State considers boosting limits for wild turkey hunting

Under the proposal, hunters could bag three turkeys per year, up from two.David L. Ryan/Globe Staff/File

State wildlife officials will hold two informational meetings next month on a proposed increase on limits for wild turkey hunting in Massachusetts.

Turkeys are abundant in Massachusetts and harvest numbers have been stable, and “populations will remain robust statewide with increased harvest limits and expanded seasons,” according to a statement on MassWildlife’s website.

The changes include increasing the annual limit on the number of turkeys from two to three birds per hunter, according to MassWildlife.

“Given the overall high population of turkeys, increasing the annual limit will not impact turkey abundance in the state,” the agency said.

The proposal would also expand the archery hunting season for turkeys so it coincides with the archery hunting season for deer.

The change “will increase opportunity for turkey bowhunters and those deer bowhunters who may have enhanced opportunity to take a turkey while deer hunting,” the statement said.

The first public meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 7, at 6 p.m. at MassWildlife Field Headquarters at 1 Rabbit Hill Road in Westborough.

Another meeting will be held Wednesday, Feb. 13, at 6:30 p.m. at the Palmer Public Library at 1455 N. Main St. in Palmer.

A MassWildlife official will make a presentation on turkey hunting and the proposed changes, which will be followed by a question and answer session, the statement said.