COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio's spring season for hunting wild turkeys opens Monday with youths allowed to begin hunting the popular game bird this weekend.


The Ohio Department of Natural Resources says Ohio has had above-average hatch years that should result in many 2-year-old and 1-year-old male turkeys. The agency's Division of Wildlife anticipates about 70,000 licensed hunters aside from landowners hunting on their own property.


The spring and youth turkey seasons are open statewide with the exception of Lake La Su An Wildlife Area in Williams County. A special hunting permit is required there.


Hunters must have a hunting license and a spring turkey hunting permit. They may use shotguns or archery equipment. The wild turkey hunting season ends on Sunday, May 18. Ohio currently has about 180,000 wild turkeys.


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