COLUMBUS — Hunters harvested 1,338 wild turkeys during Ohio’s 2012 fall wild turkey season, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Ohio’s 2012 fall wild turkey hunting season was open Oct. 13-Nov. 25.

This year’s total is a 2.5 percent decline from 2011, when hunters bagged 1,372 wild turkeys. The 2010 harvest total was 1,425.

“Wild turkey hunting is a challenging activity that thousands of hunters enjoy year after year with family and friends,” said ODNR Director James Zehringer. “Ohio’s wild turkey population remains strong, and we appreciate those hunters who participated in the fall wild turkey season this year.”

The top 11 counties for fall turkey harvest were: Ashtabula (61), Coshocton (56), Geauga and Tuscarawas (53 each), Knox (46), Clermont (42), Licking (41), Guernsey (39), Holmes (38) as well as Adams and Richland (37 each). Ashtabula was also the top county in 2011, with 67 wild turkeys.

Meigs County hunters harvested 30 turkeys, up from 15 last year. Gallia County hunters harvested 25 turkeys, down from 36 last year.

Prior to the start of this fall’s hunting season, Ohio’s wild turkey population was approximately 180,000. More than 17,000 hunters, not including private landowners hunting on their own property, enjoyed Ohio’s fall wild turkey season. Hunters could pursue a wild turkey of either sex in 48 counties using a shotgun, muzzleloading shotgun, bow or crossbow.

More information about Ohio wild turkey hunting can be found at wildohio.com. Hunters can share photos by clicking on the Photo Gallery tab online.