To all of those who bought a license this year a survey is open till sometime in June, and they are asking if they should limit the harvest numbers. Hopefully they put limit on the number of birds someone can take a season. I had 8 tags this season, I have a personal limit of taking 3. Haven't filled that limit in longtime. Please take the time to fill out the survey, numbers are way down, hopefully they limit the number you can kill a season.
You had 8 tags just for NJ?
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I think NJ allows 1 turkey per day through thier whole season.
Quote from: BullTom on June 12, 2025, 11:41:37 PMYou had 8 tags just for NJ?
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Jersey allows you to buy tags over the counter after lottery, If you want to spend the money and have awesome internet skills, could buy 26 tags. Have known a few jersey road hunters who kill 10 plus birds a season.
Quote from: JeffC on June 13, 2025, 07:30:25 AMQuote from: BullTom on June 12, 2025, 11:41:37 PMYou had 8 tags just for NJ?
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Jersey allows you to buy tags over the counter after lottery, If you want to spend the money and have awesome internet skills, could buy 26 tags. Have known a few jersey road hunters who kill 10 plus birds a season.
Can't imagine why the turkey numbers dropped. Must be those darned predators.
But hey let's cancel the Fall Season and pat ourselves on the back for taking action.
I know it sounds bad and I do think that its crazy but if you know the system its not to bad.in order to turkey hunt in NJ you have to apply for a lottery. There are I believe 20 different Turkey zones broken up into 5 different weeks per zone. So the state decides how many birds can be taken from each zone based on population.
Then they sell only that many tags. So when You apply you have to select the zone and week you want to hunt. After the deadline for the lottery closes if you won the lottery you now buy the tag. You can at that time chose to not buy the tag. After a certain date all un claimed tags go back in the pot for over the counter sales. So at that time you can buy whatever zones or weeks remain. The quantity of tags is still the same.
It's not a good survey. The questions they ask are ridiculous. Instead of concentrating on sightings, harvests, encounters, they ask "economy" related questions. How many miles did you travel, how much gas did you use, what did you eat etc. I have no clue how many jelly donuts I had (LOL), none. They should have made it simple, precise, and concentrate on populations, poult sightings, egg sightings, and predator sightings, especially the out of control protected Bob-bats. Had a Bob-cat blaze in and attack my hen decoy knocking it 20 yards through the air. A real turkey would have been his breakfast, no doubt. In summary, I am for reducing bag limits and permits as I have seen a significant decline in the population that I hunt. I hope they address this population decline to preserve and save the turkey resource, not the economic benefits that hunters bring in each season to the communities. If the turkey's disappear, they won't have to worry about the outside revenue they "seem" to be more concerned with. This is just my observations here. I spent about 25 solid days each season in the field the past several years.
Quote from: Tom007 on June 13, 2025, 11:02:29 AMIt's not a good survey. The questions they ask are ridiculous. Instead of concentrating on sightings, harvests, encounters, they ask "economy" related questions. How many miles did you travel, how much gas did you use, what did you eat etc. I have no clue how many jelly donuts I had (LOL), none. They should have made it simple, precise, and concentrate on populations, poult sightings, egg sightings, and predator sightings, especially the out of control protected Bob-bats. Had a Bob-cat blaze in and attack my hen decoy knocking it 20 yards through the air. A real turkey would have been his breakfast, no doubt. In summary, I am for reducing bag limits and permits as I have seen a significant decline in the population that I hunt. I hope they address this population decline to preserve and save the turkey resource, not the economic benefits that hunters bring in each season to the communities. If the turkey's disappear, they won't have to worry about the outside revenue they "seem" to be more concerned with. This is just my observations here. I spent about 25 solid days each season in the field the past several years.
Maryland asked the same questions in their survey for Sika Deer on the Eastern Shore. My thoughts they were more concerned about the economic impact rather than sustaining the resource. Nonresidents were hit with a substantial price on the stamp to hunt them. Maryland is a very blue state, and they would tax a turd if they could.
Sounds like a human dimension survey, not a game survey.
New Jersey is going to limit everyone to 2 tags, you will still have to pick your weeks and zone. It's a step in the right direction.
Quote from: Roost 1 on June 14, 2025, 07:04:48 AMNew Jersey is going to limit everyone to 2 tags, you will still have to pick your weeks and zone. It's a step in the right direction.
Amen, good move for sure...
I agree with you Tom, the money questions were a necessary click to get to the question about limiting the harvest number, why I posted asking people to push thru and get to last question.
