Ah, Pennsylvania, the land of rolling hills, lush forests, and..wild turkeys! If you’re a hunter with a hankering for some gobbler action, you’re in luck. Pennsylvania boasts a vibrant turkey population and a spring season that’s sure to get your heart pumping. But when exactly does this season kick off? Buckle up, my friend, because we’re about to dive deep into the world of Pennsylvania spring turkey hunting.
The 2024 Spring Gobbler Season: Dates and Details
Set your calendars, people, because Pennsylvania’s spring gobbler season begins on May 4 and ends on May 31 in 2024. You will have plenty of opportunities to catch the bird of your dreams during that entire month of jaw-dropping excitement.
Bag Limits and Hunting Hours
Now, let’s talk about the nitty-gritty. The daily bag limit for spring gobbler season is one bearded bird. But hold your horses, there’s more! If you’re lucky enough to snag a special wild turkey license, you can snag a second gobbler during the season.
Hunting hours for the spring gobbler season are as follows:
- April 27th (youth hunt only): Half-hour before sunrise to noon.
- May 4th to May 18th: Half-hour before sunrise to noon.
- May 20th to May 31st: Half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset.
Special Youth Hunt: Gobbler Hunting for the Next Generation
Pennsylvania understands how important it is to instill in young hunters a love of the great outdoors. That’s why there’s a special youth hunt on April 27th, 2024. This hunt is available to mentored hunters (16 years of age and under) and eligible junior hunters with the necessary license. The hunt’s daily bag limit is one bearded bird, and it ends at noon.
Fall Turkey Hunting: A Bonus Season
Don’t worry if the spring turkey season doesn’t satisfy your appetite; Pennsylvania offers a fall turkey season in some Wildlife Management Units (WMUs). Here’s a quick rundown:
- WMU 2B: October 28th – November 17th and November 22nd – 24th
- WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D, and 4E: October 28th – November 4th
- WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 4C: October 28th – November 11th
- WMUs 2C, 2D, and 2E: October 28th – November 11th and November 22nd – 24th
- WMU 5B: October 31st – November 2nd
- WMUs 5A, 5C, and 5D: CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING
Tips for a Successful Spring Turkey Hunt
Now that you know the dates and regulations, let’s talk strategy. Here are a few tips to help you bag that gobbler:
- Scouting is key: Before you head out, do some recon work. Find out where the turkeys are roosting and feeding. This will give you a huge advantage when it comes to setting up your ambush.
- Be patient: Turkey hunting is a waiting game. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a bird right away. Just keep calling and be prepared to wait it out.
- Use the right calls: Different calls work better at different times of day. Experiment and see what works best for you.
- Be stealthy: Turkeys have keen eyesight and hearing. So, move slowly and quietly, and use cover to your advantage.
- Be ethical: Always follow the rules and regulations of your state. And remember, it’s not about killing as many turkeys as possible. It’s about enjoying the hunt and respecting the animal.
Additional Resources for Pennsylvania Turkey Hunters
Looking for more information on turkey hunting in Pennsylvania? Check out these helpful resources:
- Pennsylvania Game Commission Website: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/
- Turkey Hunting Regulations: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/Wildlife/WildlifeSpecies/Turkey/Pages/default.aspx
- Hunting and Trapping Digest: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Pages/default.aspx
- National Wild Turkey Federation: https://www.nwtf.org/
So, there you have it, folks! The 2024 spring gobbler season in Pennsylvania is right around the corner. With its generous dates, ample bag limits, and diverse hunting opportunities, it’s the perfect time to get out there and experience the thrill of the chase. Remember, with a little preparation and a whole lot of patience, you’ll be well on your way to bagging that bird and enjoying a delicious turkey dinner.
Now, go forth and conquer, my friends! And remember, the best time to go turkey hunting is whenever you have the opportunity. So, get out there and enjoy the thrill of the chase!
Wild Turkey Recipes
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Learn to Hunt Join Pennsylvania Game Commission Game Bird Management Supervisor and Information and Education Bureau Director to learn some turkey biology and scouting tips to help you harvest a bird this spring turkey season. |
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Turkey Calling With Matt Morrett Learn techniques from a five-time world champion turkey caller. |
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Shot Placement Where is the best place to aim on a gobbler? Matt Morrett provides a great tip on shot placement when spring turkey hunting. |
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Getting Comfortable As part of the Pennsylvania Game Commissions Turkey Hunting Tips series, Matt Morrett provides a great tip on preparing your hunting area and ways to get comfortable in the woods. |
Opening Day of Pennsylvania Spring Gobbler 2023 (First Turkey Ever!) – KW&W
FAQ
What are the dates for spring turkey season in Pennsylvania?
Can you hunt spring turkey with a rifle in PA?
Where is the best turkey hunting in PA?
Can I hunt on my own land without a license in PA?
When does Pennsylvania’s spring turkey season start?
HARRISBURG, PA – The opportunity Pennsylvania hunters have waited out winter for is about to get underway. Pennsylvania’s spring turkey season kicks off Saturday, April 24 with a one-day youth hunt open to junior license holders and mentored hunters under 16 years old.
When is turkey hunting season in Pennsylvania?
It’s almost turkey-hunting time in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania’s spring turkey season kicks off Saturday, April 24 with a one-day youth hunt open to junior license holders and mentored hunters under 16 years old. Then, on Saturday, May 1, the statewide spring gobbler season opens and runs until May 31.
What is the season limit for a wild turkey?
FALL WILD TURKEY – (Male or Female) WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow only): – Oct. Season Limit – 1 bird per license year. SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird…
When does Spring Gobbler Season start in Pennsylvania?
Then, on Saturday, May 1, the statewide spring gobbler season opens and runs until May 31. It is Pennsylvania’s only springtime big-game season, and the outlook for the coming season is good, said Mary Jo Casalena, Pennsylvania Game Commission wild turkey biologist.