Missouri Fall Firearm Turkey Harvest Down

State conservation officials cite a number of factors in the sharp drop in the number of turkeys harvested during the fall firearm season in Missouri.

The Missouri Department of Conservation reports a total of 3,698 turkeys were checked in by hunters across the state from October 1st through the 31st.

That compares to 6,158 turkeys harvested in the 2015 season.

Officials say that a poor turkey hatch, above average acorn production and a decline in hunter participation were among the reasons for the decline in numbers.

The top counties for turkey harvest in northeast Missouri were Callaway County with 53, Monroe County with 46, Macon County with 35 turkeys harvested and Montgomery County, where hunters checked in 33 turkeys.

Statewide, Greene County in southwest Missouri led the way with 128 turkeys bagged during the recently concluded fall firearm season.