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Hunting & Fishing Seasons COVID-19 4/18 UPDATE
Update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons. Non of the states have eased restrictions at this time Corrected: NY opens up Marina’s and boat launches. I will continue to update as states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely.
Alaska– current 14-day mandatory quarantine order in place until April 21st. Hunters should not plan to travel to or arrive in Alaska before this date. link Gov. Mike Dunleavy rescinded the cancellation of all spring bear hunts in Alaska Thursday, saying that spring bear hunts will be open to Alaskan hunters, but not available to those non-residents and anyone from outside the state. link
Arkansas– Buffalo National River closure includes angling, turkey hunting. link added 4/18
California– Hunting, fishing on base is suspended until further notice. link Edwards Air Force Base – restricted to mission-essential personnel only. link Fort Hunter Liggett- All 2020 Fishing and 2019-20 Hunting permits sales have been suspended. link
Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled link
Colorado– all playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are closed. Spring turkey hunters now are able to return their license for a refund at any time before the opening day of turkey season. link San Juan County-all public lands closed Fort Carson- hunting is NOT available on Fort Carson or Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, USAF Academy “official business only”. Fishing the 5 lakes closed link Yuma County delaying spring turkey season to 5/2/20, Gunnison county banning any visitors until further notice. link
Delaware– All out-of-state residents traveling into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days link
Florida– 30-day stay-at-home order. those who fly or drive into Florida from states with substantial community spread to self-isolate in Florida for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. Some resources are closed link
Georgia– Fort Benning- Restricted to Authorized personnel only link Fort Gordon- close 1 Apr 2020 – 6 June 2020 link The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down all dispersed camping corridors, day-use areas, trailhead facilities and other recreation sites on the Blue Ridge Ranger District link
Hawaii– All arriving residents and visitors will immediately go into a 14-day quarantines upon entering the state link Lana‘i Axis Deer Hunt Canceled link
Idaho– The purchase of non-resident black bear, fishing and turkey tags is no longer available link If you already had an agreement with an outfitter for a spring black bear hunt before the April 4th suspension, you may still obtain your tags and go on the hunt.
Illinois– all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites closed, hunting and fishing prohibited on public areas link
Kansas – travel quarantine from the following: International– China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran States- California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Washington link Kansas has an “explicit ” call out of quarantine of 14 days before you can hunt link
Kentucky– All Fort Campbell iSportsman activities including hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation are closed. link People traveling to Kentucky from out-of-state will now be placed under quarantine for 14 days due to an executive order link suspending sale of non-resident turkey-hunting permits- 2020 spring turkey season link
Massachusetts – MassWildlife canceled all 2020 Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars. Only those who have completed Basic Hunter Education and the Youth Turkey Hunting Seminar allowed to participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 25. link All travelers arriving in the Commonwealth are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, link Joint Base Cape Cod/Camp Edwards controlled turkey hunt canceled link
Maine– all travelers coming to Maine quarantine for 14 days link Maine regular turkey season open two days early, on May 2. The youth season has also changed from May 2 to April 25 and adding a additional day, April 27. Turkey hunters will not be required to register their birds at tagging stations. Changes are temporary for 2020 only. link added 4/21
Maryland– strict w/penalty stay at home directive. recreational boating is banned. Subsistence hunting and fishing — limited hunting and limited recreational fishing and crabbing for sustenance only. No permits for fishing tournaments, Commercial fishing deemed essential link
Michigan– charter fishing and guide operations are not permitted link travel between two residences is not permitted, the use of a motorboat, or similar watercraft (includes gas and electric motors) is not permitted State harbors and marinas closed link added 4/18
Missouri– Fort Leonard Wood – Restricted to Authorized personnel only link
Montana– travelers arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. The Directive follows the governor’s prior travel advisory and last week’s Stay at Home Directive link FWP has suspended all spring turkey and spring black bear seasons through at least April 24th for non-resident
Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. link
New Hamshire– no longer issuing kid’s fishing derby permits or any bass tournament permits. Online sales only for licenses and permits link link
New York– West Point, Outdoor Recreation CLOSED or CANCELLED (until further notice) All reservations cancelled through 30 Apr 2020 link All marinas and boat launches ordered closed link Boat launches, marinas allowed to open added 4/20
North Carolina– multiple boat access, camping, public land closures see: link Dare County- Resident only travel. link
North Dakota– All travelers arriving to North Dakota from international locations and states with widespread coronavirus outbreaks must quarantine immediately for 14 days link
Ohio– stay-at-home order until May 1. People traveling into Ohio to self-quarantine for 14 days. link non-resident hunting and fishing licenses suspended link
Oklahoma– order requiring travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana and Washington to undergo a 14-day quarantine. link
Oregon– recreational fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River closed link hunting and fishing to non-residents closed link
Rhode Island– all out-of-state travelers will be stopped at the border and told to quarantine for 14 days if they intend to stay in the state. Order extended to all states because of the rate of infection in other areas, mentioning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Hampshire by name link Fishing system in place-staggers the days when licensed anglers can fish. Those with last names beginning with A through M can only fish on even numbered calendar days, and those with last names beginning with N through Z can only fish on odd numbered calendar days. link
South Carolina– travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the city of New Orleans will be ordered to isolate or self-quarantine for 14-days or the duration of their trip. The order does not apply to people employed by airlines, performing or assisting with the military, health care or emergency response. link All dates all SCDNR Lottery hunts on WMA properties have been canceled. Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge hunts remain open unless a “Stay Home” order is declared. link Fishing events link
Texas– Joint Base San Antonio – Hunting closed until further notice link 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: flying into Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the city of New Orleans, driving from the cities of Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta. Also included in the order are the states of Washington and California. link Texas Attorney General Says Gunnison County’s Temporary Nonresident Ban Is Unconstitutional link
Utah– All recreational travel by non–residents of San Juan County is prohibited link
Virginia– Langly AFB outdoor recreation canceled link Marine Corps Base Quantico- outdoor recreation canceled link
Washington– Fishing closed, youth turkey hunt canceled. Six game management units that were scheduled to open on April 1 for spring bear hunting closed pending further evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of spring bear permit holders traveling from outside the area. A decision on regular spring turkey may come by 4/6 link All state lands closed til 5/4 link Spring bear and turkey seasons are postponed until at least May 4. link
West Virginia– 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Italy, and China link
Wisconsin– No Motors in Michigan Boundary Waters link added 4/18
Wyoming– all travelers coming to Wyoming quarantine for 14 days link nonresident fishing licenses has been suspended until April 30 link added 4/18
Vermont– 14 Day travel quarantine from any state link
Canada– inaugural New Brunswick spring turkey season canceled link US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel
Not listed, check your state of interest as many have their park buildings and camping and restroom facilities either closed altogether or not taking reservations until later this summer. Also noted that some states are banning overnight camping on public lands or designated primitive sites.
