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Hunters in Kentucky are gearing up for the General Spring Turkey Hunting Season, which opens up this Saturday.

The General Spring Turkey Hunting Season will run for 23 days, from April 12 until May 4. The statewide spring turkey harvest limit is two legal turkeys, which Kentucky Fish and Wildlife says “is defined as a turkey that is male or has a visible beard.”

The KFW Wild Turkey Program says an unusually high number of younger birds were found during winter netting and leg banding research, which aligns with productive hatching numbers in 2024. This year’s spring season should be favorable for younger or inexperienced hunters as younger birds are typically easier targets.

Turkey hunters are encouraged to visit the KFW’s Spring Hunting Guide, which has updated information on current regulations. Hunters may purchase their licenses and permits through the MyProfile portal on fw.ky.gov.

The commonwealth has many options for hunting on public lands. Go to the Wildlife Management Area and Public Lands Search under the Hunters tab on the KFW website to find a property near you.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear provided an update as communities across the commonwealth continue to see impacts from recent severe weather.

While rain has ceased and water has receded in many areas, several rivers and creeks remain at or above the flood stage. The National Water Prediction Service measured the Ohio River at McAlpine Lower at 67.85 feet Tuesday night, with a crest of 68.4 feet projected for Wednesday evening.

Search and rescue teams have performed 142 rescues and 272 evacuations. The Kentucky State Police has responded to nearly 19,000 calls for service. The governor says four people in four counties have been killed as a result of flooding. Kentuckians are urged to stay alert and watch for high water.

“The biggest concerns that we have right now are cars driving through water, are people going around barricades,” Beshear said. “I just saw a new story about another rescue that had to occur because someone drove around barricades. When you do that, you not only put your life in danger, you put the lives of everybody who’s coming to rescue you in danger.”

The governor reported that just over 2,600 people across the state were without power as of Tuesday morning. About 850 customers are without water, and boil water advisories are in effect for about 4,000 customers.

Kentuckians with non-life-threatening needs may contact the state’s Emergency Management Line at 502-607-6665, and those affected by the storms may reach the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. Kentuckians looking to support those in need may donate to the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund, more information on which is available at www.kentucky.gov.

Beshear declared a state of emergency ahead of the storms on April 2, and the White House approved Beshear’s request for an emergency disaster declaration on April 4. LaRue County approved a local state of emergency Tuesday.