Quote from: JeffC on June 14, 2025, 07:52:06 AMI agree with you Tom, the money questions were a necessary click to get to the question about limiting the harvest number, why I posted asking people to push thru and get to last question.
Amen brother. Our group here all know what's going on, we have experienced the good old days. It's tougher now, we all have adapted to employing better scouting and hunting techniques. The common thing we all share here is preservation of our resource, the Wild Turkey. That's the focal point for all of us, hopefully our Wildlife Managers focus on this too. Great post Jeff.
Quote from: Roost 1 on June 14, 2025, 07:04:48 AMNew Jersey is going to limit everyone to 2 tags, you will still have to pick your weeks and zone. It's a step in the right direction.
And when do you think that will pass their game code 5 year plan that's in place right now.
It will take at least another 5 years before you get to actually get to a two bird limit maybe 2031.And that's only after they vote to get it in the new codes. Still waiting on a 9 shot chance that took how long!!! Change other game rules on small game and you might get to still enjoy turkey season in the future. We need new leaders to toss out the old system and start over with real changes to our habitat first.
Some of you guys act like the gobblers are laying the eggs! Weather, Habitat, and predators is what controls your turkey population. Killing gobblers doesn't hurt a population one bit! If i lived in New Jersey i garentee i would be Killing 26 there a spring.
Quote from: Ol Timer on June 14, 2025, 11:12:50 AMQuote from: Roost 1 on June 14, 2025, 07:04:48 AMNew Jersey is going to limit everyone to 2 tags, you will still have to pick your weeks and zone. It's a step in the right direction.
And when do you think that will pass their game code 5 year plan that's in place right now.
It will take at least another 5 years before you get to actually get to a two bird limit maybe 2031.And that's only after they vote to get it in the new codes. Still waiting on a 9 shot chance that took how long!!! Change other game rules on small game and you might get to still enjoy turkey season in the future. We need new leaders to toss out the old system and start over with real changes to our habitat first.
Quote from: Ol Timer on June 14, 2025, 11:12:50 AMQuote from: Roost 1 on June 14, 2025, 07:04:48 AMNew Jersey is going to limit everyone to 2 tags, you will still have to pick your weeks and zone. It's a step in the right direction.
And when do you think that will pass their game code 5 year plan that's in place right now.
It will take at least another 5 years before you get to actually get to a two bird limit maybe 2031.And that's only after they vote to get it in the new codes. Still waiting on a 9 shot chance that took how long!!! Change other game rules on small game and you might get to still enjoy turkey season in the future. We need new leaders to toss out the old system and start over with real changes to our habitat first.
2yr after approval... you should be able to use 9s in 26 or 27. NJ turkey hunters now have a strong voice supporting them in Lou G.
Positive changes are coming.
Quote from: Hook hanger on June 14, 2025, 01:49:21 PMSome of you guys act like the gobblers are laying the eggs! Weather, Habitat, and predators is what controls your turkey population. Killing gobblers doesn't hurt a population one bit! If i lived in New Jersey i garentee i would be Killing 26 there a spring.
This mindset is the problem all over the country. No one needs to kill 26 gobblers in a year, I don't care how many states you hunt unless you are hunting 26 states.
New Jersey is 18% public land. It would be a traveling turkey hunters dream.
Quote from: Roost 1 on June 14, 2025, 02:00:30 PMQuote from: Hook hanger on June 14, 2025, 01:49:21 PMSome of you guys act like the gobblers are laying the eggs! Weather, Habitat, and predators is what controls your turkey population. Killing gobblers doesn't hurt a population one bit! If i lived in New Jersey i garentee i would be Killing 26 there a spring.
This mindset is the problem all over the country. No one needs to kill 26 gobblers in a year, I don't care how many states you hunt unless you are hunting 26 states.
So do you kill more than one bird in your state Roost?
So here is a better question for you Roost how many did you shoot in new jersey this spring?
Quote from: Hook hanger on June 14, 2025, 02:04:32 PMQuote from: Roost 1 on June 14, 2025, 02:00:30 PMQuote from: Hook hanger on June 14, 2025, 01:49:21 PMSome of you guys act like the gobblers are laying the eggs! Weather, Habitat, and predators is what controls your turkey population. Killing gobblers doesn't hurt a population one bit! If i lived in New Jersey i garentee i would be Killing 26 there a spring.
This mindset is the problem all over the country. No one needs to kill 26 gobblers in a year, I don't care how many states you hunt unless you are hunting 26 states.
So do you kill more than one bird in your state Roost?
I did this year, but not every year.
