Gobblin’ time is just around the corner, Texas turkey hunters! The 2023-2024 season kicks off soon, with different dates depending on your location and the type of turkey you’re after.
Rio Grande Turkey Season:
- Fall Season:
- North Zone: November 4, 2023 – January 7, 2024
- South Zone: November 4, 2023 – January 21, 2024
- Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties: November 4, 2023 – February 25, 2024
- Spring Season:
- North Zone: March 30, 2024 – May 12, 2024
- South Zone: March 16, 2024 – April 28, 2024
- One-turkey counties: April 1-30, 2024
Eastern Turkey Season:
- Spring Season:
- East Texas: April 22, 2024 – May 14, 2024
Additional Turkey Hunting Dates:
- Archery-only Season: September 30, 2023 – November 3, 2023 (Rio Grande Turkey)
- Youth-only Seasons:
- Fall:
- North Zone: October 28-29, 2023 & January 8-21, 2024
- South Zone: October 28-29, 2023 & January 22, 2024 – February 4, 2024
- Spring:
- North Zone: March 23-24, 2024 & May 18-19, 2024
- South Zone: March 9-10, 2024 & May 4-5, 2024
- Fall:
Remember:
- These are just the general season dates. Always check the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) website for the most up-to-date information and specific regulations for your area.
- You’ll need a valid hunting license and the appropriate permits to participate in turkey season.
- Be sure to follow all safety guidelines and ethical hunting practices.
Get Ready for Gobblin’ Season:
With the turkey season dates now clear, it’s time to start planning your hunts! Here are some tips:
- Scout your hunting area: Locate potential turkey hotspots and familiarize yourself with the terrain.
- Practice your calling: Mastering turkey calls will increase your chances of success.
- Gear up: Make sure you have the right equipment, including camouflage, a comfortable blind, and a reliable shotgun or bow.
- Stay safe: Always follow safe hunting practices and be aware of your surroundings.
Happy Turkey Hunting!
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or just starting out, the 2023-2024 turkey season promises exciting opportunities to experience the thrill of the hunt. So, get your gear ready, brush up on your skills, and head out to the field for a chance to bag a delicious and challenging bird.
Season Dates & County Regulations
177 of 254 counties have Wild Turkey seasons.
Hunting roosting turkeys with any kind of weapon at any time or releasing them without department permission are prohibited.
As soon as the turkey is harvested, it must be securely tagged everywhere on it with a tag from the hunter’s license. For tagging instructions, hunters with digital licenses and tags should consult Super Combo Digital Tags.
Upland Game Bird Endorsement is required to hunt turkey.
Special Regulations for Western One-Gobbler Counties
No more than one gobbler may be harvested annually per county in the Western One-Gobbler Zone. The counties of Bastrop, Caldwell, Colorado, Fayette, Jackson, Lavaca, Lee, Matagorda, Milam, and Wharton are those that are located in the Western One-Gobbler Only Zone.
Proof of sex must be carried with the turkey, whether attached or detached, until it eventually reaches the processor’s permanent home or a cold storage/processing facility where it will be processed, if the bag composition for turkeys is limited to gobblers only or gobblers and bearded hens. Proof of sex for turkeys:
- gobbler (male turkey):
- one leg, including the spur or
- a patch of skin with breast feathers and beard attached
- A female turkey with her beard and breast feathers attached to a patch of skin known as a “bearded hen.”
OPENING DAY on PUBLIC LAND! (Wild Start to Turkey Season!)
FAQ
When can you hunt turkey in Texas?
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Season
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Zone
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Dates
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Fall Youth-only
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South
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Oct. 28-29, 2023 & Jan. 22, 2024 – Feb. 4, 2024
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Spring
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North
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Mar. 30, 2024 – May 12, 2024
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|
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South
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Mar. 16, 2024 – Apr. 28, 2024
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|
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One-turkey counties
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Apr. 1-30, 2024
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What states turkey season opens first?
When can you hunt turkey in Wisconsin?
What is fall turkey season in Massachusetts?
Can you shoot a Turkey in 2023?
Using bow tools during the archery season and a firearm during the shooting season is permitted with a spring poultry pass. Understanding turkey behavior and habits is essential for having a successful 2023 season of turkey hunting. Because they are preoccupied with surviving and procreating, turkeys are difficult to outsmart.
When is turkey hunting season?
Turkey Hunting Season Dates by State. States in the United States establish their particular times for hunting seasons for wild creatures like deer, turkeys, and birds. While other species may have various seasons throughout the year, the autumn season marks the beginning of the big game shooting season in most areas.
When do you need a Turkey permit in 2024?
Some states operate their turkey hunting licensing programs via limited draw lotteries and in some instances, the deadline to apply for spring turkey permits for 2024 has already passed. Season Dates: March 25-May 8, Zone 1; April 1-May 8, Zone 2; March 25-May 8, Zone 3.
What is the 2023 fall hunt guide?
The NWTF’s 2023 Fall Hunt Guide provides an overview of each state’s fall turkey season. You must check hunting regulations to verify information and get specific details on the state you plan to hunt. Annual bag limits listed are for fall and spring totals. Fall wild turkey seasons are where tradition meets today’s wildlife management concerns.