Hunting & Fishing Seasons COVID-19 4/10 UPDATE
Update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons that are now an unfortunate reality. I will continue to update this as more states follow suit and when states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely.
Alaska– current 14-day mandatory quarantine order in place until April 21st. Hunters should not plan to travel to or arrive in Alaska before this date. link Gov. Mike Dunleavy rescinded the cancellation of all spring bear hunts in Alaska Thursday, saying that spring bear hunts will be open to Alaskan hunters, but not available to those non-residents and anyone from outside the state. link
California– Hunting, fishing on base is suspended until further notice. link Edwards Air Force Base – restricted to mission-essential personnel only. link Fort Hunter Liggett- All 2020 Fishing and 2019-20 Hunting permits sales have been suspended. link
Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled link
Colorado– all playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are closed. Spring turkey hunters now are able to return their license for a refund at any time before the opening day of turkey season. link San Juan County-all public lands closed Fort Carson- hunting is NOT available on Fort Carson or Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, USAF Academy “official business only”. Fishing the 5 lakes closed link Yuma County delaying spring turkey season to 5/2/20, Gunnison county banning any visitors until further notice. link added 4/8
Delaware– All out-of-state residents traveling into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days link
Florida– 30-day stay-at-home order. those who fly or drive into Florida from states with substantial community spread to self-isolate in Florida for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. Some resources are closed link
Georgia– Fort Benning- Restricted to Authorized personnel only link Fort Gordon- close 1 Apr 2020 – 6 June 2020 link The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down all dispersed camping corridors, day-use areas, trailhead facilities and other recreation sites on the Blue Ridge Ranger District link
Hawaii– All arriving residents and visitors will immediately go into a 14-day quarantines upon entering the state link Lana‘i Axis Deer Hunt Canceled link
Idaho– The purchase of non-resident black bear, fishing and turkey tags is no longer available link If you already had an agreement with an outfitter for a spring black bear hunt before the April 4th suspension, you may still obtain your tags and go on the hunt. added 4/8
Illinois– all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites closed, hunting and fishing prohibited on public areas link
Kansas – travel quarantine from the following: International– China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran States- California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Washington link Kansas has an “explicit ” call out of quarantine of 14 days before you can hunt link
Kentucky– All Fort Campbell iSportsman activities including hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation are closed. link People traveling to Kentucky from out-of-state will now be placed under quarantine for 14 days due to an executive order link suspending sale of non-resident turkey-hunting permits- 2020 spring turkey season link
Massachusetts – MassWildlife canceled all 2020 Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars. Only those who have completed Basic Hunter Education and the Youth Turkey Hunting Seminar allowed to participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 25. link All travelers arriving in the Commonwealth are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, link Joint Base Cape Cod/Camp Edwards controlled turkey hunt canceled link
Maine– all travelers coming to Maine quarantine for 14 days link
Maryland– strict w/penalty stay at home directive. recreational boating is banned. Subsistence hunting and fishing — limited hunting and limited recreational fishing and crabbing for sustenance only. No permits for fishing tournaments, Commercial fishing deemed essential link
Michigan– charter fishing and guide operations are not permitted link added 4/11
Missouri– Fort Leonard Wood – Restricted to Authorized personnel only link
Montana– travelers arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. The Directive follows the governor’s prior travel advisory and last week’s Stay at Home Directive link FWP has suspended all spring turkey and spring black bear seasons through at least April 24th for non-resident added 4/9
Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. link
New Hamshire– no longer issuing kid’s fishing derby permits or any bass tournament permits. Online sales only for licenses and permits link link
New York– West Point, Outdoor Recreation CLOSED or CANCELLED (until further notice) All reservations cancelled through 30 Apr 2020 link All marinas and boat launches ordered closed link added 4/10
North Carolina– multiple boat access, camping, public land closures see: link Dare County- Resident only travel. link
North Dakota– All travelers arriving to North Dakota from international locations and states with widespread coronavirus outbreaks must quarantine immediately for 14 days link
Ohio– stay-at-home order until May 1. People traveling into Ohio to self-quarantine for 14 days. link non-resident hunting and fishing licenses suspended link
Oklahoma– order requiring travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana and Washington to undergo a 14-day quarantine. link
Oregon– recreational fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River closed link hunting and fishing to non-residents closed link added 4/10
Rhode Island– all out-of-state travelers will be stopped at the border and told to quarantine for 14 days if they intend to stay in the state. Order extended to all states because of the rate of infection in other areas, mentioning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Hampshire by name link Fishing system in place-staggers the days when licensed anglers can fish. Those with last names beginning with A through M can only fish on even numbered calendar days, and those with last names beginning with N through Z can only fish on odd numbered calendar days. link added 4/7
South Carolina– travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the city of New Orleans will be ordered to isolate or self-quarantine for 14-days or the duration of their trip. The order does not apply to people employed by airlines, performing or assisting with the military, health care or emergency response. link All dates all SCDNR Lottery hunts on WMA properties have been canceled. Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge hunts remain open unless a “Stay Home” order is declared. link Fishing events link
Texas– Joint Base San Antonio – Hunting closed until further notice link 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: flying into Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the city of New Orleans, driving from the cities of Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta. Also included in the order are the states of Washington and California. link Texas Attorney General Says Gunnison County’s Temporary Nonresident Ban Is Unconstitutional link added 4/10
Utah– All recreational travel by non–residents of San Juan County is prohibited link added 4/10
Virginia– Langly AFB outdoor recreation canceled link Marine Corps Base Quantico- outdoor recreation canceled link
Washington– Fishing closed, youth turkey hunt canceled. Six game management units that were scheduled to open on April 1 for spring bear hunting closed pending further evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of spring bear permit holders traveling from outside the area. A decision on regular spring turkey may come by 4/6 link All state lands closed til 5/4 link Spring bear and turkey seasons are postponed until at least May 4. link
West Virginia– 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Italy, and China link
Wyoming– all travelers coming to Wyoming quarantine for 14 days link
Vermont– 14 Day travel quarantine from any state link
Canada– inaugural New Brunswick spring turkey season canceled link US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel
Not listed, check your state of interest as many have their park buildings and camping and restroom facilities either closed altogether or not taking reservations until later this summer. Also noted that some states are banning overnight camping on public lands or designated primitive sites.
