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Ohio’s wild turkey poult index, a metric used to estimate nest success and poult survival for the bird, was 2.7 poults per hen in 2025, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Ohio’s 10-year average for poults per hen is 2.8.
The Division of Wildlife relies on public reports of wild turkeys and their young, called poults, in July and August of each year to estimate nest success and poult survival. The annual poult index can serve as an indicator of wild turkey population trends and inform harvest regulations in future years. Turkey brood success is largely influenced by weather conditions, habitat, and predation. This year’s index was based on 742 responses.
This year’s slightly below average brood results follow four consecutive years of above average results. Wild turkey brood surveys in 2021 (3.1 poults per hen), 2022 (3.0), 2023 (2.8), and 2024 (2.9) showed strong nest productivity that benefitted Ohio’s turkey population. The long-term average increased in 2024 because of recent turkey nest success.
Turkey poult production varied slightly by region. This variability is due in part to differing regional weather patterns during the nesting season. Additionally, Ohio’s turkey population is typically stronger in eastern and southern counties because of landscape characteristics and habitat availability.
The restoration of the wild turkey in Ohio is among the state’s most notable wildlife success stories. Wild turkeys were wiped out around 1904, and the Division of Wildlife began reintroducing wild turkeys to the Buckeye State in the 1950s. For the next five decades, the wild turkey population grew and expanded rapidly, facilitated by trap-and-transfer efforts. By 1999, wild turkeys were found in all 88 counties.
Ohio’s first modern day spring wild turkey hunting season opened in 1966 in nine counties, and hunters checked 12 birds. The total number of harvested turkeys topped 1,000 for the first time in 1984. Turkey hunting opened statewide in 2000. The highest Ohio spring wild turkey harvest was in 2001, when hunters checked 26,156 birds.
Ohio’s fall wild turkey hunting season is open in 70 counties until Sunday, Oct. 26. The season bag limit is one turkey of either sex. A valid Ohio hunting license and fall turkey permit are required, unless exempted. All successful hunters are required to complete the game check process. Check the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more information on fall turkey hunting, game check, and license and permit requirements.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.