Kansas: A Turkey Hunter’s Paradise
For avid turkey hunters, Kansas offers a thrilling and rewarding experience. The state offers lots of chances to catch a trophy turkey because of its varied landscapes and large populations of the bird. But it can be confusing to navigate the nuances of Kansas’s turkey hunting seasons. Fear not, hunters: this thorough guide will provide you with all the knowledge you need to successfully plan your next turkey hunt.
Navigating the Seasons: A Time-Bound Adventure
Fall Turkey Season (Currently Suspended):
Kansas’s fall turkey season is currently closed due to a decline in turkey populations. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is making a concerted effort to increase the number of turkeys, so the season might return in the future. Stay tuned for updates from the KDWP.
Spring Turkey Season: A Time for Excitement
In Kansas, the most popular turkey season is in the spring, when hunters of all skill levels can take advantage of a variety of opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates and regulations:
- Youth/Disabled Season: April 1-16, 2024. This season is open to youth hunters aged 16 and under and individuals with disabilities as defined by K.S.A. 8-1, 124.
- Archery-Only Season: April 8-16, 2024. This season is restricted to hunters using archery equipment, including longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows.
- Regular Season: April 17 – May 31, 2024. This season allows the use of archery equipment, shotguns, and muzzleloading shotguns with shot sizes 2 through 9.
Bag Limits and Permits: Understanding the Rules
- Spring Turkey Permits: All individuals, regardless of age or land ownership, must possess a valid Spring Turkey Permit to hunt turkeys.
- Bag Limits: During the regular season, hunters with a Spring Turkey Permit are eligible for one second turkey game tag. These tags are valid for Units 1 and 2.
- Non-Resident Lottery Draw: Beginning in 2024, non-resident hunters must participate in a lottery draw for Spring Turkey Permits in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. The application period is from January 9 to February 9, 2024.
Unit-Specific Regulations: Tailoring Your Hunt
Kansas is divided into six turkey hunting units, each with its own regulations and permit requirements. Be sure to check the specific regulations for the unit you plan to hunt.
Unit 4: A Special Case
Unit 4 has a separate application process for Spring Turkey Permits. Applications are accepted online only from January 9 to February 9, 2024. A total of 375 permits are available for Unit 4, and Kansas youth may purchase a youth spring turkey permit valid statewide for $7.50.
Additional Resources for Your Hunting Success
- KDWP Turkey Hunting Page: https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/When-to-Hunt/Turkey
- eRegulations Turkey Seasons Page: https://www.eregulations.com/kansas/hunting/turkey-seasons
- GoOutdoorsKS Mobile App: This app allows you to purchase licenses, permits, and tags, check in and out of public hunting areas, and report your harvest.
Embrace the Thrill of Turkey Hunting in Kansas
With its diverse landscapes, abundant turkey populations, and well-defined regulations, Kansas offers a truly exceptional turkey hunting experience. By understanding the season dates, bag limits, permit requirements, and unit-specific regulations, you’ll be well-equipped to plan a successful and enjoyable hunt. So, grab your gear, head to the Kansas wilds, and experience the thrill of pursuing these magnificent birds.
Lottery Draw: Unit 4 Spring Turkey Permits
Unit 4 spring turkey permit applications will be accepted online only from 01/09/24 – 02/09/24. There are no paper applications or mail in forms.
To apply for a 2024 spring turkey permit in Unit 4:
- Visit www.gooutdoorskansas.com between the dates of 01/09/24 – 02/09/24.
- Select “Purchase Licenses, Permits, & Tags”
- Login to your account
- Select “Limited Draw Applications”
NOTE:
- Unit 4 spring turkey permits are only available to hunters who satisfy the requirements of “resident” or “non-resident tenant” status. “.
- There are 375 spring turkey permits available in total for Unit 4.
- You can purchase a $7 youth spring turkey permit for Kansas youth. It is valid throughout the state. 50.
UNIT 4 SPRING TURKEY APPLICATION FEES (internet convenience fee not included):
- Resident: $32.50
- Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant: $20.00
- Non-resident Tenant: $37.50
- Preference Point Only: $7.50
There is a $7.50 nonrefundable application fee. Unsuccessful applicants will be issued a preference point. If you do not want to apply for a permit and want to purchase a preference point only, you may do so online by selecting Spring Turkey Preference Point Application. Only one point may be obtained per year.
Lottery Draw: Non-resident Spring Turkey Permits
Beginning in 2024, non-resident spring turkey permits will be available only by lottery draw. The application period is 01/09/24 – 02/09/24. There are no paper applications or mail in forms. Non-resident permits are only valid in a single Unit. Non-resident hunters may apply for a spring turkey permit in Unit 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6. Any leftover non-resident spring turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
To apply for a 2024 non-resident turkey permit in Unit 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6:
- Visit www.gooutdoorskansas.com between the dates of 01/09/24 – 02/09/24.
- Select “Purchase Licenses, Permits, & Tags”
- Login to your account
- Select “Limited Draw Applications”
NOTE: If hunters in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 meet the requirements for “resident” or “non-resident tenants,” they can still purchase a spring turkey permit online or over the counter. ” .
- Non-resident Spring Turkey Permit Application Fee: $10. 00 (plus internet convenience fee).
- Non-resident Spring Turkey Permit: $75.00 (plus internet convenience fee)
Crazy Afternoon TURKEY HUNT | Kansas Rio Turkey Hunting | Turkey Season 23’
FAQ
What are the dates for turkey season in Kansas?
Is Kansas having a spring turkey season 2024?
How many turkeys can a non resident killed in Kansas?
Why is there no turkey hunting in Kansas this year?
When is turkey hunting in Kansas?
It’s not Thanksgiving, but turkey is just as popular in Kansas as if it was November. Coming up on April 1, turkey hunting season begins. All of Kansas is open for turkey hunting in April, dependent upon the category of the permit, but that doesn’t mean you can grab a shotgun and search around the prairie.
Do you need a permit to hunt a Turkey in Kansas?
Everyone looking to hunt turkey this year needs to have a valid Spring Turkey Permit. Hunters between 16 and 74, along with all nonresidents, must also have a valid Kansas hunting license unless hunting on their own land. A spring turkey permit is good for one bearded turkey. No game tags are available for the 2024 spring season.
Do I need a spring Turkey permit in Kansas?
All individuals, regardless of land ownership and age, must possess a valid Spring Turkey Permit to hunt turkeys. In addition, a valid Kansas hunting license is required of all residents age 16 through 74 and all nonresidents, except persons hunting on their own land. No person shall apply for or purchase more than one Spring Turkey Permit.
When does the spring turkey hunt start and end?
The hunt for all begins April 13 and ends May 31. Hunting permits and game tags indicate the units a hunter can hunt in. In addition to a permit, hunters are eligible for a spring turkey tag that is valid in units 1 and 2.