Hunting & Fishing Seasons COVID19 Non-Resident Hunting Shut down 4/6 Update
Update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons that are now an unfortunate reality. I will continue to update this as more states follow suit and when states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely.
Alaska– current 14-day mandatory quarantine order in place until April 21st. Hunters should not plan to travel to or arrive in Alaska before this date. link Gov. Mike Dunleavy rescinded the cancellation of all spring bear hunts in Alaska Thursday, saying that spring bear hunts will be open to Alaskan hunters, but not available to those non-residents and anyone from outside the state. link
California– Hunting, fishing on base is suspended until further notice. link Edwards Air Force Base – restricted to mission-essential personnel only. link Fort Hunter Liggett- All 2020 Fishing and 2019-20 Hunting permits sales have been suspended. link
Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled link
Colorado– all playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are closed. Spring turkey hunters now are able to return their license for a refund at any time before the opening day of turkey season. link San Juan County-all public lands closed Fort Carson- hunting is NOT available on Fort Carson or Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, USAF Academy “official business only”. Fishing the 5 lakes closed link Yuma County delaying spring turkey season to 5/2/20, Gunnison county banning any visitors until further notice. link added 4/8
Delaware– All out-of-state residents traveling into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days link
Florida– 30-day stay-at-home order. those who fly or drive into Florida from states with substantial community spread to self-isolate in Florida for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. Some resources are closed link
Georgia– Fort Benning- Restricted to Authorized personnel only link Fort Gordon- close 1 Apr 2020 – 6 June 2020 link The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down all dispersed camping corridors, day-use areas, trailhead facilities and other recreation sites on the Blue Ridge Ranger District link
Hawaii– All arriving residents and visitors will immediately go into a 14-day quarantines upon entering the state link Lana‘i Axis Deer Hunt Canceled link
Idaho– The purchase of non-resident black bear, fishing and turkey tags is no longer available link added 4/4 If you already had an agreement with an outfitter for a spring black bear hunt before the April 4th suspension, you may still obtain your tags and go on the hunt. added 4/8
Illinois– all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites closed, hunting and fishing prohibited on public areas link
Kansas – travel quarantine from the following: International– China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran States- California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Washington link Kansas has an “explicit ” call out of quarantine of 14 days before you can hunt link added 4/6
Kentucky– All Fort Campbell iSportsman activities including hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation are closed. link People traveling to Kentucky from out-of-state will now be placed under quarantine for 14 days due to an executive order link suspending sale of non-resident turkey-hunting permits- 2020 spring turkey season link
Massachusetts – MassWildlife canceled all 2020 Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars. Only those who have completed Basic Hunter Education and the Youth Turkey Hunting Seminar allowed to participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 25. link All travelers arriving in the Commonwealth are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, link Joint Base Cape Cod/Camp Edwards controlled turkey hunt canceled link
Maine– all travelers coming to Maine quarantine for 14 days link
Maryland– strict w/penalty stay at home directive. recreational boating is banned. Subsistence hunting and fishing — limited hunting and limited recreational fishing and crabbing for sustenance only. No permits for fishing tournaments, Commercial fishing deemed essential link
Missouri– Fort Leonard Wood – Restricted to Authorized personnel only link
Montana– travelers arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. The Directive follows the governor’s prior travel advisory and last week’s Stay at Home Directive link
Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. link
New Hamshire– no longer issuing kid’s fishing derby permits or any bass tournament permits. Online sales only for licenses and permits link link
New York– West Point, Outdoor Recreation CLOSED or CANCELLED (until further notice) All reservations cancelled through 30 Apr 2020 link
North Carolina– multiple boat access, camping, public land closures see: link Dare County- Resident only travel. link
North Dakota– All travelers arriving to North Dakota from international locations and states with widespread coronavirus outbreaks must quarantine immediately for 14 days link
Ohio– stay-at-home order until May 1. People traveling into Ohio to self-quarantine for 14 days. link non-resident hunting and fishing licenses suspended link added 4/6
Oklahoma– order requiring travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana and Washington to undergo a 14-day quarantine. link
Oregon– recreational fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River closed link
Rhode Island– all out-of-state travelers will be stopped at the border and told to quarantine for 14 days if they intend to stay in the state. Order extended to all states because of the rate of infection in other areas, mentioning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Hampshire by name link Fishing system in place-staggers the days when licensed anglers can fish. Those with last names beginning with A through M can only fish on even numbered calendar days, and those with last names beginning with N through Z can only fish on odd numbered calendar days. link added 4/7
South Carolina– travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the city of New Orleans will be ordered to isolate or self-quarantine for 14-days or the duration of their trip. The order does not apply to people employed by airlines, performing or assisting with the military, health care or emergency response. link All dates all SCDNR Lottery hunts on WMA properties have been canceled. Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge hunts remain open unless a “Stay Home” order is declared. link Fishing events link
Texas– Joint Base San Antonio – Hunting closed until further notice link 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: flying into Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the city of New Orleans, driving from the cities of Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta. Also included in the order are the states of Washington and California. link
Virginia– Langly AFB outdoor recreation canceled link Marine Corps Base Quantico- outdoor recreation canceled link
Washington– Fishing closed, youth turkey hunt canceled. Six game management units that were scheduled to open on April 1 for spring bear hunting closed pending further evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of spring bear permit holders traveling from outside the area. A decision on regular spring turkey may come by 4/6 link All state lands closed til 5/4 link added 4/6 Spring bear and turkey seasons are postponed until at least May 4. link added 4/6
West Virginia– 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Italy, and China link
Wyoming– all travelers coming to Wyoming quarantine for 14 days link
Vermont– 14 Day travel quarantine from any state link
Canada– inaugural New Brunswick spring turkey season canceled link US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel
Not listed, check your state of interest as many have their park buildings and camping and restroom facilities either closed altogether or not taking reservations until later this summer. Also noted that some states are banning overnight camping on public lands or designated primitive sites.
