In celebration of spring turkey season, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has published a sixth season of Struttin’ in the Bluegrass. The five-episode season is available on the Fish and Wildlife website, and features a variety of guests and hunting experts.
Merle Hacker is an environmental biologist, lifelong hunter, and host of the show. He said hunters can benefit from the program regardless of experience.
“Whether it be field birds, hunting farm birds, versus people that might want to hunt public land, or more mountainous terrain in the timber. Turkey hunting - I mean hardly any two people do it the same. It's cool in that you can kind of learn things and make it your own,” said Hacker.
In addition to Struttin’ in the Bluegrass, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife offers a number of educational programs year-round, including “Field to Fork”. It is a beginner-friendly course that covers various hunting and cooking techniques.
Hacker added turkey hunting is an especially accessible entry point for those new to the sport.
“I think anybody that's new to hunting - turkey hunting is a ton of fun. It's during the time of the year that the weather is generally pretty nice. It's warmer, the woods are coming to life, everything's greening up and the birds are singing. And it's just a lot of fun. It's a way you can spend time with family and friends,” said Hacker.
The statewide spring harvest limit is two turkeys, which must be male or have a visible beard. More information about spring turkey hunting season and steps towards registering for a license can be found online. The season closes on May 4th.