The 2012 spring turkey season opens in the North Country May 1, and the annual Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend is set for April 21-22.

Turkey hunting remains a very popular activity with more than 100,000 turkey hunters taking to the field each spring, according to state Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens

Eligible Youth Hunt hunters are 12 to 15 years old and must hold a junior hunting license and a turkey permit. Those 12 and 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or adult over 21 years of age with written permission from their parent or legal guardian. Those 14 and 15 years old must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or adult over 18 years of age with written permission from their parent or legal guardian.

The accompanying adult must have a current hunting license and turkey permit. The adult may assist the youth hunter, including calling, but may not carry a firearm or bow, or kill or attempt to kill a wild turkey during the youth hunt.

Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.

The bag limit for the youth weekend is one bearded bird. This bird becomes part of the youth's regular spring season bag limit of two bearded birds. A second bird may be taken beginning May 1.

All other wild turkey hunting regulations are in effect.

For the 2012 spring turkey season May 1-31:

· Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their small game hunting or sportsman license.

· Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.

· Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day.

· Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 8, or with a bow and arrow.

· Successful hunters must fill out the tag which comes with their turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested.

· Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call (866) 426-3778 or report harvest online at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8316.html

For more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2011-12 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the “Turkey Hunting” pages of the DEC website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/8366.html.