Hunting & Fishing Seasons COVID19 State Closures & Restrictions 4/3 Update
Update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons that are now an unfortunate reality. I will continue to update this as more states follow suit and when states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely.
Alaska– current 14-day mandatory quarantine order in place until April 21st. Hunters should not plan to travel to or arrive in Alaska before this date. link Gov. Mike Dunleavy rescinded the cancellation of all spring bear hunts in Alaska Thursday, saying that spring bear hunts will be open to Alaskan hunters, but not available to those non-residents and anyone from outside the state. link added 4/3
California– Hunting, fishing on base is suspended until further notice. link Edwards Air Force Base – restricted to mission-essential personnel only. link Fort Hunter Liggett- All 2020 Fishing and 2019-20 Hunting permits sales have been suspended. link
Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled link
Colorado– all playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are closed. Spring turkey hunters now are able to return their license for a refund at any time before the opening day of turkey season. link San Juan County-all public lands closed Fort Carson- hunting is NOT available on Fort Carson or Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site, USAF Academy “official business only”. Fishing the 5 lakes closed link
Delaware– All out-of-state residents traveling into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days link
Florida– 30-day stay-at-home order. those who fly or drive into Florida from states with substantial community spread to self-isolate in Florida for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. Some resources are closed link
Georgia– Fort Benning- Restricted to Authorized personnel only link Fort Gordon- close 1 Apr 2020 – 6 June 2020 link The Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests is temporarily shutting down all dispersed camping corridors, day-use areas, trailhead facilities and other recreation sites on the Blue Ridge Ranger District link added 4/3
Hawaii– All arriving residents and visitors will immediately go into a 14-day quarantines upon entering the state link Lana‘i Axis Deer Hunt Canceled link added 4/3
Illinois– all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites closed, hunting and fishing prohibited on public areas link
Kansas – travel quarantine from the following: International– China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran States- California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Washington link
Kentucky– All Fort Campbell iSportsman activities including hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation are closed. link People traveling to Kentucky from out-of-state will now be placed under quarantine for 14 days due to an executive order link suspending sale of non-resident turkey-hunting permits- 2020 spring turkey season link added 4/3
Massachusetts – MassWildlife canceled all 2020 Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars. Only those who have completed Basic Hunter Education and the Youth Turkey Hunting Seminar allowed to participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 25. link All travelers arriving in the Commonwealth are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, link Joint Base Cape Cod/Camp Edwards controlled turkey hunt canceled link added 4/3
Maine– all travelers coming to Maine quarantine for 14 days link
Maryland– strict w/penalty stay at home directive. recreational boating is banned. Subsistence hunting and fishing — limited hunting and limited recreational fishing and crabbing for sustenance only. No permits for fishing tournaments, Commercial fishing deemed essential link
Missouri– Fort Leonard Wood – Restricted to Authorized personnel only link
Montana– travelers arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. The Directive follows the governor’s prior travel advisory and last week’s Stay at Home Directive link
Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. link
New Hamshire– no longer issuing kid’s fishing derby permits or any bass tournament permits. Online sales only for licenses and permits link link
New York– West Point, Outdoor Recreation CLOSED or CANCELLED (until further notice) All reservations cancelled through 30 Apr 2020 link
North Carolina– multiple boat access, camping, public land closures see: link Dare County- Resident only travel. link
North Dakota– All travelers arriving to North Dakota from international locations and states with widespread coronavirus outbreaks must quarantine immediately for 14 days link
Ohio– stay-at-home order until May 1. People traveling into Ohio to self-quarantine for 14 days. link added 4/3
Oklahoma– order requiring travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana and Washington to undergo a 14-day quarantine. link
Oregon– recreational fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River closed link
Rhode Island– all out-of-state travelers will be stopped at the border and told to quarantine for 14 days if they intend to stay in the state. Order extended to all states because of the rate of infection in other areas, mentioning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Hampshire by name link
South Carolina– travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the city of New Orleans will be ordered to isolate or self-quarantine for 14-days or the duration of their trip. The order does not apply to people employed by airlines, performing or assisting with the military, health care or emergency response. link All dates all SCDNR Lottery hunts on WMA properties have been canceled. Sandhills National Wildlife Refuge hunts remain open unless a “Stay Home” order is declared. link added 4/3 Fishing events link added 4/3
Texas– Joint Base San Antonio – Hunting closed until further notice link 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: flying into Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the city of New Orleans, driving from the cities of Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta. Also included in the order are the states of Washington and California. link
Virginia– Langly AFB outdoor recreation canceled link Marine Corps Base Quantico- outdoor recreation canceled link
Washington– Fishing closed, youth turkey hunt canceled. Six game management units that were scheduled to open on April 1 for spring bear hunting closed pending further evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of spring bear permit holders traveling from outside the area. A decision on regular spring turkey may come by 4/6 link
West Virginia– 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Italy, and China link
Wyoming– all travelers coming to Wyoming quarantine for 14 days link added 4/3
Vermont– 14 Day travel quarantine from any state link
Canada– inaugural New Brunswick spring turkey season canceled link US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel
Not listed, check your state of interest as many have their park buildings and camping and restroom facilities either closed altogether or not taking reservations until later this summer. Also noted that some states are banning overnight camping on public lands or designated primitive sites.
