HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania hunters interested in applying for a second spring gobbler tag have until April 1, according to Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. Applications are available on page 38 of the 2008-09 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer, or by going to the agency’s Web site, and clicking on “Spring Turkey Tag Application” in center of the homepage.
Fees for the special license are $21 for residents and $41 for nonresidents. Mailed applications for special wild turkey licenses must be sent to: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Special Spring Gobbler License, P.O. Box 61317, Harrisburg, PA 17106-1317.
Applications also are being accepted over-the-counter at any of the six Game Commission region offices and the Harrisburg headquarters. Applications will be processed and mailed from the Harrisburg headquarters.
The spring gobbler season is set for April 25-May 25, and the daily limit remains one bird. Hunters are allowed to submit only one application for the special wild turkey license during a license year.
Roe stressed that hunters still are able to take one spring gobbler as part of their general hunting privileges. However, the special license enables the agency to afford those hunters interested in this additional opportunity to take a second spring gobbler in any Wildlife Management Unit.
According to Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild turkey biologist, research has shown that properly timed and implemented multiple-bird spring limits have not caused population declines in other states.
To monitor hunter success, Casalena reminds hunters who receive the special spring gobbler license that they are required to submit a report, regardless of whether they harvest a second spring gobbler.
Revenues from the special licenses will be used to implement and fund the Game Commission’s turkey management plan and further educate turkey hunters, thereby promoting additional recreation and safe hunting practices.
