Pennsylvania boasts a vibrant turkey population, offering hunters two distinct seasons to pursue these elusive birds: the fall wild turkey season and the spring gobbler season. Each season comes with its own regulations and bag limits, so understanding the specifics is crucial for a successful hunt.
Fall Wild Turkey Season
The fall wild turkey season in Pennsylvania runs from October 28th to November 17th and November 22nd to 24th. During this period, hunters can target both male and female turkeys in designated Wildlife Management Units (WMUs).
WMU-Specific Dates:
- WMU 2B: October 28th to November 17th and November 22nd to 24th (shotgun and bow and arrow only)
- WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D, and 4E: October 28th to November 4th
- WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 4C: October 28th to November 11th
- WMUs 2C, 2D, and 2E: October 28th to November 11th and November 22nd to 24th
- WMU 5B: October 31st to November 2nd
- WMUs 5A, 5C, and 5D: Closed to fall turkey hunting
Important Note: Single-projectile firearms are prohibited during the fall turkey season. Hunters can only use shotguns and archery gear.
Bag Limit: 1 bird per license year
Spring Gobbler Season
The spring gobbler season in Pennsylvania takes place in two segments:
- May 4th to May 18th, 2024: Hunting permitted ½ hour before sunrise to 12 noon
- May 20th to May 31st, 2024: Hunting permitted ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
Bag Limit:
- Daily limit: 1 bird
- Season limit: 2 birds (second bird can only be taken with a valid special wild turkey license)
Special Junior Hunter Season:
Eligible junior hunters with required licenses and mentored hunters 16 and under can participate in a special spring gobbler season on April 27th, 2024. The bag limit for this season is 1 bird, and hunting hours end at noon.
Additional Resources
For more detailed information on Pennsylvania turkey hunting seasons, including regulations, bag limits, and WMUs, please refer to the following resources:
- Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) Seasons and Bag Limits: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Law/pages/seasonsandbaglimits.aspx
- eRegulations Pennsylvania Turkey Hunting Seasons: https://www.eregulations.com/pennsylvania/hunting/turkey-hunting-seasons
Remember: Always check the PGC website for the most up-to-date information on turkey hunting regulations and licensing requirements before heading out to the field.
FALL WILD TURKEY – (Male or Female)
WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow only): – Oct. 28-Nov. 17 and Nov. 22-24
WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D and 4E – Oct. 28-Nov. 4 WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4C – Oct. 28-Nov. 11 WMUs 2C, 2D and 2E – Oct. 28-Nov. 11 and Nov. 22-24.
WMU 5B – Oct. 31-Nov. 2WMUs 5A, 5C and 5D – CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING.
Season Limit – 1 bird per license year.
*As a reminder, no single-projectile firearms may be used in the fall turkey seasons. Hunters may use shotguns and archery gear only.
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