Spring turkey hunting outlook good for Panhandle

General turkey season opens Saturday in Idaho.

Higher-than-normal snowfall in much of the state likely decreased turkey populations in some areas, but hunters should still find fair-to-good turkey populations depending on the region.

“In southwest and eastern Idaho we anticipate populations to be down based on field reports; turkey populations remain good in the Clearwater and Panhandle regions,” said Jeff Knetter, upland and migratory bird coordinator.

Knetter explained turkeys typically cope with winter differently than big game. They tend to seek feed from agriculture operations, such as feed lots and feed lines for livestock.

In areas where that’s not an option, turkeys can have difficulty surviving winter if they’re unable to get natural food off the ground. The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, in cooperation with the National Wild Turkey Federation, fed some birds in the Cambridge, Council and Garden Valley areas to help them get through winter.

Hunters are also warned that many areas have experienced flooding during late winter and early spring, so they should double-check access to their favorite hunting spots. They might also encounter lingering snowdrifts that block them from their hunting spot.

Panhandle Region

Although the region had at near-normal winter snowpack, the winter did not begin in earnest until mid-January and snowfall in December and early January was below normal, so turkeys were not stressed for a long period. Things are now opening up and we’re seeing a very nice spring greenup due to the abundant moisture.

A challenge for turkey hunters this year might be access due to poor road conditions due to flooding, but there should be abundant turkeys. During the spring season, hunters may purchase and use up to two turkey tags; only toms may be harvested in spring. As always, remember to respect private property, and ask first before you hunt there.

— Wayne Wakkinen, Panhandle Region wildlife manager

Clearwater Region

Last fall was warm and wet and early winter and snow pack was below average. This winter has seen what would be historically more normal snowpack, but valley snow levels were above normal.

Despite this, turkeys in the Clearwater appear to be doing well. Snow at lower elevations came off relatively early and turkeys have had the advantage of spring green up.

The largest challenge to Clearwater turkey hunters this year will also be access. Warm weather and rain on snow events have caused flooding, road washouts and slides. Additionally, snow is gone at lower elevations, but some hunters will find it difficult accessing some valley hunting spots because of snow drifts on roads at higher elevations.

— Clay Hickey, Clearwater Region wildlife manager