Gobbling Up Glory: Your Guide to Maine’s 2024 Turkey Hunting Seasons

Ah the thrill of the hunt, the excitement of the chase and the satisfaction of a successful harvest. If you’re a turkey hunter, Maine’s 2024 season promises to be a memorable one, offering ample opportunities to bag those elusive gobblers. But before you head out to the woods, it’s crucial to brush up on the season dates, bag limits, and regulations to ensure a safe and successful hunt.

Spring Turkey Season: A Time for Gobblers and Gobblets

The spring season kicks off on April 29th, 2024, and runs until June 1st, 2024, giving you plenty of time to test your skills and lure those wary toms into range In Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) 7 and 9-29, all hunters can bag two bearded turkeys during this period However, in WMDs 1-6 and 8, the bag limit is one bearded turkey per hunter.

On April 27, 2024, aspiring young hunters will have the opportunity to participate in the action during Youth Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Day. On this unique day, children are permitted to take two bearded turkeys from WMDs, with a two-bird limit. It doesn’t matter what order you eat your turkeys as long as you don’t exceed the number of individual WMD bags allowed.

Fall Turkey Season: A Chance for Multiple Birds

The fall season offers another opportunity to fill your freezer with delicious wild turkey It runs from September 16th, 2024, to November 7th, 2024, giving you a chance to bag up to five wild turkeys (either sex, any age) for the entire season However, the individual WMD bag limit still applies, so be sure to check the regulations for your specific hunting area.

You are allowed to bag up to five turkeys in WMDs 15–17, 20–25, with a daily cap of two. The season bag limit in WMDs 26, 28, and 6-8, 10-14, 18, 19, 27, and 29 is three turkeys, with a daily limit of one. WMDs 1-5 and 9 are closed to turkey hunting during the fall season.

Remember that on September 14, 2024, is Youth Fall Wild Turkey Day. Young hunters are allowed to take up to two bearded turkeys from WMDs, with a two-bird limit.

Additional Resources for Your Maine Turkey Hunting Adventure

To ensure a safe and successful turkey hunting experience, be sure to consult the following resources:

• Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife (MDIFW) website: This website provides comprehensive information on turkey hunting regulations, season dates, bag limits, and other important details. You can also find information on hunting licenses, permits, and safety courses.
• eRegulations website: This website offers a user-friendly platform for accessing hunting regulations for various species in Maine, including turkeys. You can easily search for specific WMDs and regulations, ensuring you have the most up-to-date information.

A Few Final Tips for a Successful Maine Turkey Hunt

• Scout your hunting area: Familiarize yourself with the terrain, turkey sign, and potential ambush spots.
• Practice your calling skills: Mastering turkey calls can significantly 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 season.

With careful preparation, a bit of luck, and the knowledge of Maine’s turkey hunting regulations, you’re sure to have a memorable and successful turkey hunting season. So get out there, enjoy the thrill of the chase, and gobble up some glory!