When turkey hunting this spring, how can I tell if I’m shooting a bearded or male turkey? And aren’t all male turkeys bearded? This seems confusing, what happens if I accidentally shoot a female turkey?
The spring turkey hunting season limit is restricted to one male or bearded turkey intentionally, in order to protect the hen or female during the egg-laying/brooding season. If a hunter kills a hen, inadvertently or intentionally, that most likely prevents that bird’s brood from hatching, thereby killing many more birds.
A wild turkey’s beard is not the best way to identify a male turkey in the field. A hunter should also look for the red, white and blue head typical of toms/males, as well as their black appearance as opposed to the brown appearance of the hen/female turkey.
The male’s black appearance is caused by the body feathers of a tom turkey that are tipped with black, making the body appear black. Most, but not all, male turkeys have a beard. In contrast, most, but not all, female turkeys lack a beard, though it is not unheard of for a hen to have a beard.
Accidentally shooting a female turkey without a beard is a crime punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail plus court costs and a replacement fee of $500.
Given that, it’s well worth a hunter’s time to study up on his or her potential quarry before taking to the woods to hunt wild turkeys or any other species. These rules are intended to protect the species so that future generations will be able to enjoy them. Wild turkeys were nearly extirpated from Indiana just a few years ago, and only through careful management can we ensure that this does not happen again.
What role does the DNR play in cases of stream pollution?
The DNR Law Enforcement Division investigates complaints and reports of stream pollution, often in cooperation with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management, which maintains a toll-free hotline for the reporting of spills, (888) 233-7745.
Pollution comes in many forms and causes, some accidental and some intentional. All reports and complaints are investigated. Violations of environmental laws are pursued through state courts, IDEM’s administrative processes or, in some of the most severe cases, through federal courts.
In cases of intentional discharge of pollutants, high fines, imprisonment and replacement fees are assessed so that polluters are punished and offending parties are held accountable for the cost of cleanup and restoration of the damaged resources.
To submit a question to Ask a CO, email OI@dnr.IN.gov or write to Outdoor Indiana, Ask a Conservation Officer, 402 W. Washington Street, Suite W255B, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