Quote from: Hook hanger on June 14, 2025, 02:25:57 PMSo here is a better question for you Roost how many did you shoot in new jersey this spring?
It took me 3yrs of trying in NJ but I did kill one on opening day this year, so I hunted a 2nd day and killed another one.
I figure after 2yrs of trying for one, I'd take a 2nd if I could.
No where near 26 tho.....
Left NJ and headed to MD and left with 2 tags for the 2nd year in a row.
Exactly 💯% what I'm talking about you don't practice what you are trying to preach! Carry on i will kill what states deem fit to kill. Gobbler population is not what drives turkey population!
Quote from: Hook hanger on June 14, 2025, 04:22:15 PMExactly 💯% what I'm talking about you don't practice what you are trying to preach! Carry on i will kill what states deem fit to kill. Gobbler population is not what drives turkey population!
Apparently reading comprehension isn't your strong suit.
If you practice what you preach you would have only killed one per state. Maybe you should look at your own mindset!
Quote from: Ol Timer on June 14, 2025, 11:12:50 AMQuote from: Roost 1 on June 14, 2025, 07:04:48 AMNew Jersey is going to limit everyone to 2 tags, you will still have to pick your weeks and zone. It's a step in the right direction.
And when do you think that will pass their game code 5 year plan that's in place right now.
It will take at least another 5 years before you get to actually get to a two bird limit maybe 2031.And that's only after they vote to get it in the new codes. Still waiting on a 9 shot chance that took how long!!! Change other game rules on small game and you might get to still enjoy turkey season in the future. We need new leaders to toss out the old system and start over with real changes to our habitat first.
^ 100%
I can't wait to see how this one shakes out.
There are 5 periods and 22 zones to choose from when you apply. Will it be 2 bird limit a zone?
The southern zones all sellout. I'm anticipating permit fees will double, I find it hard to believe the state of Nj will give up all this revenue. Especially when there is a boat load of permits available in the northern part of the state.
This state is so slow. I'd be shocked if this was implemented for the upcoming season.
People do not realize how much the lottery process cost. It's not cheap. Make it simple like most other states, 2 bird limit per season, period! Get the revenue through a stamp, just like the pheasant stamp. It's simple, a 2 bird total limit, and no hen harvesting will help the population. I hope they address this before next season, knowing the Fish & Game bureaucracy, I doubt it will happen. Stay tuned....
As long as the number of harvest of turkeys stays steady year after year and doesn't drop off below a reasonable level to what was staple over the years the state won't change its mindset on a change of permit sales and those numbers are staying that way,in fact the numbers went up this year in harvest. They won't sacrifice a $500,000 money grab.
Quote from: Tom007 on June 15, 2025, 06:20:49 AMPeople do not realize how much the lottery process cost. It's not cheap. Make it simple like most other states, 2 bird limit per season, period! Get the revenue through a stamp, just like the pheasant stamp. It's simple, a 2 bird total limit, and no hen harvesting will help the population. I hope they address this before next season, knowing the Fish & Game bureaucracy, I doubt it will happen. Stay tuned....
I'm in full support of this.
However, Nj and simple in the same sentence. :lol:
I know how Pa and Ny do it and is great. I can hunt anywhere I'd like in the whole state.
I wish Nj adopted that. But cant because southern zones will then be over their harvest.
If Nj had zero zones and a 2 bird limit they will loose Boo-Koo bucks. This is why I say they double the permit fee.
I wouldn't be surprised if that pheasant stamp went up either.
I got a dollar that says they won't do soup!
Not anytime soon anyway..
More to follow.
The zones and seasons won't go away. You will still have to pick that. But the days of buying 26 tags are going away.
Might not be this year or next but trust me it's in the works.
Quote from: Roost 1 on June 15, 2025, 01:24:19 PMThe zones and seasons won't go away. You will still have to pick that. But the days of buying 26 tags are going away.
Might not be this year or next but trust me it's in the works.
I disagree with most of that, if and when it might go to two bird limit your still going to buy multiple tags otc just like you can now to hunt the zones you like to hunt but it's only going to be two Legal Birds. If you're buying just 5 tags for A thru E in 1 zone then 4 more somewhere else in another zone guess who is still making money. That way the state still get there money and you get less birds because that's what you the people ask for. As far as doubling the permits money that might happen also that will balance out the loss factor.
Quote from: Roost 1 on June 15, 2025, 01:24:19 PMThe zones and seasons won't go away. You will still have to pick that. But the days of buying 26 tags are going away.
Might not be this year or next but trust me it's in the works.
