Hey there, fellow turkey hunters! Spring is in the air, and that means one thing: it’s time to chase those gobblers across the Oklahoma landscape Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a wide-eyed rookie, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about the 2024 Spring Turkey Season in Oklahoma
Mark Your Calendars:
- Youth Season: April 13-14, 2024 (Statewide)
- Regular Season: April 16-May 16, 2024 (Statewide)
Bag Limits:
- Youth Season: One (1) tom turkey statewide, regardless of method of take.
- Regular Season: One (1) tom turkey statewide; harvest of non-bearded turkeys is prohibited.
License Requirements:
- Resident: Hunting license & spring turkey license, unless exempt from either.
- Nonresident: Nonresident hunting license & spring turkey license, unless exempt from either.
Legal Means of Taking:
- Archery: Equipment described as legal for big game.
- Shotgun: Conventional or muzzleloading, using shot no larger than BB (.180 of an inch in diameter).
Illegal Firearms:
- Rifles and handguns are not allowed during the spring seasons.
Unfilled Spring Turkey License:
- If you don’t bag a gobbler during the youth season, you can use your unfilled license during the regular season.
Additional Notes:
- A turkey taken during the youth spring season counts toward the regular spring turkey season limit of one turkey.
- Check the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) website for the latest regulations and updates.
Beyond the Basics:
Now that you’ve got the essential info let’s dive deeper into some pro tips and tricks to enhance your spring turkey hunting experience:
Scouting:
- Spend time scouting potential hunting areas before the season opens.
- Look for signs of turkey activity, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers.
- Identify roosting and feeding areas.
Calling:
- Mastering the art of turkey calling can significantly increase your success.
- Practice different calls, such as yelps, clucks, and gobbles.
- Use a variety of calls to entice turkeys into range.
Decoys:
- Decoys can be effective tools for attracting turkeys.
- Use realistic decoys and position them strategically.
- Consider using a combination of hen and jake decoys.
Camouflage:
- Wear camouflage clothing that blends in with the surroundings.
- Use face paint or a mask to conceal your face.
- Avoid making sudden movements.
Patience:
- Turkey hunting requires patience.
- Be prepared to sit still and wait for turkeys to come to you.
- Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see turkeys right away.
Safety:
- Always follow safe hunting practices.
- Wear hunter orange during the regular season.
- Be aware of your surroundings and identify your target before shooting.
Respect the Resource:
- Only harvest turkeys within the legal bag limit.
- Respect private property and obtain permission before hunting on private land.
Enjoy the Experience:
Turkey hunting is a challenging and rewarding experience.
Embrace the challenge and enjoy the time spent outdoors.
Additional Resources:
- ODWC Spring Turkey Regulations: https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/regs/spring-turkey
- ODWC Hunting Seasons: https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/seasons
- ODWC Turkey Hunting Tips: https://www.wildlifedepartment.com/hunting/turkey
Get Out There and Gobble ‘Em Up!
With these tips and resources in hand, you’re ready to embark on a successful spring turkey hunting adventure in Oklahoma. Remember to be safe, responsible, and respectful of the resource, and most importantly, have fun!
Oklahoma Licenses, Permits, and Regulations
The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission’s official website is where hunters, both local and foreign, can purchase hunting licenses, permits, and regulations for Oklahoma. Click below to view the website.
Every Oklahoma hunter should have hunting GPS maps on hand. Oklahoma hunting maps are available from onX Hunt. Hunt zones can be seen on maps of Satellite, Topo, or Hybrid Basemaps with a paid membership, along with State, Forest Service, and other public and private property boundaries. You can view trails and roads, and even download maps to the Hunt App for use offline. Click below to get onX Hunt for Oklahoma.
Oklahoma’s hunt zones indicate where a hunter can harvest antlerless deer, elk, and other big games. There are 10 different numbered antlerless hunt zones. Elk hunting zones are identified by directional markers, which include the Panhandle, Northwest, Northeast, and so on. Click below to view Oklahoma’s hunt zones in more detail through an interactive map.
The onX team mapped over 1,800,000 parcels; this layer allows you to identify Oklahoman property owners. Tap any parcel to learn more info about the owner and acreage.
onX has the most accurate maps of Gov Lands, covering over 3,900,000 acres in Oklahoma. Not all Gov Lands offer access opportunities, check regulations before recreating.
onX has mapped 890,000 acres of possible access lands in Oklahoma including timber companies and land conservation groups. Research rules on these private lands before recreating.
Oklahoma Deer, Elk, and Turkey Game Management Units. Please hunt responsibly, obey all signage and have a safe legal hunt.
- OK Deer Zones
- OK Elk Zones
- OK Fall Turkey Zone – Shotgun Only
Spring turkey hunting season set to begin in Oklahoma
FAQ
What are dates on spring turkey season in Oklahoma?
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Turkey
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Season
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Date
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Youth Spring
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April 13 – 14
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Spring
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April 16 – May 16
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Fall Archery
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Oct. 1 – Jan. 15
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Do you need a tag for turkey in Oklahoma?
Where is the best public land turkey hunting in Oklahoma?
What is the best time of day to hunt spring turkeys?
What percentage of Oklahoma’s turkey hunters failed to kill a bird?
Last season, 76 percent of Oklahoma’s turkey hunters failed to kill a bird and only 19% killed one bird. Populations of Rio Grande turkeys have declined from just three years ago in southwest Oklahoma by 67% and in northwest Oklahoma by 55%, according to winter flock surveys by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
What is the Oklahoma turkey hunting season?
The Oklahoma turkey hunting season has varied limitations depending on the particular season. Hunters are only permitted to take one tom turkey during spring, and non-bearded turkeys are off-limits. Similarly, hunters can only take one tom turkey during the Youth Spring Turkey season.
Can a 17 year old Hunt a Turkey?
Statewide. One tom turkey statewide regardless of method of take. A turkey taken during the youth spring season counts toward the regular spring turkey season limit of one turkey. 17 years old and younger. All youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older. The adult may not hunt or possess any archery equipment or firearms.
Who needs a spring turkey hunting license?
Youth spring turkey hunting permits depend on age and domicile. Resident minors under 16 years old do not need a hunting license but must have a turkey license or evidence of exemption, whereas 16- and 17-year-olds must. Nonresident adolescents aged 14-17 must obtain yearly hunting and turkey licenses for each bird hunted unless exempt.