Hey there, turkey hunters! Get ready to dust off your calls, polish your shotguns, and head to the woods because Mississippi’s 2024 spring turkey season is just around the corner. This year promises to be a gobblerific one, with experts predicting a bumper crop of birds thanks to a string of successful hatches. So, whether you’re a seasoned turkey slayer or a wide-eyed newbie, this guide will equip you with all the info you need to bag your bird and have a blast doing it.
Season Dates and Bag Limits
Mark your calendars:
- Youth Season: March 8th – 14th (Private and authorized state and federal public lands; youth 15 and under.)
- Spring Season: March 15th – May 1st (Nonresidents subject to special regulations, see below)
Bag limits:
- Youth: 1 gobbler of choice (any age) per day, 3 per spring season.
- Adults: 1 adult gobbler or 1 gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day, 3 per spring season.
Non-resident Public Lands Turkey Hunting: Until April 1st, non-residents are not permitted to hunt on any public land in Mississippi unless they are selected for a Non-resident Public Lands Turkey Permit or a WMA Draw Hunt. See www. mdwfp. com/turkey for application dates and more information.
Reporting Your Turkey Harvests
It’s mandatory for ALL TURKEY HUNTERS in Mississippi to report their harvests through the MDWFP Game Check system This helps wildlife officials track turkey populations and manage hunting regulations
Here’s how it works:
- Before You Go Hunting: Obtain a hunting license (unless exempt) and harvest record. You can use the Game Check feature in the free MDWFP app or a printed form.
- When You Harvest A Turkey: Report your harvest BEFORE moving the turkey using the Game Check app or by notching the corresponding month bubbles on the printed form.
- After You Hunt: If using the app, you’re done! If using the printed form, report the harvest online or by calling 1-800-BE-SMART before 10 p.m. on the day of harvest.
Remember: You’ll receive a confirmation number after reporting, which you must document on your harvest record.
Why This Season Could Be Epic
Get ready for a gobbler bonanza! Experts predict this season will be one of the best in years due to a series of successful hatches.
- 2022 Summer Brood Survey: The best hatch since the early 2000s, and it was statewide!
- Observations During Deer Season: Hunters reported seeing turkeys all over the state.
So if the weather cooperates, this could be the season of your dreams!
Additional Resources
- Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP): www.mdwfp.com/turkey
- 2024 Spring Turkey Harvest Record: https://www.mdwfp.com/media/1709/spring-turkey-harvest-record.pdf
- Clarion Ledger: What hunters need to know about turkey season 2024 in Mississippi: https://www.clarionledger.com/story/sports/outdoors/2024/02/06/what-hunters-need-to-now-about-turkey-season-2024-in-mississippi/72449360007/
With a promising season ahead, Mississippi’s turkey woods are calling your name. Thus, gather your belongings, practice your turkey speech, and get ready for an incredible journey. Gobble ’em up, have fun, and don’t forget to report your harvests and abide by the rules!
Step Before You Go Hunting
Obtain a hunting license (unless exempt) and harvest record. Two types of harvest records are acceptable, a digital record or a printed form. Digital record keeping may be done through the Game Check feature found within the free MDWFP app. Register in the app and it will be your official harvest record. If you prefer a printed form, the form below will suffice.
Reporting Your Turkey Harvests
By reporting your turkey harvests, you will aid the future of wild turkey conservation in Mississippi. The MDWFP Game Check system makes reporting easy and quick, and it’s a requirement for ALL TURKEY HUNTERS. The basics of Game Check are outlined below.