MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife says the number of turkeys taken during the spring hunting season was down slightly compared to last year and slightly below the 10-year average.
Statistics released this week show that 5,349 wild turkeys were taken during the spring hunting season, including 571 turkeys taken during the April youth weekend hunt.
Turkey biologist Chris Bernier says prolonged cold and wet conditions experienced during the season likely contributed to the decline.
A low production of young turkeys, or poults, in 2017 due to harsh spring weather also likely resulted in fewer two-year old turkeys this spring.
Bernier says Vermont continues to prioritize high quality spring turkey hunting over fall turkey hunting.
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