Turkey season opens April 15

LINCOLN — With archery season now underway, and shotgun season on April 12, the thrill of spring turkey hunting is here.

Nebraska is a great turkey hunting destination. Since their reintroduction in the Pine Ridge in 1959, the wild turkey has been wildly successful in Nebraska.

Just 28 Merriam’s were released at the time, and their numbers increased quickly and steadily. Reintroductions and transplants over the following decades led turkeys to establish across the state.

Hybrid Merriams — a cross with a game-farm variety — has thrived in Nebraska’s open landscape. It’s success means most turkeys are a mix of two or more breeds. Turkeys in the panhandle and Niobrara River valley are most consistent in showing plumage characteristics of the Merriam’s subspecies.

Recent hunting season changes reflect changing wild population numbers, but hunters in pursuit of turkey can still find opportunity, affordable permits and public access.

Both the archery and shotgun season for turkey runs through May 31. The fall turkey hunting season begins Oct. 1 and runs through Nov. 30.