December 23, 2014
MADISON - Wisconsin's Wild Turkey Management Plan is nearly complete, and those who wish to play a role in wild turkey management are encouraged to attend a public meeting or provide feedback online before Feb. 20, 2015.
The Wild Turkey Management Plan serves to guide decisions regarding the allocation of turkey permits, the structure of our spring and fall hunting seasons, the use of Wild Turkey Stamp funds, and many other aspects of turkey management in the state.
An updated plan will guide turkey management through 2025, and will reflect recent scientific research and changes in turkey distribution and hunting tradition. It is important that hunters, landowners and others with an interest in turkey management contribute their ideas, concerns, and opinions as the revision process nears completion, according to Scott Walter, upland wildlife ecologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
The management plan's initial draft was guided in part by input received at 12 meetings held statewide in April and May 2012, as well as an online survey available during the same time period.
"The input received thus far from hunters and others interested in turkeys was so instrumental in our revision of the statewide management plan, and we're excited to show folks the new plan," Walter said. "It's a thorough document that we feel will be valuable to anyone interested in turkey management."
Two final public input meetings will be held in February, and are intended to share information regarding the status of the new plan and gather additional feedback.
Public meeting dates and locations are as follows - each will run from 7-9 p.m.:
Meetings should last no longer than two hours, and will be open to the public. No advance registration is required.
Anyone interested in local turkey management issues, hunting seasons, and any other topics related to wild turkeys is encouraged to attend. The management plan will also be available on the department's website.
Public comments will be accepted through Feb. 20, 2015. Comments may be directed to Krista McGinley, Wisconsin DNR, PO Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or by email to Krista.McGinley@wisconsin.gov..
For more information regarding the Wild Turkey Management Plan and to view public meeting information, visit dnr.wi.gov and search keywords "turkey" and "meetings" respectively.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Scott Walter, DNR upland wildlife ecologist, 608-267-7861; Krista McGinley, DNR assistant upland wildlife ecologist, 608-261-8458
Need an expert?
The Office of Communications connects journalists with DNR experts on a wide range of topics. For the fastest response, please email DNRPress@Wisconsin.gov and the first available Communications Specialist will respond to you.
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