Hunting & Fishing Seasons COVID19 State Closures & Restrictions 4/2 Update
Update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons that are now an unfortunate reality. I will continue to update this as more states follow suit and when states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely.
Alaska– current 14-day mandatory quarantine order in place until April 21st. Hunters should not plan to travel to or arrive in Alaska before this date. https://gov.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/COVID-19-Health-Mandate-010-Travel-Declaration.pdf added 4/1
California– Hunting, fishing on base is suspended until further notice. https://www.pendleton.marines.mil/Unit-Home/COVID-19/ added 4/2 Edwards Air Force Base – restricted to mission-essential personnel only. https://www.edwards.af.mil/coronavirus/ added 4/2 Fort Hunter Liggett- All 2020 Fishing and 2019-20 Hunting permits sales have been suspended. https://fthunter.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/2
Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled https://www.huntingfishing.com/index.php/2020/03/28/san-carlos-apache-tribe-cancels-spring-turkey-hunts-due-to-covid-19-concerns/
Colorado– all playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are closed. Spring turkey hunters now are able to return their license for a refund at any time before the opening day of turkey season. https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/COVID-19-Response.aspx#HuntFish updated 4/1 San Juan County-all public lands closed updated 4/2 Fort Carson- hunting is NOT available on Fort Carson or Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site updated 4/2 USAF Academy “official business only”. Fishing the 5 lakes closed https://usafa.isportsman.net/Default.aspx updated 4/2
Delaware– All out-of-state residents traveling into Delaware to immediately self-quarantine for 14 days https://6abc.com/health/delaware-covid-19-death-toll-rises-to-10;-319-confirmed-cases/6068140/ updated 4/2
Florida– 30-day stay-at-home order. those who fly or drive into Florida from states with substantial community spread to self-isolate in Florida for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. Some resources are closed https://myfwc.com/recreation/notices/ added 4/1
Georgia– Fort Benning- Restricted to Authorized personnel only https://ftbenning.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/2 Fort Gordon- close 1 Apr 2020 – 6 June 2020 https://ftgordon.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/2
Hawaii– All arriving residents and visitors will immediately go into a 14-day quarantines upon entering the state https://www.staradvertiser.com/2020/03/30/breaking-news/watch-live-gov-david-ige-discusses-coronavirus/ added 4/2
Illinois– all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites closed, hunting and fishing prohibited on public areas https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/news/Pages/Illinois-Department-of-Natural-Resources-Guidance–for-Spring-2020-Turkey-Seasons.aspx
Kansas – travel quarantine from the following: International– China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran States- California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Washington https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/3-27-20%20travel.pdf https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt/Turkey
Kentucky– All Fort Campbell iSportsman activities including hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation are closed. https://ftcampbell.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/1 People traveling to Kentucky from out-of-state will now be placed under quarantine for 14 days due to an executive order https://www.glasgowdailytimes.com/news/out-of-state-travelers-to-face-14-day-quarantine/article_5fb57cd6-7531-11ea-beb2-039ce4407c47.html added 4/2
Massachusetts – MassWildlife canceled all 2020 Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars. Only those who have completed Basic Hunter Education and the Youth Turkey Hunting Seminar allowed to participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 25. https://www.mass.gov/news/masswildlife-covid-19-response All travelers arriving in the Commonwealth are instructed to self-quarantine for 14 days, https://whdh.com/news/baker-all-travelers-arriving-in-mass-by-plane-train-or-car-will-be-asked-to-self-quarantine/ added 4/2
Maryland– strict w/penalty stay at home directive. recreational boating is banned. Subsistence hunting and fishing — limited hunting and limited recreational fishing and crabbing for sustenance only. No permits for fishing tournaments, Commercial fishing deemed essential https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/03/30/dnr-issues-guidance-on-governor-hogans-stay-at-home-order/
Missouri– Fort Leonard Wood – Restricted to Authorized personnel only https://ftleonardwood.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/2
Montana– travelers arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. The Directive follows the governor’s prior travel advisory and last week’s Stay at Home Directive http://fwp.mt.gov/covid19 added 4/1
Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. http://outdoornebraska.gov/wildturkey/
New Hamshire– no longer issuing kid’s fishing derby permits or any bass tournament permits. Online sales only for licenses and permits https://wildlife.state.nh.us/about/covid19.html https://www.1011now.com/content/news/Nonresident-spring-turkey-permit-sales-to-end-immediately-569248661.html
New York– West Point, Outdoor Recreation CLOSED or CANCELLED (until further notice) All reservations cancelled through 30 Apr 2020 https://westpoint.armymwr.com/covid19 added 4/2
North Carolina– multiple boat access, camping, public land closures see: https://www.ncwildlife.org/News/NCWRC-Coronavirus-related-Closings-and-Alerts#107242136-public-fishing-access-area-closures Dare County- Resident only travel. https://www.darenc.com/departments/emergency-management/entry added 4/2
North Dakota– All travelers arriving to North Dakota from international locations and states with widespread coronavirus outbreaks must quarantine immediately for 14 days https://www.cbs58.com/news/here-are-the-states-restricting-travel-from-within-the-us added 4/2
Ohio– stay-at-home order until May 1. People traveling into Ohio to self-quarantine for 14 days. https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/governor-mike-dewine-ohios-stay-at-home-order-extended-until-may-1/95-5c687939-2c07-4bc0-925b-91e44dfdd9ef added 4/3
Oklahoma– order requiring travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, California, Louisiana and Washington to undergo a 14-day quarantine. https://www.sos.ok.gov/documents/executive/1924.pdf added 4/2
Oregon– recreational fishing for salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River closed https://www.dfw.state.or.us/news/2020/03_mar/032520c.asp added 4/2
Rhode Island– all out-of-state travelers will be stopped at the border and told to quarantine for 14 days if they intend to stay in the state. Order extended to all states because of the rate of infection in other areas, mentioning New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and New Hampshire by name https://www.cbs58.com/news/here-are-the-states-restricting-travel-from-within-the-us added 4/2
