As turkey populations continue to slide, some are debating whether hunters should be shooting any hens at all.⁠ ⁠ Hunter harvest isn’t the only factor impacting turkey populations, but is the only one that wildlife agencies can fully control. Over the last 10 to 20 years, many state agencies (including the ODWR) have lowered bag limits, pushed back spring season dates, or tweaked other regulations (like the ban on reaping that was just enacted in South Carolina) in the name of turkey numbers. Others have taken the more drastic steps of restricting or eliminating their fall turkey seasons altogether, which have traditionally allowed hunters to take birds of either sex. The reasoning shared by some managers is that if we’re trying to stem or reverse population declines, we should keep as many egg-laying females on the landscape as possible.⁠ ⁠ Tap the link in profile for the full story 🔗⁠ ⁠ #wildturkey #turkeypopulation #conservation #wildlife #outdoors #nature #habitat #turkeyhunting #...