Hey there, fellow turkey enthusiasts! Are you itching to get out there and chase those gobblers in 2024? Well, buckle up, because we’re about to dive deep into everything you need to know about turkey hunting seasons across the US.
First things first, let’s address the burning question:
When does turkey season open?
The answer, my friend, depends on where you’re hunting. Each state sets its own season dates, so it’s crucial to check your local regulations before heading out. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ll break down the season dates for some popular turkey hunting destinations:
Tennessee:
- Spring Season: March 16 – May 26 (statewide)
- Youth-Only Hunts: April 6-7 and 27-28 (select locations)
New York:
- Spring Season:
- South of State Road 70: March 2 – April 7
- North of State Road 70: March 16 – April 21
- Fall Season: October 1 – November 19 (select units)
Remember, these are just examples. Always double-check the specific regulations for your state before heading out. You can find this information on your state’s wildlife agency website.
Now, let’s talk about where to find those elusive turkeys:
Turkey Habitat:
Turkeys prefer a mix of open fields and wooded areas. Look for places with scattered trees, brushy edges, and plenty of food sources like acorns, berries, and insects. Some prime turkey habitat includes:
- Oak and hickory forests: These forests provide ample food and cover for turkeys.
- Fields and meadows: Turkeys often feed in open areas, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.
- Riparian areas: Streams and rivers provide water and attract insects, making them a favorite spot for turkeys.
Pro Tip: Look for signs of turkey activity, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers. These clues can help you narrow down your search and increase your chances of success.
Finally, let’s talk about how to bag your bird:
Turkey Hunting Techniques:
There are several effective techniques for turkey hunting, including:
- Calling: Use turkey calls to attract gobblers into range. Learn how to mimic the sounds of hens and poults to entice them closer.
- Decoying: Set up decoys to create a realistic scene that will draw turkeys in.
- Ambush: Find a spot where turkeys are likely to travel and wait for them to pass by.
- Spot-and-stalk: This technique involves carefully moving through the woods to get close to turkeys without spooking them.
Remember, safety is paramount when turkey hunting. Always wear blaze orange during the hunting season, and be aware of your surroundings.
With the right knowledge, preparation, and a bit of luck, you’ll be well on your way to a successful turkey hunting season in 2024.
Happy hunting!
Licenses on sale March 1
Licenses for all spring 2024 wild turkey seasons go on sale Friday, March. 1. Purchase them online, in person and via telephone.
Got a question about the season? Take the time to review our season questions and answers.
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| WMA lottery deadline | Feb. 16 |
| Youth season | April 17-May 31 |
| Archery season | April 17-May 31 |
| A | April 17-23 |
| B | April 24-30 |
| C | May 1-7 |
| D | May 8-14 |
| E | May 15-21 |
| F | May 22-31 |
| Future lottery deadlines | Future season dates |
- Wild turkeys must be registered within 24 hours of harvest.
- There are now three ways to register: online, at a registration station, or by phone at 888-706-6367.
- The wild turkey’s head, feet, and feathers must stay on it until it is registered. After being registered, turkeys may be transported with only their attached, fully feathered wing or with their leg and foot intact.
- An unregistered wild turkey cannot be owned by anyone outside of the area covered by a wild turkey permit, unless the bird is being driven directly to a registration station.
- While they are not limited to a permit area, hunters must provide the permit area where they harvested their turkey when registering it.
- One bearded bird in the spring.
- Archery-only license holders may use crossbows.
- Ground blinds on public property are required to have either a blaze orange safety covering visible from all sides or a blaze orange patch measuring at least 144 square inches (12 x 12 inches) on each side of the blind.
- As soon as the wild turkey is taken, the tag that came with the license needs to be punched with the date of the kill and fastened to the bird. The tag must remain attached to the bird during transit.
- Each license square on the blue license stock has an eyelet hole in the upper middle that needs to be tied to the turkey leg. Every hunter needs to have a wire or string to attach their turkey tag to their leg.
- While helping another licensed wild turkey hunter, a licensed hunter is not allowed to shoot or tag a turkey on behalf of another hunter.
- An unlicensed adult who is at least eighteen years old can help a licensed wild turkey hunter. When helping a hunter, the unlicensed adult is not allowed to use a bow or firearm, shoot with one, or collect payment for the assistance.
- Spring hunt rules
- Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
- Firearms: Only shotguns with a gauge of 10 or less, including muzzle-loading shotguns, are permitted for use. Only shot size No. 4 or smaller (sizes 4, 5, 6, 7½, etc. ) may be used. Red dot scopes and range finders are legal.
- Bows If a person can draw and hold the bowstring with their own strength, they can use a mechanical device attached to the bowstring. Arrowheads must be blunt-headed or have at least two metal cutting edges with a barbless design and a minimum diameter of 7/8 inch. Expandable arrowheads must be barbless and at least 7/8 of an inch at or after impact. An arrow with an explosive tip or one that is poisoned cannot be used by anyone.
- During the spring wild turkey season, anyone with a current firearms or archery license may use a crossbow.
- General prohibitions: No one may hunt wild turkeys or assist in the hunting of wild turkeys with a dog. Red dot scopes, rangefinders, and hearing-improving devices are the only electronic devices that may be used to hunt wild turkeys. Live turkey decoys are prohibited. Hunters are only permitted to own bows and arrows that are approved for use in the taking of wild turkeys. Guns permitted by the Minnesota Personal Protection Act are exempt from this. Hunting with aid of bait or feed prohibited.
Are you looking for a new way to engage with the fields, woods, and waters around you? Do you value having strong connections to the outdoors and the food you eat?
Then have a look at our how-to turkey hunt guide and the online courses we offered this spring.
Hunting is only one aspect of the DNRs effort to manage wild turkeys for the public trust. Our dedication lies in managing wild turkeys in a way that is both socially and ecologically responsible, benefiting all Minnesotans in the present and the future. Learn about the various measures we take to manage eastern wild turkeys by visiting our page dedicated to wild turkey management.
OPENING DAY on PUBLIC LAND! (Wild Start to Turkey Season!)
FAQ
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