If you’ve been itching to hunt turkeys in Utah’s backcountry this spring, but you haven’t made it out yet, there’s still time to buy a permit and head afield.

Utah’s general statewide turkey hunt runs until May 31. Hunting permits are available until the hunt ends.

Jason Robinson, upland game coordinator for the Division of Wildlife Resources, says hunters are reporting good success this season.

“The weather has been up and down, though,” Robinson says, “making it a bit harder to pattern birds. We’ve had snow and extra warm temperatures, all in the same week.”

Robinson encourages you to spend a lot of time looking for birds. “If you don’t see turkey sign or hear birds,” he says, “keep moving. Turkeys move around a lot this time of year. Be prepared to go where the birds are.”

If you hear a gobble, Robinson encourages you to work that bird immediately. “If you don’t,” he says, “by tomorrow, he might be in a different area.”

*How to get a permit*

If you’d like to get in on the action—and hunt turkeys right away—buy your permit from a hunting license agent or a DWR office.

If you buy a permit at www.wildlife.utah.gov, you won’t be able to hunt until your permit arrives in the mail. It will probably take a few days for your permit to arrive.

*Basic tips and tricks*

Tips and tactics to help you take a turkey—including videos that cover the basics of turkey hunting—are available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/turkeys.More information about hunting turkeys in Utah is also available in the 2017 – 2018 Utah Upland Game and Turkey Guidebook. The free guidebook is available at www.wildlife.utah.gov/guidebooks.

“There’s still time to get into the backcountry and hunt turkeys this spring,” Robinson says. “May is a great month to be outdoors with your family and friends. The weather is nice, and there are plenty of turkeys to hunt.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF VODNE WHITESKUNK-CHAPOOSE