BISMARCK -- North Dakota's fall turkey season is set with 5,755 licenses available to hunters.
This year's figure is down 15 percent from last year.
However, an additional 1,300 licenses may be used early this fall in specific hunting units if turkey reproduction is exceptionally good this spring.
Harvest and population data from hunting units in the southwest and along portions of the Missouri River indicate turkey numbers have decreased due to poor production and chick recruitment in 2008 and 2009.
Above-average snowfall the last two winters and normal rainfall this spring has greatly improved habitat conditions in much of the state.
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Hunting units 21 (Hettinger and Adams counties) and 53 (Divide and Williams counties) will remain closed to fall turkey hunting in 2010 because of low turkey numbers.
The fall wild turkey season extends from Oct. 9 through Jan. 9, 2011.
Prospective hunters, including gratis applicants, can apply online, or print out an application to mail, beginning June 9 at the North Dakota Game and Fish Department's website, at http://gf.nd.gov .
Paper applications will be available in mid-June from Game and Fish Department offices, county auditors and license vendors.
Applications are also accepted at the department's toll-free licensing line at 1-800-406-6409. A service fee is added for license applications made over the phone.
Applications for the fall season must be postmarked no later than June 30. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply in the first lottery. Nonresidents can apply for fall turkey licenses that are still available following the first lottery.
