Missouri turkey hunters checked 44,187 birds during the spring hunting season, according to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).
The season ran April 18 through May 8. Combined with the 4,167 birds checked during the 2-day youth harvesting season, the overall amount was 48,354. The number is 78 fewer turkeys than in 2015.
The top three counties where birds where harvested were Franklin with 961, St. Clair with 878, and Texas with 861.
Through decades of restoration efforts, MDC estimates today’s turkey population in the state is over 300,000. The agency says the sport brings in more than $125 million each year on travel, food, lodging, and hunting equipment.
To view turkey and deer harvesting totals from the MDC, click here.