If the harvest is unchanged why would you worry about the amount of tags one person has. Maybe he has enough land/habitat to withstand the amount of harvest he is doing.
Maybe they should justify the amount of tags by how much land you own.
0-ac 1 tag 1 zone 1 time period
20ac-100ac 1 tag 1 zone 2 time periods
500ac 3 tags
1000ac 6 tags
1500ac 9 tags.
And so on.
Quote from: Hook hanger on June 15, 2025, 03:36:03 PMMaybe they should justify the amount of tags by how much land you own.
0-ac 1 tag 1 zone 1 time period
20ac-100ac 1 tag 1 zone 2 time periods
500ac 3 tags
1000ac 6 tags
1500ac 9 tags.
And so on.
That makes no sense whatsoever I hunt 10,000 AC of public land what do I get?
Quote from: Ol Timer on June 15, 2025, 03:42:16 PMQuote from: Hook hanger on June 15, 2025, 03:36:03 PMMaybe they should justify the amount of tags by how much land you own.
0-ac 1 tag 1 zone 1 time period
20ac-100ac 1 tag 1 zone 2 time periods
500ac 3 tags
1000ac 6 tags
1500ac 9 tags.
And so on.
That makes no sense whatsoever I hunt 10,000 AC of public land what do I get?
1 tag because you own 0ac
Who owns and controls how much turkey habitat is on the landscape its definitely not the small 10k wma. Alot of you guys look at things from such a small view of an issue its sad.
Quote from: Ol Timer on June 15, 2025, 03:42:16 PMQuote from: Hook hanger on June 15, 2025, 03:36:03 PMMaybe they should justify the amount of tags by how much land you own.
0-ac 1 tag 1 zone 1 time period
20ac-100ac 1 tag 1 zone 2 time periods
500ac 3 tags
1000ac 6 tags
1500ac 9 tags.
And so on.
That makes no sense whatsoever I hunt 10,000 AC of public land what do I get?
Think of this way how many tags get used on the 10k ac wma you hunt. Now if I own 10k ac how many tags should I be allowed.
Not sure where your logic is that land management should be based on tags on land acreage. If you're hunting private land vs public and live in an area like northern NJ that has less turkeys but I own 50ac why even buy a tag with your plan. Then go to a WMA with the same plan, Your forcing folks to not even hunt.
Just remember you heard it from a resident of KY first.
Quote from: Hook hanger on June 14, 2025, 01:49:21 PMIf i lived in New Jersey i garentee i would be Killing 26 there a spring.
Best OG response of all time :TooFunny:
Take it ez Carlray Holifield :TooFunny:
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on June 15, 2025, 11:41:53 AMQuote from: Tom007 on June 15, 2025, 06:20:49 AMPeople do not realize how much the lottery process cost. It's not cheap. Make it simple like most other states, 2 bird limit per season, period! Get the revenue through a stamp, just like the pheasant stamp. It's simple, a 2 bird total limit, and no hen harvesting will help the population. I hope they address this before next season, knowing the Fish & Game bureaucracy, I doubt it will happen. Stay tuned....
I'm in full support of this.
However, Nj and simple in the same sentence. :lol:
I know how Pa and Ny do it and is great. I can hunt anywhere I'd like in the whole state.
I wish Nj adopted that. But cant because southern zones will then be over their harvest.
If Nj had zero zones and a 2 bird limit they will loose Boo-Koo bucks. This is why I say they double the permit fee.
I wouldn't be surprised if that pheasant stamp went up either.
I got a dollar that says they won't do soup!
Not anytime soon anyway..
More to follow.
I agree, it's money driven, not biology driven...sad
Quote from: TrackeySauresRex on June 15, 2025, 09:23:03 PMQuote from: Hook hanger on June 14, 2025, 01:49:21 PMIf i lived in New Jersey i garentee i would be Killing 26 there a spring.
Best OG response of all time :TooFunny:
Take it ez Carlray Holifield :TooFunny:
I think it's safe to say he's never tired the great Monday tag sale. Tags go on sale at 10AM, hot zones sell out in minutes if not seconds. I have never heard anyone being able to get more then 3 tags for a A or E weeks in a good zone.
I will still buy my usual 6 to 8 tags no matter the limit. Go enjoy the hunt, don't always have to pull trigger.
Quote from: JeffC on June 16, 2025, 07:53:11 AMQuote from: TrackeySauresRex on June 15, 2025, 09:23:03 PMQuote from: Hook hanger on June 14, 2025, 01:49:21 PMIf i lived in New Jersey i garentee i would be Killing 26 there a spring.
