SPRINGVILLE, AL — During Alabama’s turkey season, you never know what you might be able to snap if you remember to pack your camera. (Joe Songer/jsonger@al. com). al. comal. com.
Turkey season is one of the shortest hunting seasons on the calendar. However, this shorter timeline only makes Alabama turkey enthusiasts savor it that much more. Here are some considerations for hunters heading into the woods in 2023 in hopes of hearing the distinctive echo of a wild turkey.
The Eastern wild turkey is the only turkey subspecies native to Alabama. This subspecies lives in mixed pine and hardwood ecosystems especially in bottomland and upland areas. In these regions, turkeys will forage from mast-producing tree species in the forest.
A professor of forestry and wildlife sciences with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Mark Smith, lists several reasons why turkey populations may fluctuate from year to year.
Poor hatches from prior years, weather patterns, and habitat changes on or near the hunting property are some of the factors contributing to population shifts, according to Smith. “Despite what seems to be a discernible decline in turkey populations throughout their range, many locations still support stable or growing local populations.” ”.
Eastern wild turkeys usually start their mating season in early March, a few weeks before Alabama’s turkey hunting season opens. In order to attract a hen to court them, mature male turkeys, also referred to as gobblers, will physically strut, drum, and gobble loudly during this time. This is where the hunt begins.
Smith claimed that a significant amount of top-notch scientific research is currently being done on the ecology and management of wild turkeys. Smith recommends listening to the Wild Turkey Science podcast if one wants to be informed about recent advancements in science. With this series, Marcus Lashley of the University of Florida and Will Gulsby of Auburn University take your knowledge of turkeys to a whole new level in a conversational manner.
According to Smith, there are a few things that hunters should be mindful of in 2023.
This year’s spring turkey season began with a youth-only hunting weekend March 18 and 19. Most areas of Alabama (Zones 1 and 3) will begin their hunts March 25 and conclude May 8. Hunters in Zone 2 (northwest Alabama) will have to wait until April 1 to begin hunting.
The largest change that hunters should probably be aware of, according to Smith, is that decoys are still prohibited for the first ten days of the hunting season.
Hunters in Zones 1 and 3 can began to use decoys April 4. Residents of Zone 2 are permitted to use decoys from April 11 until May 8, when the season concludes. If you’re not sure which hunting zone you are in, check out the Outdoor Alabama turkey season map to see which dates apply to your location.
It’s also important to keep in mind that there are limitations on the overall number of gobblers that may be harvested, in addition to those that apply only to specific areas.
“In 2023, the bag limit for turkeys remains at four gobblers for turkey harvests, with a daily limit of one gobbler,” according to Smith. “This limit includes both the autumn and spring hunting seasons. ”.
Smith states that the number of gobblers that can be harvested in a single Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Community Hunting Area (CHA), or National Forest Ranger District is limited to two. In addition, hunters are only allowed to harvest one gobbler from each WMA, CHA, and National Forest Ranger District during the first ten days of each season.
As usual, in order to support population monitoring, hunters are required to notify the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) of every bird they harvest within 48 hours. Hunters may complete this task in a few different ways. The most convenient option is to record your harvest in the Outdoor Alabama mobile app. From the palm of your hand, you can send your harvests to ADCNR. You can also store your Alabama hunting licenses on the app. Hunters can also document their harvests through the Outdoor Alabama website, www. outdooralabama. com, or by calling (800) 888-7690.
Before you leave the house, make sure you have the necessary hunting license and your harvest record (on paper or via an app). If you intend to hunt in a WMA, make sure you purchase a WMA license and obtain a map permit at the check-in station. For more information on wild turkeys, visit the Wildlife section of the Alabama Extension website at www. aces. edu.
The Alabama Cooperative Extension System takes the expertise of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University to the people. The educators in each of our 67 counties work as community partners, providing workable solutions to enhance our residences, farms, towns, and the environment as a whole. Our research extends knowledge and improves lives.
Ah, the excitement of the chase, the wait for the kill, and the fulfillment of a well-reaped crop In Alabama, turkey season is a long-standing custom that offers an opportunity to hone your abilities and appreciate the abundance of nature. But it’s important to know the exact dates and rules governing this thrilling activity before you venture into the woods.