South Carolina– travelers from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and the city of New Orleans will be ordered to isolate or self-quarantine for 14-days or the duration of their trip. The order does not apply to people employed by airlines, performing or assisting with the military, health care or emergency response. https://www.wyff4.com/article/live-at-4-pm-sc-governor-health-officials-give-update-on-coronavirus-cases-states-response/31957513 added 4/2
Texas– Joint Base San Antonio – Hunting closed until further notice https://jbsa.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/2 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: flying into Texas from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and the city of New Orleans, driving from the cities of Miami, Detroit, Chicago, Atlanta. Also included in the order are the states of Washington and California. https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-mandates-14-day-quarantine-for-road-travelers-arriving-in-texas-from-any-location-in-louisiana added 4/2
Virginia– Langly AFB outdoor recreation canceled https://www.jble.af.mil/Coronavirus/ added 4/2 Marine Corps Base Quantico- outdoor recreation canceled https://www.quantico.usmc-mccs.org/QuanticoMCCS/assets/File/MCCS%20COVID-19%20Update%2031%20Mar.pdf added 4/2
Washington– Fishing closed, youth turkey hunt canceled. Six game management units that were scheduled to open on April 1 for spring bear hunting closed pending further evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of spring bear permit holders traveling from outside the area. A decision on regular spring turkey may come by 4/6 https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/covid-19-updates
West Virginia– 14 Day travel quarantine from the following: Louisiana, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Italy and China https://www.cbs58.com/news/here-are-the-states-restricting-travel-from-within-the-us added 4/2
Vermont– 14 Day travel quarantine from any state https://www.cbs58.com/news/here-are-the-states-restricting-travel-from-within-the-us added 4/2
Canada– inaugural New Brunswick spring turkey season canceled https://www.facebook.com/251311101719404/photos/pcb.1360785240771979/1360796154104221/?type=3&theater US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel updated 4/1
Not listed, check your state of interest as many have their park buildings and camping and restroom facilities either closed altogether or not taking reservations until later this summer. Also noted that some states are banning overnight camping on public lands or designated primitive sites.
HUNTING & FISHING SEASONS COVID19 STATE CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS 4/1 Update
Update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons that are now an unfortunate reality. I will continue to update this as more states follow suit and when states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely.
Alaska– current 14-day mandatory quarantine order in place until April 21st. Hunters should not plan to travel to or arrive in Alaska before this date. https://gov.alaska.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/COVID-19-Health-Mandate-010-Travel-Declaration.pdf added 4/1
Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled https://www.huntingfishing.com/index.php/2020/03/28/san-carlos-apache-tribe-cancels-spring-turkey-hunts-due-to-covid-19-concerns/
Colorado– all playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are closed. Spring turkey hunters now are able to return their license for a refund at any time before the opening day of turkey season. https://cpw.state.co.us/aboutus/Pages/COVID-19-Response.aspx#HuntFish updated 4/1
Florida– 30-day stay-at-home order. those who fly or drive into Florida from states with substantial community spread to self-isolate in Florida for 14 days or the duration of their trip, whichever is shorter. Some resources are closed https://myfwc.com/recreation/notices/ added 4/1
Illinois– all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites closed, hunting and fishing prohibited on public areas https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/news/Pages/Illinois-Department-of-Natural-Resources-Guidance–for-Spring-2020-Turkey-Seasons.aspx
Kansas – travel quarantine from the following: International– China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran States- California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Washington https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/3-27-20%20travel.pdf https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt/Turkey
Kentucky- All Fort Campbell iSportsman activities including hunting, fishing and general outdoor recreation are closed. https://ftcampbell.isportsman.net/default.aspx added 4/1
Massachusetts – MassWildlife canceled all 2020 Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars. Only those who have completed Basic Hunter Education and the Youth Turkey Hunting Seminar allowed to participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 25. https://www.mass.gov/news/masswildlife-covid-19-response
Maryland– strict w/penalty stay at home directive. recreational boating is banned. Subsistence hunting and fishing — limited hunting and limited recreational fishing and crabbing for sustenance only. No permits for fishing tournaments, Commercial fishing deemed essential https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/03/30/dnr-issues-guidance-on-governor-hogans-stay-at-home-order/
Montana– travelers arriving from another state or country to Montana for non-work-related purposes undergo a 14-day self-quarantine. The Directive follows the governor’s prior travel advisory and last week’s Stay at Home Directive http://fwp.mt.gov/covid19 added 4/1
Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. http://outdoornebraska.gov/wildturkey/
New Hamshire– no longer issuing kid’s fishing derby permits or any bass tournament permits. Online sales only for licenses and permits https://wildlife.state.nh.us/about/covid19.html https://www.1011now.com/content/news/Nonresident-spring-turkey-permit-sales-to-end-immediately-569248661.html
North Carolina– multiple boat access, camping, public land closures see: https://www.ncwildlife.org/News/NCWRC-Coronavirus-related-Closings-and-Alerts#107242136-public-fishing-access-area-closures
Washington- Fishing closed, youth turkey hunt canceled. Six game management units that were scheduled to open on April 1 for spring bear hunting closed pending further evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of spring bear permit holders traveling from outside the area. A decision on regular spring turkey may come by 4/6 https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/covid-19-updates
Canada– inaugural New Brunswick spring turkey season canceled https://www.facebook.com/251311101719404/photos/pcb.1360785240771979/1360796154104221/?type=3&theater US Border currently closed to all non-essential travel updated 4/1
Not listed, check your state of interest as many have their park buildings and camping and restroom facilitates either closed altogether or not taking reservations until later this summer. Also noted that some states are banning overnight camping on public lands or designated primitive sites.
