OHIO — There's plenty of gobbling happening across the Buckeye State this fall, at least according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 

Each October, ODNR releases a "wild turkey poult index," which measures the state's nest success and poult survival. Poults are what wild turkey young are called. The Division of Wildlife utilizes public reports of wild turkeys and their poults in July and August to create estimates on the index. Weather conditions, predation and habitat are major factors which influence the species' success.

What You Need To Know

  • Each October, ODNR releases a "wild turkey poult index" which measures the state's nest success and poult survival

  • Ohio this year is reporting slightly above the 10-year average at 2.9 poults per hen

  • Survey results were based on 1,952 responses

  • Ohio's fall hunting season opened Oct. 1 and runs to Oct. 27

Ohio this year is reporting slightly above the 10-year average at 2.9 poults per hen.

This is the state's fourth year where the brood survey has been above/slightly above average. Surveys in 2021, 2022 and 2023 showed the average poults per hen were 3.1, 3.0 and 2.8 for those years respectfuly. For 2024, the 10-year average increased to 2.8 poults per hen from 2.7 because of the nest success.

To the northern side of the state, the eastern and western regions had indexes of 3.1 poults per hen. In the southeast and central regions it was 2.8 and the southwest had an index of 2.2 poults. ODDNR said because of habitat availability the populations are typically strong in eastern and southern counties. 

Survey results were based on 1,952 responses.

Ohio has continuously worked to track the restoration of wild turkeys, which were wiped out of the state in 1904. In the 1950w the Division of Wildlife began to reintroduce the birds. For 50s years the population grew until 1999 when the birds were found in all 88 counties.

The first modern day spring wild turkey hunting season opened in 1966 in nine coutnies where 12 birds were checked by hunters. The first time hunters harvested more than 1,000 birds wouldn't be until 1984. Statewide turkey hunting opened in 2000. 

Ohio's fall hunting season opened Oct. 1 and runs to Oct. 27 with a season bag limit of one turkey of either sex. Hunters need a valid Ohio hunting license and fall turkey permit, unless exempted. Successful hunters must complete the game check process. 

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