Largely because of weather, Illinois’ turkey harvest
continues to lag behind last year’s near-record pace.
Here’s the latest from wild turkey project manager Paul Brewer:
Preliminary Turkey Harvest Updates Rainy, cool, and in some area stormy weather continues to slow harvest this year. South Zone: The South Zone third season concluded April 20th, with a third-season total harvest of 1082 birds, bringing the harvest after three seasons to 4,125. Last year’s comparable harvest was 4,382, which is the harvest record for the South Zone through 3 seasons. Top five counties to date are Jefferson (255), Pope (247), Union (220), Jackson (208), and Randolph (206). North Zone: Hunters harvested 1,860 turkeys in the North Zone’s second season (ending 4-21-2011), bringing the harvest after two seasons to 4,287. Last year’s comparable harvest was 4,948, which is the North Zone harvest record through 2 seasons. Top five counties are JoDaviess (301), Pike (274), Adams (230), Fulton (223), and Calhoun (172).
