The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) reminds hunters that the 2023 turkey season is closed on the Richard K. Yancey and Sherburne Wildlife Management Areas. The Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) adopted a declaration of emergency earlier this year to close the seasons.
Above average rainfall for eight of the last 11 years, along with intensive flooding for long durations during the nesting and brood rearing periods on these areas, are thought be part of a decline in reproductive success of turkeys, thus requiring the action.
According to the declaration of emergency, “While hunting has not been a primary cause of the turkey population declines on these areas, it could contribute to declines and delay population recovery because these flocks are at a very low density.’’
To see the full declaration of emergency go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/resources/category/commission-action-items.
Turkey season starts in all other open areas April 1 and turkey hunts for youth and physically challenged hunters occur on private lands and some public lands Saturday and Sunday (March 25-26).
For more information, go to https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/assets/NEWSROOM/January_2023/Richard-Yancey-Sherburne-Turkey-Season-Closure-Presentation-012023.pdf or contact Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Small Game/Wild Turkey Program Manager Cody Cedotal at ccedotal@wlf.la.gov.