Fayette, Jefferson and Marion Counties were among the top four counties for Youth Turkey Hunt harvest this year. Statewide 2,006 birds were taken, breaking the previous harvest record of 1,733 set in 2020. There were also more youth turkey permits issued this year with 6,001, an increase of 718 over last year.
Marion County youth hunters bagged 62 turkeys, compared to 46 last year. That placed Marion County fourth in the state. Randolph County was the top county with 79 turkeys harvested. Fayette County was second with 66, a big jump from the 26 taken last year. Jefferson County was third with 63 turkeys taken, up from 52 last year.
The preliminary totals show 160 wild turkeys, or eight percent of this year’s harvest, were taken on public land.
