Spring Turkey Hunt Implemented at Cape Cod National Seashore

Date: February 23, 2012
Contact: Craig Thatcher, Acting Chief Ranger, 508-957-0735

Cape Cod National Seashore will implement a spring Eastern Wild turkey hunt beginning this year.The spring turkey hunt is a result of the Cape Cod National Seashore Hunting Program Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision signed in September 2007.The National Seashore is working towards increasing hunting opportunities for native upland game bird species while phasing out the release and hunting of ring-necked pheasant, a non-native species."The spring turkey hunt has been in development since the completion of the environmental impact statement," said Superintendent George Price. "I am happy it is finally being implemented."Since 2008 Seashore staff have been working on establishing a regulation change to allow the spring turkey hunt, while also restoring 270 acres of heathlands, which has an ancillary benefit of improving upland game bird habitat.

The spring turkey hunt will be consistent with most of the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife regulations.A National Seashore turkey hunting permit will be required at no cost in addition to the State hunting license and turkey stamp.The permit will be available four weeks before the start of the State spring turkey season.The 2012 National Seashore turkey season will run the first three weeks of the State four-week turkey season, from April 30 through May 19.Permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Cape Cod National Seashore Headquarters, 99 Marconi Site Road, Wellfleet, and at the Race Point Ranger Station, 200 Race Point Road, Provincetown. Permits for 2012 season will be available April 2, 2012. Hunters will need a driver's license or other picture ID, along with a State 2012 hunting license with turkey stamp to receive a National Seashore turkey hunting permit.Permits will be issued Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

For more information about the Cape Cod National Seashore spring turkey hunt call Craig Thatcher, Acting Chief Ranger at 508-957-0735, or check the park's website at, www.nps.gov/caco.

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