Early turkey season to benefit youth, hunters with disabilities | GainesvilleTimes.com

State residents will have the opportunity to speak this week on new legislation allowing the season to begin early for certain groups.

House Bill 207 went into effect July 1, directing the Department of Natural Resources to establish a separate turkey season for youth and mobility-impaired hunters.

DNR is proposing to open the weekend before the season officially begins.

“Traditional turkey season is the first Saturday after March 19,” said John Bowers, DNR’s assistant chief of game management. The season runs through May 15.

That early weekend would be only for the two groups noted.

“I think that would be fine,” said Paul Kesmodel, president of Cherokee Gun Club, off Candler Road in Gainesville. “I think most hunters would probably encourage that, because we are trying to encourage more folks to get involved in the shooting sports.”

via Early turkey season to benefit youth, hunters with disabilities.