Eastern Shore sees increased turkey harvest, while state numbers fall

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has reported a total harvest of 20,565 wild turkeys during the 2025 spring season, marking the fourth-highest spring harvest in state history. While the overall number represents a 6% decline from 2024, both Accomack and Northampton Counties bucked the trend with notable increases in turkey harvests.

In Accomack County, hunters harvested 318 turkeys, a 12% increase from 2024 and a 10% rise above the county’s three-year average. Northampton County also saw an increase, with 86 turkeys harvested—up 16% from the previous year and 12% above the three-year average.

While a decrease year over year, the statewide harvest was the approximately the 3rd largest ever. The DWR attributes the statewide decline to lower turkey brood recruitment over the past two years. Annual brood surveys in 2022 and 2023 showed below-average numbers of juvenile turkeys (poults), which are critical for maintaining adult turkey populations in future seasons. This lower recruitment appears to have translated into fewer mature turkeys available to hunters in 2025. Notably, the proportion of juvenile gobblers—or “jakes”—harvested increased from 7% last season to 11% this year, a sign that more young birds were taken due to the reduced adult population.

DWR Executive Director Ryan Brown emphasized that Virginia’s turkey populations continue to offer strong recreational opportunities, noting that natural variability in hatching, weather, and food availability contributes to year-to-year changes.

“Even with annual fluctuations based on the hatch, weather, and food conditions, turkey populations continue to provide great recreational opportunities across the Commonwealth,” Brown stated.

While turkey numbers remain healthy in many parts of the state, DWR cautions that certain areas are not meeting population goals outlined in Virginia’s Wild Turkey Management Plan. The agency stressed that habitat improvements aimed at boosting nesting and brood success will be key to maintaining and growing turkey populations long-term.