PRATT -- This has been a good year for wild turkey production in Kansas. Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks staff are reporting increased turkey sightings in many areas as birds gather for winter roosting. All of Kansas except Unit 4 (westcentral and southwestern Kansas) allows fall hunting. Long seasons this year run Oct. 1-Nov. 29, Dec. 12-31, and Jan. 9-31, 2006. Unit 1 (northwestern Kansas) and Unit 3 (southcentral Kansas) allow one permit per hunter. In Unit 2 (the eastern one-half of the state), hunters may purchase one turkey permit and as many as three additional turkey game tags. One turkey of either sex may be taken with each permit or tag.

October offers some of the best hunting. Turkeys are in small groups, with many young birds that have never been hunted. Often, a hunter can stalk the birds or break up a group, then hide and call them back. Public wildlife areas and Walk-In Hunting Area lands often hold large numbers of turkeys in October before hunting pressure moves them to private land.

The combination of good turkey populations, uncrowded hunting, and mild fall weather make October an excellent time to go turkey hunting. It's also a good time to prepare for Thanksgiving dinner.

For more information on turkey hunting in Kansas CLICK HERE .
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