CAMPBELL COUNTY, Va. (WSET) — Gobbler season opens this weekend across Virginia, and conservation police are urging hunters and anyone spending time outdoors to stay alert because turkey hunting can be more dangerous than other seasons.
Officials say the way turkeys are hunted, combined with what hunters wear, can create real risks in the woods. During turkey season, hunters often follow birds that are constantly moving and making noise. However, unlike deer season, blaze orange is not required, meaning many hunters wear full camouflage, which can make it difficult to see one another.
Officials said that lack of visibility can lead to dangerous situations.
“So you always have to be vigilant of your target and what’s beyond your target,” said Tyler Thompson, a Virginia conservation police officer.
Statewide, there are typically two to three hunting-related incidents each turkey season, and officers say incidents still happen locally from time to time.
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“Unlike deer season, you do not have to wear blaze-orange coloring or blaze-orange clothing. In general, in this time of year, hunters are going to be wearing full camouflage, which can make it very dangerous because you can’t see them and they can’t see you, usually until it’s too late,” Thompson said.
Officers said it’s critical for hunters to always know their target and what’s beyond it. They also warned that following turkeys can lead people onto property they don’t have permission to be on.
For people who aren’t hunting, officials said they should still be aware if they’re outdoors this time of year. If shots sound too close or something doesn’t seem right, they said to call it in. They say you can contact them by calling (800)-237-5712.
Officers said that at the end of the day, one accident is too many, and staying aware can make all the difference.