52K turkeys registered in spring hunt

MADISON (AP) - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says turkey hunters nearly set a new record during the spring season.

The DNR says about 52,000 wild turkeys were registered from the hunt - a couple hundred birds shy of the record set a year ago.

Game ecologist Scott Hull says the figures indicate the turkey population is strong, stable and resilient despite recent weather problems that have included flooding, deep snow and extreme cold.

The DNR says it sold about 18,000 turkey permits for the spring hunt - about 9,000 more than a year ago.

The fall wild turkey season runs from Sept. 12 through Nov. 19. There's also the possibility of an extended season. The deadline for applying for a fall permit is Aug. 1.