Officials say wild S.C. turkeys are being over-hunted

COLUMBIA (AP) — South Carolina state wildlife officials say wild turkeys in the state are being over-hunted.

The State reports wildlife officials say the issue lies with legislation that extended the turkey hunting season four years ago despite the bird's plummeting population.

Legislators said Wednesday that the 2015 law that extended the turkey hunting season by three weeks also included a tougher bag limit in an attempt to help the turkey population. But Natural Resources and the National Wild Turkey Federation says the law had the opposite effect.

Wildlife agency gave legislators a four-year study this month that says the hunting season needs to be pushed back as birds are now being killed in prime mating season. Sen. Chip Campsen says he plans to introduce legislation to adjust the season.