According to preliminary data released by the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, hunters harvested 11,650 bearded turkeys during the spring gobbler season.
“West Virginia is a great place to go turkey hunting and these harvest numbers are not only an indication of a strong turkey population but a testament to the hard work of hunters,” said Brett McMillion, WVDNR director. “The WVDNR remains committed to maintaining sustainable wildlife management practices to ensure the long-term health and abundance of turkeys in our state.
While hunters harvested fewer birds compared to last year’s total of 12,217, the 2024 harvest was above long-term indicators and came in six percent higher than the five-year and 10-year average of 10,937 and 10,913, respectively.
The top five counties in terms of turkey harvests were Mason (501), Preston (441), Jackson (400), Marshall (337) and Harrison (336) counties.
In Pendleton County, hunters harvested 157 gobblers, compared to 185 during last year’s spring season.
During the 2024 season, youth hunters harvested 601 turkeys (353 on Saturday and 248 on Sunday). This was the fifth year of the youth season being two days. The youth harvest made up approximately five percent of the total harvest.
