery that will enable them to make a reservation. Entries must be received by 4:45 PM March 13th, 2023.
Additional information on NYS Turkey Hunting Regulations can be found on DEC’s website. Hunters will be strongly encouraged to bring harvested birds to the Ridge Hunter Check Station located at 484 Randall Road, Ridge, NY. DEC staff will be recording biological data to help evaluate the season and population structure.
Visiting the check station will not be mandatory, but all birds harvested must be reported within 48 hours by phone 1-866-426-3778 or via DEC’s Game Harvest Reporting webpage. For check station hours of operation, visit DEC’s Hunting on Long Island webpage or call the Region 1 Wildlife Office (631) 444-0310.
Photo of Turkey by Gordon Ellmers.
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