Hunters killed fewer Wis. turkeys during fall hunt

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Wisconsin wildlife officials say hunters killed dramatically fewer turkeys during the fall hunt.

The Department of Natural Resources says hunters registered 4,633 birds, down 34 percent from 7,054 in 2012. Agency officials say a late spring and a wet June hampered turkey reproduction, resulting in fewer young turkeys on the landscape. But they say the kill drop-off is still surprising and they plan to review hunter surveys to see if hunter participation or effort dropped off.

The spring season is set to begin with a youth hunt on April 12. The regular season begins April 16.

DNR officials say even though 2013 saw poor reproduction a large number of males hatched in 2012 and are now adults, promising plenty of gobbling action.