The first of two special turkey seasons opened Sunday across four hunting zones running from south of Boise, along the Oregon border and up into Adams County, west of McCall.
The hunts will occur on private land in zones 22, 31, 32 and 38
Fish and Game says the goal is to help stem damage done to private property, like crops.
Last year, a couple in Preston returned to their home after being away for a few days, according to the Idaho State Journal. A turkey had broken in through a window and trashed the house over three days – much of which, the couple says, their homeowners’ insurance wouldn’t cover.
Turkeys are not native to Idaho and were introduced in the early 60s.
If the wild birds are running amok on your land in these southwest Idaho zones, state officials say your property can be included in the hunt, as long as it’s big enough. They require the land to be more than 79 acres.
Hunters are only allowed to kill hens, so don’t put any Toms in your crosshairs. The first season ends Dec. 31. A second season opens Jan. 1 and runs into the spring.
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