The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection wants to remind hunters that the 2017 spring wild turkey hunting season runs from April 26 through May 27.

Spring Turkey Junior Hunter Training Days will take place on state and private land from Saturday through April 22, excluding April 16. On these days, licensed junior hunters 12 to 15 years of age may hunt turkeys when accompanied by a licensed adult hunter 18 years of age or older, who must remain within physical contact and in a position to provide direct supervision and instruction. Training days provide junior hunters with an opportunity to learn safe and effective hunting practices from experienced hunters.

“In addition to longer and warmer days, spring brings a special treat for many Connecticut hunters — turkey hunting,” said Michael Gregonis, wild turkey program biologist for the DEEP Wildlife Division. “Our mixed hardwood forests and adjacent agricultural lands offer ideal habitat and plentiful forage, which in combination provide for some of the finest turkey hunting in New England.”

During the 2017 spring season, two bearded turkeys may be taken on state land and three on private land. Hunting is permitted from one-half hour before sunrise until noon each day.

This year will mark the 37th consecutive year that sportsmen have hunted turkeys in Connecticut. The statewide turkey population is estimated at approximately 35,000 birds. Healthy and numerous wild turkey populations exist throughout the majority of the state’s woodlands. During the 2016 spring turkey season, 8,655 hunters took 1,335 bearded turkeys.