In this live episode, we sit down with Mike Peters, the Wild Turkey Project Leader for the West Virginia DNR, to dive deep into the record-shattering 2026 Spring Gobbler season.
West Virginia hunters saw a massive 12.3% increase in harvest this year, totaling 13,768 birds—well above the 5-year and 10-year averages. Mike breaks down the data behind the success, explains how the strong brood production of 2024 fueled this year's harvest, and highlights the top-performing counties like Mason, Kanawha, and Preston.
We also discuss:
- Mike’s role on the NWTF Technical Committee and how WV’s turkey population compares to the national landscape.
- The science of biological monitoring for disease and overall herd health.
- How the WVDNR uses harvest data to shape management and future regulatory recommendations.
- Brird Survey: How you can help the WVDNR predict the 2028 season by reporting what you see in the woods this summer.
WVDNR Harvest Data and Numbers Article
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