Ah, the thrill of the hunt, the anticipation of the gobble, the challenge of bagging a wild turkey. If you’re itching to test your skills in the Sunshine State, you’re in luck! Florida boasts two distinct turkey subspecies: the Eastern wild turkey and the Osceola, a Florida native. And with two seasons – fall and spring – there’s ample opportunity to get your turkey on.
But before you grab your shotgun and head to the woods, let’s dive into the specifics of Florida’s turkey hunting seasons.
Fall Turkey Season:
- Dates: Varies by zone, with the earliest season kicking off in late July and the latest ending in early January.
- Zones: Florida is divided into four zones, each with its own season dates. Check the official regulations for specific dates in your desired zone.
- Bag Limit: 2 turkeys for all fall seasons combined.
- Permitted Methods: Archery, crossbow, and muzzleloading guns.
Spring Turkey Season:
- Dates: North of State Road 70: March 16 – April 21; South of State Road 70: March 2 – April 7.
- Bag Limit: 2 turkeys for all spring seasons combined.
- Permitted Methods: Any legal shotgun using #2 or smaller shot size, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns, crossbow, or bow.
Additional Considerations:
- Youth Turkey Hunt Weekends: Two weekends are dedicated to youth hunters aged 15 and under, offering a fantastic opportunity to introduce the next generation to the sport.
- Quota Permits: Many WMAs (Wildlife Management Areas) require a quota permit for spring turkey hunting. Applications open in November, so plan ahead!
- WMAs Without Quota Permits: Don’t have a quota permit? No worries! Several WMAs offer turkey hunting without the need for one. Check the official list for available areas.
- Regulations: Always review the specific regulations for the WMA or area you plan to hunt, as dates, bag limits, and permitted methods may vary.
Resources for Turkey Hunters:
- Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC): The official source for all hunting regulations, season dates, permit information, and more.
- 2024 Spring Turkey Hunt Guide: A comprehensive guide from the FWC, covering everything you need to know about the upcoming spring season.
- Turkey Seasons & Bag Limits: Detailed information on fall and spring turkey seasons, including zone-specific dates and bag limits.
So, when is the best time to go turkey hunting in Florida?
That depends on your preference and the specific area you wish to hunt If you’re after an Osceola turkey, your options are limited to the peninsula south of Dixie, Gilchrist, Alachua, Union, Bradford, Clay, and Duval counties. For Eastern turkeys, the entire state is your oyster.
Remember: Responsible hunting is crucial for the sustainability of wild turkey populations Always follow regulations, respect the environment, and prioritize safety.
Now, get out there and enjoy the thrill of the hunt!
( Youth deer hunt weekend
Young people under the age of fifteen may harvest any deer, with the exception of spotted fawn, but they must do so in the company of an adult who is at least eighteen years old. Youth are allowed to harvest one deer per weekend that counts toward their annual statewide bag limit, and they may do so with any legal method, including dogs. This weekend does not apply to wildlife management areas. Learn more about the youth deer hunting weekend.
Deer Dog Training Season
Zone A: Aug. 12-31
Zone B: Oct. 28 – Nov. 16
Zone C: Sept. 30 – Oct. 19
Zone D: Oct. 28 – Nov. 16
Turkey hunting season starts on April 13
FAQ
When should I go turkey hunting?
Is there a fall turkey season in Alabama?
What are the dates for turkey season in Florida?
How long is turkey season in South Carolina?
When is the best time to hunt a Turkey?
Each state will have both a spring and fall season for hunting turkeys, but you’ll need to check with the state you plan on hunting in for details. While the times will be, generally, around the same dates, they can vary slightly.
Do turkeys Hunt in the fall?
Before their population declined, wild turkeys were typically hunted only in the fall. When the spring seasons were introduced, fall turkey hunting became less pursued. In recent years, as populations have climbed and then stabilized, many states reintroduced fall turkey seasons.
When is Tennessee’s spring turkey hunting season?
NASHVILLE — Tennessee’s statewide spring turkey hunting season opens Saturday, April 13 and continues through Sunday, May 26. According to Roger Shields, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency’s Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, hunter success may depend on what area of the state you will be hunting.
What is a fall wild turkey season?
Fall wild turkey seasons are where tradition meets today’s wildlife management concerns. Fall turkey hunting represents the origin of turkey hunting heritage, as there were no spring turkey seasons until populations began to rise exponentially in the 1960s and ‘70s.