Best OG response of all time :TooFunny:
Take it ez Carlray Holifield :TooFunny:
I think it's safe to say he's never tired the great Monday tag sale. Tags go on sale at 10AM, hot zones sell out in minutes if not seconds. I have never heard anyone being able to get more then 3 tags for a A or E weeks in a good zone.
I will still buy my usual 6 to 8 tags no matter the limit.
" Go enjoy the hunt, don't always have to pull trigger."
100%
I'm usually good for 3 permits a season. Mostly because I hunt in Pa and Ny as well.
This year I was able to get 1 for A, 1 for B and 1 for C.
It's no guarantee you will get week A in the lottery. Week B OTC is a crap shoot. This last spring, I did get a D permit which is the two week season.
Now... here is something to think about in week D.
2 Bird limit. (Season)
2 week season,
hunt all day..
Pay for one zone.
Mann they gonna have to iron out a lot of ShhhhTuff.
Quote from: Hook hanger on June 15, 2025, 03:36:03 PMMaybe they should justify the amount of tags by how much land you own.
0-ac 1 tag 1 zone 1 time period
20ac-100ac 1 tag 1 zone 2 time periods
500ac 3 tags
1000ac 6 tags
1500ac 9 tags.
And so on.
Maybe they limit the amount of tags to non residents with a separate lottery for them increase the permit fee and make them wait 9 days after the season opener allowing the residents to have the woods before it's overloaded with people and helping with a better population of turkeys.
Quote from: joey46 on June 16, 2025, 11:04:09 AMThat's the spirit. Screw the non-resident at every opportunity. The current NJ regs show an almost total lack of accountability. Any changes would have to be an improvement :lol: .
Some of these replies reading like a script from the Comedy Channel. Give it a LOL with a giggle back up.
Again 100%
I think there trolling us sometimes
Unfortunately that's what some states have done.
The information I give is just from my own experience.
But it stinks getting shut out on week A and a Non resident gets the permit.
Hopefully the right decisions are made for the further.. Soon.
Keep the faith.
Quote from: Ol Timer on June 16, 2025, 09:56:22 AMQuote from: Hook hanger on June 15, 2025, 03:36:03 PMMaybe they should justify the amount of tags by how much land you own.
0-ac 1 tag 1 zone 1 time period
20ac-100ac 1 tag 1 zone 2 time periods
500ac 3 tags
1000ac 6 tags
1500ac 9 tags.
And so on.
Maybe they limit the amount of tags to non residents with a separate lottery for them increase the permit fee and make them wait 9 days after the season opener allowing the residents to have the woods before it's overloaded with people and helping with a better population of turkeys.
How about if you don't live in the zone your applying for you are treated like a nonresident.
Quote from: Tom007 on June 13, 2025, 11:02:29 AMIt's not a good survey. The questions they ask are ridiculous. Instead of concentrating on sightings, harvests, encounters, they ask "economy" related questions. How many miles did you travel, how much gas did you use, what did you eat etc. I have no clue how many jelly donuts I had (LOL), none. They should have made it simple, precise, and concentrate on populations, poult sightings, egg sightings, and predator sightings, especially the out of control protected Bob-bats. Had a Bob-cat blaze in and attack my hen decoy knocking it 20 yards through the air. A real turkey would have been his breakfast, no doubt. In summary, I am for reducing bag limits and permits as I have seen a significant decline in the population that I hunt. I hope they address this population decline to preserve and save the turkey resource, not the economic benefits that hunters bring in each season to the communities. If the turkey's disappear, they won't have to worry about the outside revenue they "seem" to be more concerned with. This is just my observations here. I spent about 25 solid days each season in the field the past several years.
Amen Tom
Everything in the state is about money. They hire accountants not game managers. Their prob now is they're running out of things to sell and that's effecting their bottom line imo.
Deer, turkey, etc all the same. How much money can they generate?
The sad part is for years we"ve said north Jersey was light on birds. It's light on deer too. Guys will argue that cause their 2 acre yard with a corn pile has birds, deer. They don't consider the bigger picture.
It's only when it effects them most hunters scream. Shouldn't be that way.
I've heard the bag limit change is in the works. Imo I don't care if they go one bird if need be.
Less guys in the woods buggering up hunts,it'd be safer less crowded and hens can nest with less pressure.
I also want to comment on the screwing non residents. That's not right. We don't like it when we're subject to it. A non resident pays lots money. Is minimal impact, they're here than gone and let's be honest NJ ain't a destination state.