GOSHEN, Conn. (AP) — State environmental officials say the state's turkey population is healthy but a bit smaller than it was a year ago at the start of hunting season.

The 34th annual turkey hunting season opened Tuesday and runs until May 31.

The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection tells the Waterbury Republican-American the population is estimated at about 35,000 birds this spring, down from about 40,000 a year ago.

Officials say last year's wet spring inhibited the survival of poults. The baby birds also have been susceptible to a rising population of predators such as coyotes and bobcats.

Licensed hunters are allowed to bag three bearded birds on private land and two on state land.

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Information from: Republican-American, www.rep-am.com