Arkansas youth turkey hunters capture 1,100 birds during annual youth turkey hunt

LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — Hunters aged 6-15 took part in a youth turkey hunt led by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC).

The Natural State's turkey season will open April 15. Only one legal turkey in Zone 1 can be taken in the first seven days of the season, and in Zone 2 no more than 2 turkeys can be picked up according to AGFC.

On Sunday night, 1,143 turkeys which were 75 more turkeys compared to 2023 were checked.

Zone 1 which covers the northwest and southwest parts of the state will begin its turkey season on April 15, and end April 23.

Zone 2 covers an abundant portion of the state and will begin its turkey season on April 15 as well but ends May 5.

This is the second time since 2016 that the turkey harvest has surpassed 1,000, and also the second consecutive year that it has happened.

"We're obviously excited to see so many successful young hunters out there, and we're thankful that the weather turned out nearly perfect for an opening morning hunt," Fowler said.

"The turkeys were gobbling, and many parents and mentors took the opportunity to get their young hunters out for what we hope will be the first of many birds in their hunting career.

The youth hunt takes up 10 percent of the overall season harvest, as all roads lead to an ecstatic regular season ahead.

"The forecast for Monday's regular season opener looks like there is a good chance of rain and overcast skies, but not a sudden decrease in temperature," Fowler said.

"We hope to continue hearing some good gobbling as many hens begin to head to the nest and the male turkeys get anxious to continue breeding."

To learn more about turkey hunting in the Natural State, click here.