Wednesday, February 10, 2010

PGC Turkey Study

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is embarking upon a multi-year study of wild turkey hen harvest and survival rates. Two wildlife management units 2F and 2G will have a three weeks fall hunting season during 2010 & 2011 followed by a two week season in 2012 & 2013. Units 2C, 2E, 4A, 4B, and 4D will have a two week fall season during 2010 & 2011 followed by three weeks during 2012 & 2013.


While roaming about our area one day back in mid January I happened to run across a location where the local PGC officers were preparing to capture turkeys.


In the foreground of this photo are the three rockets attached to a 40’ X 50’ net. The net and associated equipment is camouflaged with straw with the baited area directly in front. Once turkeys are coming regularly to the bait PGC personnel conceal themselves nearby to fire the rockets which then carries the net over the birds effecting the capture.


Photo by Andy Carbaugh
After firing the net the turkeys are rolled in the netting to secure them

Photo by Andy Carbaugh

The turkeys are processed, banded and then released at the trapping location

I wish to thank Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer Andy Carbaugh of Rangers Adventures for supplying me with the images he captured at the trapping event.


5 comments:

Montanagirl said...

Gosh, that's interesting. Nice post!

Meggie said...

Were you a teacher before you took up photography full time? I so enjoy reading and learning about wildlife projects from your blog...especially since we're from the same state. I feel even more of an appreciation since it is happening in my own "backyard." Thanks for education, Coy!

Melinda said...

I am so happy I ran across your blog. I am orig from Penn now living in Oklahoma. I enjoy your photographs immensly.! I will be reading...
Thank you!

Coy Hill said...

Sorry Meggie, never a teacher or a full time photographer but I do enjoy outdoor/wildlife photography and enjoy sharing.

Heather said...

Great post Coy! I love our PA turkeys and often have some of them visit my backyard. It's great to see that even in times of economical distress the PGC is still working toward some good things for our wildlife!