Hunting and Fishing Seasons COVID19 State closures and Restrictions
COVID19 , Corona Virus, China Virus, etc. will have an impact on your turkey hunting and fishing seasons in more than a few states. upon publishing prior related post earlier today, it became apparent that more than a few statewide decisions were made known yesterday and today. This is an update of currently impacted state turkey hunting and fishing seasons that are now an unfortunate reality. I will update this as more states follow suit and when states ease and or rescind restrictions entirely.
Arizona– San Carlos Apache Reservation turkey hunts canceled https://www.huntingfishing.com/index.php/2020/03/28/san-carlos-apache-tribe-cancels-spring-turkey-hunts-due-to-covid-19-concerns/
Colorado– all playgrounds, campgrounds, dispersed camping and camping facilities (including yurts and cabins) at Colorado’s state parks as well as camping at State Wildlife Areas are closed.
Illinois– all state parks, fish and wildlife areas, recreational areas and historic sites closed, hunting and fishing prohibited on public areas https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/news/Pages/Illinois-Department-of-Natural-Resources-Guidance–for-Spring-2020-Turkey-Seasons.aspx
Kansas – travel quarantine from the following: International– China, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran States- California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Washington https://khap2.kdhe.state.ks.us/NewsRelease/PDFs/3-27-20%20travel.pdf https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt/Turkey
Massachusetts – MassWildlife canceled all 2020 Youth Turkey Hunt Seminars. Only those who have completed Basic Hunter Education and the Youth Turkey Hunting Seminar allowed to participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt on April 25. https://www.mass.gov/news/masswildlife-covid-19-response
Maryland– strict w/penalty stay at home directive. recreational boating is banned. Subsistence hunting and fishing — limited hunting and limited recreational fishing and crabbing for sustenance only. No permits for fishing tournaments, Commercial fishing deemed essential https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2020/03/30/dnr-issues-guidance-on-governor-hogans-stay-at-home-order/
Nebraska– suspended the sale of nonresident spring turkey hunting permits immediately. http://outdoornebraska.gov/wildturkey/
New Hamshire– no longer issuing kid’s fishing derby permits or any bass tournament permits. Online sales only for licenses and permits https://wildlife.state.nh.us/about/covid19.html https://www.1011now.com/content/news/Nonresident-spring-turkey-permit-sales-to-end-immediately-569248661.html
North Carolina– multiple boat access, camping, public land closures see: https://www.ncwildlife.org/News/NCWRC-Coronavirus-related-Closings-and-Alerts#107242136-public-fishing-access-area-closures
Washington- Fishing closed, youth turkey hunt canceled. Six game management units that were scheduled to open on April 1 for spring bear hunting closed pending further evaluation. Nearly 90 percent of spring bear permit holders traveling from outside the area. A decision on regular spring turkey may come by 4/6 https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/covid-19-updates
Canada– inaugural New Brunswick spring turkey season canceled https://www.facebook.com/251311101719404/photos/pcb.1360785240771979/1360796154104221/?type=3&theater Ontario is also rumored to have changes, unable to confirm at this time.
Hunting and Fishing Seasons Still On With COVID19?
COVID19 , Corona Virus, China Virus, whatever label you prefer, it has or will have an impact on your turkey hunting and fishing seasons. For those of you with early seasons down south, you have enjoyed a geographic advantage that the rest of the country will see less of or maybe not at all. You have my envy for time afield.
Before I comment further it is prudent to say that health concerns, the well being of family, friends, neighbors, fellow humans rise well above our beloved pursuits of fin and feather. It may be painful to put our favorite seasons on the back burner, however the reasons for measures taken are stark and very clear although we may or may not agree on the severity or extent of some measures. We defer to our healthcare experts and those in charge of protecting the public. Fisherman, turkey hunters may know a lot of stuff, know it all according to some opinions, but let us leave this to the healthcare professionals as the go-to experts…
I will defer as to what is open or legal to engage in to each of your respective states as it changes daily if not hourly. Some states are temporarily closing public lands, gun stores,sporting good stores and waterways. Fishing in the state of Washington closed just recently. Please check with your local and state governments and respective DNR’s, DEC’s. etc Some states are recommending fishing, hiking, using open spaces as a means to decompress, work off stress, engage in healthy exercise without being in proximity of others.
For us in the northern states trout seasons open tomorrow in many places, turkey hunting opens mid April or May 1st for much of the North East. Maybe…
Turkey hunting and fishing can be enjoyed as a singular pursuit and with minimal interactions with others, easily beyond the six foot social distancing rule currently in place. Trips to the diners, restaurants after a great morning hunt, or day on the water are not allowed currently here in NY. The comforts that we might enjoy during epic fishing and hunting trips now have to be planned and in some cases discarded as non-essential services, businesses are either not open, or pickup and delivery only. Gatherings at hunting and fishing camps are now either temporarily banned or strongly discouraged. Again, you have to check with your respective state. Guiding and charter businesses are taking an especially hard hit in this shutdown.
Those that have planned trips, self guided, outfitters, fishing charters, any of you that have plans to travel may have to reschedule or absorb the costs of canceled hunts, and fishing charters well into early summer. We know it will open back up, but when is the billion dollar question.
For me, the trip to Maryland in late April looks to be a non starter. I am pledged to help the land owner take care of a nemesis gobbler on a great property that needs to be dealt with and it is a personal matter, a vendetta if you will. First fish camp for me in May is postponed, possibly canceled til next May. Just got word that the NYSOWA Spring safari for NY writers is canceled and to be combined in the fall. A trip to Maine later in May is sketchy as well. It is all very understandable, yet terribly disappointing. Like most of you, Spring seasons are a time of rejuvenation, recharging the batteries, a time we more than look forward to.
