Vermont’s spring turkey hunting season opens Friday

MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - Vermont’s spring turkey hunting season is about to get underway

The season opens on Friday and runs through May 31. The Fish and Wildlife Department says hunters must report their turkeys online on the department’s website this year and are not to go to big game checking stations to report them or get them weighed to promote social distancing amid the coronavirus outbreak.

“The department would like to know the estimated weight of any birds harvested, but accurate weights are not necessary. We want everyone to stay healthy and safe,” said Mark Scott, the department’s director of wildlife.

The department urges hunters to hunt only if they are healthy, and to do so close to home. It also says to travel and go out alone or with a family member who is in close contact.

Shooting hours are from a half hour before sunrise to noon.

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This story has been corrected to reflect that the season is about to get underway on Friday.