RAC approves expanded turkey control permits and vouchers, asks DWR to study transfer options

The Southern Region RAC approved DWR's upland and wild turkey recommendations on June 4, backing measures designed to give private landowners more tools to address turkey damage while keeping spring‑nest protections in place.

Heather Thally, the upland game coordinator, described a package that increases free control permits for landowners (from two to up to five in some cases), authorizes control‑permit vouchers that can be transferred or sold (DWR proposed vouchers equaling roughly 10% of offending animals with a 15‑voucher maximum), and clarifies season windows (control vouchers available Aug. 1–March 14). "We intend internally to assess the damage and offer 10% of the offending animals in vouchers, up to 15," Thally said.

Public commenters supported and criticized the recommendations. Representatives of Sportsmen and Farm Bureau praised the package as a drought‑era tool to mitigate crop and hay damage. The National Wild Turkey Federation supported increased control permits but warned that transferring vouchers to the public could create a pay‑to‑play market and reduce public hunting access. "We strongly oppose the commodification of turkeys; it risks creating financial incentives that reduce public opportunity," said Chuck Carpenter of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

RAC discussion balanced producer relief and public‑access concerns. Members pressed DWR on compensation methods for damaged hay and seed, season timing and whether vouchers would be usable by neighbors or donated to youth or veterans. The RAC passed a motion (Bryant) to approve the recommendations with a caveat asking DWR to explore transfer mechanisms (donation to kids, disabled veterans or youth groups) and report back; the motion passed 7–1 (Bart opposed).

Next steps: DWR will finalize rule language and provide guidance on voucher administration and damage assessment methods and will report on transfer options in a subsequent RAC packet.