Game and Furbearer Program Summary Report – 2025
Game and Furbearer Program Summary Report – 2025
Wild Turkey Harvest
Summer Wild Turkey Observation Survey
DESCRIPTION: The NCWRC has annually tracked hunter-reported harvests since 1977, when it became mandatory, through a variety of methods including paper books, phone, internet, and most recently, the Go Outdoors North Carolina App.
DESCRIPTION: Beginning with the first survey in 1988, the WRC has coordinated a summer turkey observation survey during the months of July and August each year. Each summer, turkey sightings are collected statewide using a variety of methods, including paper postcards, internet, and mobile phone applications.
KEY RESULTS: During the summer of 2024, more than 1,200 individuals helped with the sur- vey, including a mix of NCWRC employees, National Wild Turkey Federation members, and other individuals who had participated in the survey previously. Participants recorded 7,413 unique observations totaling 38,363 turkeys. Productivity statewide was consistent across regions and estimated to be 1.5 poults/ hen, an increase from the 1.3 poults/hen recorded in 2023. Poult survival statewide was unchanged from 2023 estimates with 3.4 poults per brood. Poult survival was consistent across the mountain and piedmont regions but lower in the coastal region. Esti- mates of turkey reproduction in 2024 were con- sistent with what we have observed over the course of the last decade. HOW IS THIS INFORMATION USED FOR REGULATIONS AND MANAGEMENT: This annual survey provides important insight into turkey productivity, poult survival, and nest- ing success at various scales. Annual summary reports can be found on the wild turkey page of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website at ncwildlife.gov/species/wild-turkey.
CHRIS TURNER/NCWRC
KEY RESULTS: Including 2,318 birds harvested during the Youth Season, the 2025 reported spring turkey harvest was 22,736 birds. This year’s total state- wide harvest was the fourth highest year on record. The top five counties for the number of turkeys harvested were Duplin (812), Halifax (599), Pender (578), Columbus (547), and Bladen (527).
HOW IS THIS INFORMATION USED FOR REGULATIONS AND MAN- AGEMENT: Tracking the wild turkey harvest each hunting season provides tremendous insight into changes in turkey populations and hunter success while also providing a mechanism for enforcing bag limits. Yearly wild turkey harvest reports can be found on the wild turkey page of the NC Wildlife Resources Commission website at ncwildlife.gov/species/wild-turkey.
GREG LITTLE
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