Ohio’s Spring and Fall Turkey Seasons: A Hunter’s Guide

Hey there, fellow turkey enthusiasts! Get ready to gobble up some exciting news about Ohio’s upcoming turkey hunting seasons. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie looking to bag your first bird, this guide has everything you need to know about the dates, regulations, and restrictions for both the fall and spring seasons.

Fall Turkey Season: A Quick Recap

The fall turkey season in Ohio is just around the corner, kicking off on October 14th and running through November 12th This season offers a unique opportunity to target both male and female turkeys, with a bag limit of one bird per hunter. However, there’s a catch: fall turkey hunting is only permitted in 70 out of Ohio’s 88 counties. To ensure you’re hunting in the right location, check the official Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations

Spring Turkey Season: Dates and Regulations

Get ready to mark your calendars, because the spring turkey season in Ohio is split into three distinct periods:

• Statewide Youth Season: April 13th-14th, 2024. This two-day season is exclusively for young hunters, giving them a chance to hone their skills and experience the thrill of the hunt.
• South Zone Season: April 20th to May 19th, 2024. This covers the southern portion of the state, offering ample opportunities for hunters to bag a bearded turkey.
• Northeast Zone Season: April 27th to May 26th, 2024. This encompasses the northeastern region of Ohio, providing another chance for hunters to test their skills against these elusive birds.

Bag Limit and Harvest Data

During the spring season, hunters are limited to harvesting one bearded turkey statewide. This ensures the sustainability of the wild turkey population and promotes responsible hunting practices. In the 2023 spring season, Ohio hunters checked a total of 15,673 birds, demonstrating the abundance of these magnificent creatures in the state

Fall Turkey Hunting Restrictions

It’s important to note that fall turkey hunting is prohibited in 18 counties across Ohio. These counties include:

• Ottawa
• Sandusky
• Wood
• Van Wert
• Mercer
• Auglaize
• Shelby
• Darke
• Miami
• Montgomery
• Clark
• Greene
• Clinton
• Fayette
• Pickaway
• Madison
• Union
• Marion

Additional Resources:

For more detailed information about the turkey hunting seasons in Ohio, including regulations, tag requirements, and harvest data, be sure to consult the following resources:

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife: https://ohiodnr.gov/discover-and-learn/safety-conservation/about-ODNR/news/ohio-wildlife-council-approves-spring-2024-turkey-hunting-seasons
• Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations: https://ohiodnr.gov/buy-and-apply/hunting-fishing-boating/hunting-resources/hunting-regulations

Get Ready to Gobble Up Some Turkey Hunting Action!

With the fall season right around the corner and the spring season dates already set, it’s time to start planning your turkey hunting adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a curious newcomer, Ohio offers fantastic opportunities to experience the thrill of the hunt and enjoy the delicious rewards of a successful season. So grab your gear, brush up on your skills, and get ready to gobble up some turkey hunting action!