Should there be a travel ban which keeps coming up as a solution for mitigating the spread of the virus, it would put a big damper on racing from one hot spot to another to find a hot gobbler or from one body of water to another in the quest to find where the fish are biting . It would stop out of state travel all together from NY. Should the news turn from bad to something worse on this pandemic, you can see it happening.
As sportsmen we are driven each season sometimes with reckless abandon. As we are morally and legally obligated to follow the emergency measures in place and that has to be checked daily. We should be mindful of the spirit of the laws/orders put in place. The health and well being of our families, ourselves. any and all those we share this planet with can be greatly affected by our failure to do our part to reduce the spread, and the unfortunate impacts of the foe we currently face.
Stay safe, care for your families, and we’ll see you on the other side of this.
-MJ
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Reapercide
Reapercide
ˈriːpə-cide
(Noun)
The intentional act of provoking a lethal response from another turkey hunter. Achieved by donning a life-like or real turkey tail fan, whole or in part 3D decoy or taxidermy and carried/worn in front of their position for concealment while stalking, belly crawling, otherwise moving on lands designated for hunting. Other variations include gun barrel or archery mounting apparatus and hat mounted decoys or fans. Mimicking the calls of a wild turkey is often used while “reaping.”
Conceptually reflects of the hunter’s state of mind, and desire to end their own life, which can be difficult to determine post mortem. A suicide note may not be present or intent verbalized prior to the event. Research indicates an observed phenomenon of an absence of fatalistic thoughts and attributed to a hyper-focused psychosis to harvest wild turkeys with an acutely inhibited basal response of self-preservation. A suppressed cognitive awareness for the safety of others is also observed.
Hunter Safety PSA’s and hunter safety education materials state that hunters must clearly identify their target, and strongly cautions against stalking as an increased foreseeable risk. Reaping compromises commonly known safety practices by direct imitation, mimicking target animal sought after in legal seasons.
Also, see:
Suicide by turkey hunter
ˈsuəˌsaɪd bɪ ˈtɜrki ˈhʌntər
(adjective)
Turkey Fanicide
ˈtɜrki fanni cide
(Noun)
For a representative reenacted example see video below:
Turkey Fanning from Brian Flowers on Vimeo.
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media
Turkey Fanning & Reaping, Not Legal In All States
The NWTF and most if not all hunter safety education curriculums promote hunter safety in their published materials in all states which cautions specifically against the practice of stalking (fanning/reaping.) It can be claimed in all states but I have not confirmed that. As hunting regulations are governed by each state, the list is based on the premise of what is officially published.
It is popular among some hunters and prominently shown on some TV hunting shows. For calling it out, one can expect the usual pushback, attacks and trash talk. Nonsense, as a valid criticism of a practice laden with foreseeable risk, I’ll not apologize...
I get plenty of flack from those that subscribe to “any means possible.” A few decoy companies catering to the practice will not be sending christmas cards any time soon. I get that some see it as exciting and possibly the only thing that might work for gobblers that won’t leave a field, won’t budge. Outwitting a gobbler on its own terms might be fodder to be accused of elitism by these folks.
From personal experience, outwitting a stubborn gobbler by having the right set up, convincing the gobbler to forgo his natural instincts, and making calls that the bird wants to hear is a satisfaction you long remember.
Hate to break the news, that in the act of fair chase, the gobbler does win out sometimes. It is actually ok when it happens. We all have our nemesis, project birds that cause many hours of scheming and frustration. The reward of reaping or fanning a gobbler to a successful conclusion fails to outweigh the chosen and foreseeable risk.
Many of us find it an unacceptable risk with the exception of wide open fields/spaces where rifles are not allowed. As trespassing is far too common, the private land argument claiming it to be be safe holds no weight. The chaotic gun handling during a reaping, fanning stalk shown in videos is enough to make any hunter safety instructor cringe. It should make us all cringe.
Each year stories appear across the USA of a turkey hunter being shot. Sometimes a fatality, others a painful removal of dozens of leaded or tungsten shot, surgery, scarring, loss of sight or disfigurement. Details in nearly all reporting is sketchy, lacking in details as reporters are not intimate with our sport. Far too often it is called an accident which is a misuse of the term.
I am happy to report that fanning and reaping fatalities are not growing in epidemic numbers… At least by what can be researched online. There have been a few, each tragic and of course 100% avoidable. It is entirely preventable with the golden rules we are to abide by each time we head to the turkey woods. Zero incidents is the acceptable number as it is 100% preventable.
My opinion has not lessened or moderated on the idea of stalking or stalking with a manufactured or taxidermy decoy/fan of a gobbler carried in front, on the barrel, or as a hat decoy. Stalking of any kind plagues our sport and has for many years. The method is identified as one of the leading causes of turkey hunting incidents and fatalities.
List of States, Provinces
In a review on the various DNR’s, DEC’s, DWR’s etc, the following States enacted a ban on the practice of stalking, fanning, reaping, and specifically stated in their turkey hunting regulations:
Michigan New Jersey Pennsylvania South Carolina (WMA’s only) Rhode Island
The following States, and one Canadian Province issue a statement of caution specifically in their hunting regs and or species specific guides against the practice of stalking as a matter of safety:
Alabama Arkansas California Connecticut Idaho
Kentucky (specifically fanning/reaping) Maine Maryland Missouri
New York New Hampshire North Carolina Oklahoma Oregon
Ontario, Canada Vermont Washington Wisconsin
There may be more that publish separately as safe hunting tips, and hunting education courses. For my research I used the published hunting regs for each state or province. I will edit the list as others become known.
I would not expect states with predominantly wide open spaces to adopt such restrictions. Should there be an uptick in reckless events, fatalities, I would expect more states to take a more conservative position on this.
-MJ
© 2020 Mike Joyner- Joyner Outdoor Media