Raleigh- NC Wildlife Reaources Commission announced on Friday April 28, 2017 that the hunting of Eastern Wild Turkey in North Carolina will be prohibited in 2018 and for the foreseeable future. Turkey Project Biologist Dick Small said in the press call that having seen the population decimated by the continued Avian Herpes epidemic that has swept through several Southeastern States – that the population would be wiped out by continued sport hunting. Small also added that Avian Herpes has spread rapidly due to the male turkeys complete inability to remain monogamous and faithful to one hen. Furthermore, biologist appointed by Governor Roy Cooper point to the fact that the problem has been further exacerbated by the fact that Donald Trump was elected President.
The Commission urges interested parties to visit their website: www.ncwildlife.org/turkherps for more information on this devastating disease.