Is turkey season open in California? Yes, the turkey hunting season is open in California for the 2023-2024 season. The specific dates and regulations vary depending on the type of season and the area you are hunting in
Here’s a summary of the 2023-2024 turkey hunting seasons in California:
Fall Season:
- Dates: November 11 – December 10, 2023
- Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex
- Possession Limit: 2 turkeys per season
Spring Season:
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General Season: March 30 – May 5, 2024
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Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey
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Possession Limit: 3 bearded turkeys per season, combined
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Archery Only Season: March 30 – May 19, 2024
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Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey
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Possession Limit: 3 bearded turkeys per season, combined
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Additional Junior Season: March 23-24, 2024 & May 6-19, 2024
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Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey
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Possession Limit: 3 bearded turkeys per season, combined
Important Regulations:
- Nonlead Ammunition: Nonlead ammunition is required when taking any wildlife with a firearm anywhere in California.
- Hunting License and Tag: You must have a valid California hunting license and the appropriate turkey tag to hunt turkeys.
- Hunter Education: All first-time hunters born on or after January 1, 1987, must complete a hunter education course before purchasing a hunting license.
- Check the Regulations: Always check the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) website for the most up-to-date regulations and information on turkey hunting.
Additional Resources:
- CDFW Turkey Hunting webpage: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Turkey
- eRegulations California Hunting webpage: https://www.eregulations.com/california/hunting/turkey-hunting-seasons
- Nonlead Ammunition Information: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Nonlead
Tips for Turkey Hunting in California:
- Do your research: Familiarize yourself with the regulations and the specific area you plan to hunt.
- Scout the area: Look for signs of turkeys, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers.
- Use proper camouflage: Wear camouflage clothing that blends in with the surroundings.
- Be patient: Turkey hunting can be challenging, so be patient and persistent.
- Use the right calls: Learn how to use turkey calls to attract turkeys.
- Be safe: Always follow safe hunting practices, including wearing blaze orange during the fall season.
Enjoy your turkey hunting experience in California!
License and Permit Requirements
Unless otherwise exempt, hunters must have a hunting license and a turkey permit in order to hunt wild turkeys on properties outside of the WMA system. These licenses and permits can be purchased with a credit card at GoOutdoorsFlorida. com or by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356). Additionally, they can be bought in Florida from most retail stores that sell hunting and fishing supplies as well as from county tax collectors’ offices.
Any lawful firearm, including rifles, shotguns, and pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns, with a minimum of 20-caliber, muzzleloader, crossbow, bow or pistol may be used to take turkeys.
Shooting hours on lands outside of the WMA system are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Although hunters are allowed to use decoys, they are not allowed to shoot turkeys on the roost, hunt turkeys with dogs, or use recorded turkey calls or sounds. Furthermore, if the hunter is less than 100 yards from a game feeding station when feed is available, they are not permitted to take wild turkey.
See the Florida Hunting Regulations for more information.
Season dates and other rules may vary from statewide seasons and other WMAs so carefully review the WMA regulations brochure for the area you want to hunt. Find WMA Regulations brochures.
Hunters may take bearded turkeys and gobblers only and the season limit is 2. On WMAs, hunters may take only one bird per day. Before hunting a WMA, carefully review the area’s regulations brochure as season dates, bag limits and other rules may vary. Find WMA Regulations brochures.
Spring Turkey Season Information
On lands outside of the WMA system, the 2024 spring turkey season south of State Road 70 begins on March 2 and ends on April 7. North of State Road 70, the 2024 spring season opens March 16 and runs through April 21.
Hunters may take bearded turkeys and gobblers only. The daily bag limit is two, and the season and possession limits for turkeys are also two on lands that are not part of the WMA system.
OPENING DAY on PUBLIC LAND! (Wild Start to Turkey Season!)
FAQ
When can you hunt turkey in California?
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Season / Area
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Season Dates
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Fall
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Nov 11 – Dec 10
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Spring
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General
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Mar 30 – May 5, 2024
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Archery Only
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Mar 30 – May 19, 2024
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Additional Junior
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Mar 23 – 24, 2024 & May 6 – 19, 202
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What is turkey season in New Jersey?
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Turkey Hunting Seasons 2023–24
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There is NO Sunday hunting for turkey. See General Hunting Regulations.
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Period N
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Oct. 28 and Oct. 30–Nov. 4, 2023
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½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
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2024 Spring Gobbler Season
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Youth Turkey Hunting Day (ages 10–16)
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April 20, 2024
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½ hour before sunrise to noon
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