A Comprehensive Guide to Turkey Hunting Seasons in the Sunflower State
Are you eager to test your skills against the elusive wild turkey? Kansas offers a thrilling turkey hunting experience, but knowing when to go is crucial for success. This guide will delve into the details of turkey seasons in Kansas, ensuring you’re well-equipped for a rewarding hunt
Navigating the Shifting Landscape of Turkey Seasons
Kansas turkey seasons have undergone recent adjustments due to population fluctuations. While the fall season remains suspended, the spring season offers ample opportunities for hunters. Let’s break down the specifics:
Spring Turkey Season:
- Dates: April 1 – May 31, 2024
- Units: 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6 (Unit 4 remains closed)
- Permits:
- General Permits: Available over-the-counter or online for residents and non-resident tenants in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6.
- Youth Permits: Discounted permits for resident hunters age 15 and younger, valid statewide.
- Non-Resident Spring Turkey Permits: Obtainable through a lottery draw for Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Application period: January 9 – February 9, 2024.
- Bag Limit: One bearded turkey per permit.
- Shooting Hours: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset.
Additional Considerations:
- E-Tag / Mobile Permits: Choose either printed or electronic delivery of your permit. Electronic permits require harvest reporting via the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app.
- Group Hunt Applications: Apply with up to 4 other hunters for the same unit and weapon choice.
- Hunting License Requirement: All residents aged 16-74 and non-residents (except those hunting on their own land) require a valid Kansas hunting license.
Resources for Planning Your Turkey Hunt:
- Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP) Website: https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt/Turkey
- eRegulations Turkey Seasons Page: https://www.eregulations.com/kansas/hunting/turkey-seasons
- GoOutdoorsKS Mobile App: Download for convenient permit purchase and harvest reporting.
Remember:
- Adhere to all hunting regulations and safety guidelines.
- Respect private property and obtain permission before hunting on private land.
- Be mindful of ethical hunting practices and contribute to the conservation of wild turkey populations.
With proper preparation and knowledge, your Kansas turkey hunting adventure can be a memorable and rewarding experience. Get ready to test your skills and enjoy the thrill of the chase!
Additional Tips for a Successful Turkey Hunt:
- Scout the area beforehand to identify potential turkey hotspots.
- Utilize effective camouflage and concealment techniques.
- Master the art of turkey calling to attract birds.
- Be patient and persistent, as turkeys can be wary and elusive.
- Enjoy the camaraderie and the beauty of the Kansas outdoors.
Happy hunting!
What’s New for 2024?
- You may now hunt until sunset on private lands. The shooting hours on public lands are the same and end at 1 p.m. m.
- In order to keep up with the growing costs of goods and services, permit prices have increased.
- Additional MDC-managed turkey hunting areas, including Donaldson Point, Frisbee Cutoff Access, Hornersville Swamp, Marion Bottoms, Seven Island, Swift Ditch Access, and Warbler Woods, were converted to nontoxic shot only.
Topic Category Hunting / Fishing Guide Regulations Seasons Biological Information
One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Youth hunters who are age 6-15 on opening day may hunt.
Youth may also hunt during the regular Spring Turkey season.
Valid Permits
For the full three weeks of the season, extend shooting hours to all day on private property only (public land will still close at 1 PM).
4 phases of SPRING TURKEY SEASON
FAQ
What season do turkeys come out?
How early to go out turkey hunting?
Is there no turkey season in Kansas?
Which state has no turkey season?
When is turkey hunting season?
The season is April 5 until April 7. “Turkey hunting is an intimate sport and mentoring is a way to learn from other’s mistakes,” Coffey said. “With only about one-in-five hunters tagging a turkey, failure is part of the process. A successful hunt should be gauged on the adventure and experience of being in the woods not placing a tag on a bird.”
Are You Ready for spring turkey season?
Then on April 17, the regular season opens statewide and gives hunters five weeks to test their skills and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. Here’s a few things that will help you get ready for spring turkey season. With the weather warming up and the woods coming alive with new growth, there’s no better time to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
Why is spring turkey season a good time to visit?
From the first buds appearing on trees to the songs of migratory birds returning from their winter homes, the spring turkey season gives you a chance to witness these changes and experience the natural world in a way that simply isn’t possible at any other time of the year.
Should you hunt a Turkey during spring season?
When it comes to hunting during spring turkey season, safety should be a top priority. It is crucial to always identify your target before shooting and to be aware of other hunters in the area. This means taking the time to make sure you are aiming at a turkey and not at another hunter or animal.