Turkey Season Dates: A Zone-by-Zone Breakdown
Alabama’s turkey season is divided into three zones, each with its own unique dates and regulations:
Zone 1: April 4 through May 8 (Decoys Allowed)
Zone 2: April 1 – May 8 (Decoys Allowed April 11 – May 8)
Zone 3: November 18-26 (No Decoys Allowed) December 9 – 31 (No Decoys Allowed) March 25 – May 8 (Decoys Allowed April 4 – May 8)
Saturday is the Special Youth Hunt.
Special Disabled Hunt: One day prior to all regular season opening days. Participants must meet medical requirements of regulation 220-2-.109(2)(d).
Bag Limits: Gobble ‘Til You Drop, But Within Limits
Alabama’s turkey season allows for a generous bag limit but it’s important to stay within the guidelines to ensure sustainable hunting practices:
- One gobbler per day; four gobbler bag limit during the combined fall and spring season.
- No more than two gobblers from any one WMA, CHA, or National Forest Ranger District
- No more than one gobbler during the first 10 days of each season from each WMA, CHA and National Forest Ranger District
WMA and U.S. Forest Service Ranger Districts: Where the Wild Turkeys Roam
Specific WMAs and US Forest Service Ranger Districts have designated dates for turkey hunting:
- Bankhead Ranger District; WMAs – Lauderdale, Freedom Hills, Black Warrior, Coon Gulf, Riverton CHA and Martin CHA: April 8 – May 8 (daylight – 1 p.m.)
- REMAINDER OF NATIONAL FORESTS DISTRICTS (Talladega Ranger District, Shoal Creek Ranger District, Oakmulgee Ranger District, Tuskegee Ranger District and Conecuh Ranger District) and WMAs THAT ALLOW TURKEY HUNTING: April 1 – May 8 (daylight – 1 p.m.)
Be a Savvy Turkey Hunter: Heed the Regulations
To ensure a safe and ethical turkey hunting experience, remember these crucial regulations:
- Gobblers Only: Only male turkeys (gobblers) can be harvested.
- No Decoys During Fall Season: Decoys are prohibited during the fall turkey season in Zone 3.
- Hunter Orange Requirement: Hunters must wear a minimum of 500 square inches of hunter orange during the fall turkey season in Zone 3.
- Check WMA-Specific Regulations: Individual WMAs may have additional regulations, so be sure to check before heading out.
Resources for Turkey Hunters: Knowledge Is Power
For a comprehensive understanding of Alabama’s turkey hunting regulations, consult these valuable resources:
- eRegulations website: https://www.eregulations.com/alabama/hunting/turkey-seasons-limits
- Outdoor Alabama website: https://www.outdooralabama.com/articles/be-sure-turkey-season-dates-wma-regulations
When you have a firm grasp on the dates, laws, and available equipment, you’re prepared to start your Alabama turkey hunting journey. Remember to prioritize safety, respect wildlife, and embrace the thrill of the hunt.
Happy turkey hunting!
2023 TURKEY SEASON IS HERE | Alabama Opening Weekend
When is Turkey season in Alabama?
Although the date marking the beginning of youth hunting season is where most of the confusion stems from, officials said it is important to be familiar with the general rules around the season. According to Outdoor Alabama’s website, there are three zones for turkey season in Alabama. Spring Turkey Season: March 25 (Monday) through May 8.
Will Alabama have a turkey season in 2024?
The dates are set for Alabama’s 2024 spring turkey season, and despite recent declines in southeast turkey populations, hunters should see similar success to last season. Here’s everything you need to know to be prepared for opening day.
When do turkeys mate in Alabama?
“Although there seems to be a noticeable decline of turkey populations throughout their range, many areas still support stable or increasing local turkey populations.” The typical mating season for Eastern wild turkey begins in early March, a few weeks prior to the beginning of Alabama turkey hunting season.
When do hunters start hunting in Alabama?
Most areas of Alabama (Zones 1 and 3) will begin their hunts March 25 and conclude May 8. Hunters in Zone 2 (northwest Alabama) will have to wait until April 1 to begin hunting. “Probably the most significant change that hunters must be aware of is that decoys are still prohibited during the first 10 days of the season,” Smith said.