Prepare to show off in the Bluegrass State! Kentucky’s well-known turkey hunting seasons provide an exciting opportunity for both experienced and first-time hunters. Whether you’re hunting for fall birds or spring gobblers, this thorough guide will provide you with all the knowledge you need to ensure a successful hunt.
Spring Turkey Hunting:
Dates:
- Youth-Only Season: April 1-2, 2023
- General Season: April 15 – May 7, 2023
Bag Limits:
- Youth-Only Season: 1 turkey per day
- General Season: 1 turkey per day, with a maximum of 2 turkeys for the entire season. One of these turkeys must have a visible beard.
Hunting Hours:
- 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Additional Information:
- Hunters must possess a valid Kentucky hunting license and a spring turkey permit.
- Youth hunters under 12 are exempt from license and permit requirements.
- Hunters 12-15 years old can purchase a youth turkey permit, valid for one turkey during the license year.
- Check the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) website for specific regulations and updates.
Fall Turkey Hunting:
Dates:
- Shotgun Season: Oct. 28 – Nov. 3 and Dec. 2 – 8, 2023
- Archery Season: Sept. 2, 2023 – Jan. 15, 2024
- Crossbow Season: Oct. 1 – 22 and Nov. 11 – Dec. 31, 2023
Bag Limits:
- Fall Season: 2 turkeys for the entire season.
- Shotgun Season: 1 turkey per day.
- Archery and Crossbow Seasons: 1 turkey per day, with a maximum of 2 turkeys for the entire season. One of these turkeys must have a visible beard.
Hunting Hours:
- Shotgun Season: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
- Archery and Crossbow Seasons: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
Additional Information:
- Hunters must possess a valid Kentucky hunting license and a fall turkey permit.
- Youth hunters under 12 are exempt from license and permit requirements.
- Hunters 12-15 years old can purchase a youth turkey permit, valid for one turkey during the license year.
- Check the KDFWR website for specific regulations and updates.
Essential Gear:
- Shotgun: 10 gauge or smaller, 410 gauge or larger.
- Bow: Minimum draw weight of 40 pounds.
- Crossbow: Minimum draw weight of 70 pounds.
- Broadheads: Non-barbed, minimum cutting diameter of 7/8 inch.
- Camouflage: Choose patterns that blend with the environment.
- Calls: Box calls, mouth calls, and slate calls are popular choices.
- Decoys: Hen and jake decoys can be effective.
- Safety Gear: Hunter orange clothing, eye and ear protection.
Tips for Success:
- Scout your hunting area: Look for signs of turkey activity, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers.
- Practice calling: Mastering turkey calls can increase your chances of success.
- Be patient: Turkeys are wary creatures, so be prepared to wait for the right opportunity.
- Stay safe: Always follow safe hunting practices and wear hunter orange clothing during the fall season.
Additional Resources:
- KDFWR Spring Turkey Hunting: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Spring-Turkey-Hunting.aspx
- KDFWR Fall Turkey Hunting: https://fw.ky.gov/Hunt/Pages/Fall-Turkey-Hunting.aspx
- eRegulations Kentucky Turkey Hunting: https://www.eregulations.com/kentucky/hunting/turkey-hunting-seasons-limits
Get ready to experience the thrill of Kentucky turkey hunting! With careful preparation and a bit of luck, you’ll be strutting your stuff in the Bluegrass State in no time. Remember to always follow ethical hunting practices and enjoy the outdoors responsibly.
SEASON DATES AND RESTRICTIONS
| FALL TURKEY | SHOTGUN | ARCHERY | CROSSBOW |
| Oct. 26 – Nov. 1 and Dec. 7 – 13, 2024 | Sept. 7, 2024 – Jan. 20, 2025 | Oct. 1 – 20 and Nov. 9 – Dec. 31, 2024 |
- Two (2) turkeys for the fall season.
- One (1) turkey with at least three (3) inches of beard
- One (1) turkey with no beard at all or with a beard shorter than three (3) inches
- One (1) turkey may be taken per day.
Adult hunters: Unless they are exempt, all fall turkey hunters, 16 years of age and up, must carry a valid fall turkey permit and proof of purchase with them when hunting. Short-term (1- or 7-day) hunting licenses are not valid for turkey hunting. With a fall turkey permit, good for the fall archery, crossbow, and shotgun turkey seasons, a hunter may harvest up to the fall season bag limit of turkeys.
YOUTH SUPERVISION
Turkey hunters under the age of fifteen must always be accompanied by an adult who is prepared to take immediate possession of the child’s firearm in the event of an emergency. .
Youth hunters: Youths younger than 12 are exempt from license and turkey permit requirements. Young people between the ages of 12 and 15 can purchase a youth turkey permit, which is good for one turkey during any given turkey season. The youth permit may be used by young hunters for the whole license year, but they have to abide by harvest limitations and bag limits for the season. The youth sportsman’s license includes two (2) youth turkey permits. Anyone may call turkeys or assist in the hunt. Callers and assistants are not required to possess a hunting license or a turkey permit in order to carry equipment while out in the field. .
KENTUCKY TURKEY SEASON!!! (Opening Weekend!)
FAQ
How long is turkey season in Kentucky?
Is it legal to bait turkeys in Kentucky?
Is Kentucky a good turkey hunting state?
Can you hunt on your own land without a license in Kentucky?