Vermont’s popular shotgun and archery fall turkey hunting starts Saturday, October 26 in selected wildlife management areas (WMUs).

Shotgun or bow and arrow: October 26-November 3 in WMUs B, D1, D2, G, H1, H2, I, J1, J2, L, M1, M2, O1, O2, P, and Q

Shotgun or bow and arrow: October 26-November 10 in WMUs F1, F2, K1, K2, and N

Last year, hunters took 1,365 turkeys during fall hunting seasons. Wildlife Management Unit D2 reported the highest number of fall birds with 174 taken, followed by WMU D1 with 150 birds and J1 with 124 birds.

“Hunters may need to search the forests this fall to find the turkey flocks,” said Wildlife Director Mark Scott. “Beechnuts and other hardwood seeds are scattered throughout Vermont’s hillsides right now. Unlike some years when large flocks are often seen in agricultural fields, hunters will have to look for the big birds’ tell-tail ground scratchings to locate their feeding areas.”

Vermont’s wild turkey population is healthy and estimated to be about 50,000 birds.

A detailed report on 2012 turkey hunting results, listing the number of birds taken in each town, is available on Vermont Fish & Wildlife’s website (www.vtfishandwildlife.com). Under Hunting and Trapping, click on Big Game, and look under Big Game Harvest Reports.

Vermont hunting licenses are sold on their website and at license agents statewide. If you have questions, please contact Vermont Fish & Wildlife at fwinformation@state.vt.us or Tel. 802-828-1000.