WELLFLEET, Mass. – The spring Eastern wild turkey season will open in Massachusetts beginning Monday, April 29, 2024. This is the 13th season that spring turkey hunting will be permitted within Cape Cod National Seashore. The national seashore turkey hunting season for 2024 will run from April 29 to May 18, 2024, in line with previous years. This will coincide with the first three weeks of the state’s four-week turkey hunting season. The spring youth turkey hunt will take place on Saturday, April 27. The majority of the regulations set forth by the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Wildlife will apply to the spring turkey hunt held on the national seashore. Nevertheless, in addition to the state hunting license and state turkey permit, a national seashore turkey hunting permit is needed. The youth turkey hunt does not require additional permitting through the seashore, beyond state licensing requirements. State regulations restrict turkey hunting to Monday through Saturday, from ½ hour before sunrise until noon. These regulations will apply in the national seashore as well. During this season, the majority of hunters hunt from a stationary position while trying to draw toms, or male turkeys, to their location with calls. A turkey hunting permit application may be obtained on the Cape Cod National Seashore website: https://www. nps. gov/caco/planyourvisit/hunting-fishing. htm. Turkey hunting permit applications must be postmarked by March 31, 2024. The application includes all information needed to enter the spring turkey hunt lottery. For additional details regarding the spring turkey hunt at Cape Cod National Seashore, please reach out to Ranger Chris Anderson at 508-487-2100, extension 0911.
Calling all turkey hunters! If you’re eager to test your skills and bag a wild turkey in the beautiful state of Massachusetts, this guide will equip you with all the essential information you need to know about the upcoming season.
Hunting Wild Turkey in Massachusetts:
-
Season Dates: The 2024 turkey hunting season in Massachusetts is divided into two parts: spring and fall,
- Spring Season: The spring season kicks off on Monday, April 29, 2024, and runs through May 18, 2024. This coincides with the first three weeks of the state’s four-week turkey hunting season.
- Fall Season: The dates for the fall season are yet to be announced, but you can stay updated by checking the official website of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.
-
Location: You can hunt wild turkeys in various locations throughout Massachusetts, including state forests, wildlife management areas, and private lands with permission from the landowner
-
Permits and Licenses: To hunt wild turkeys in Massachusetts, you’ll need the following:
- Hunting License: A valid Massachusetts hunting license is mandatory for all turkey hunters.
- Turkey Permit: In addition to the hunting license, you’ll also need a turkey permit, which can be purchased online or at authorized license vendors.
- National Seashore Turkey Hunting Permit: If you plan to hunt within Cape Cod National Seashore, you’ll need a national seashore turkey hunting permit in addition to the state permits. Applications for this permit must be postmarked by March 31, 2024.
-
Regulations: Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations for turkey hunting in Massachusetts. These regulations cover aspects such as bag limits, hunting hours, legal methods, and areas where hunting is permitted. You can find detailed information on the Mass.gov website.
Cape Cod National Seashore Spring Turkey Hunt:
- Dates: The spring turkey hunt at Cape Cod National Seashore runs concurrently with the first three weeks of the state’s season, from April 29 to May 18, 2024.
- Youth Turkey Hunt: A special youth turkey hunt is scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024.
- Permitting: A national seashore turkey hunting permit is required in addition to the state hunting license and turkey permit. The application deadline for this permit is March 31, 2024.
- Hunting Regulations: The regulations for the national seashore turkey hunt are mostly consistent with the state regulations. However, hunting is restricted to Monday through Saturday, from 30 minutes before sunrise until noon.
Additional Resources:
- Hunting Wild Turkey in Massachusetts: https://www.mass.gov/hunting-wild-turkey-in-massachusetts
- 2024 Spring Turkey Hunt Dates Announced at Cape Cod National Seashore: https://www.nps.gov/caco/learn/news/2024-spring-turkey-hunt-dates-announced-at-cape-cod-national-seashore.htm
- Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/division-of-fisheries-and-wildlife
With the spring turkey season in Massachusetts just around the corner, now is the perfect time to brush up on the regulations, secure your permits, and prepare for an exciting hunting adventure. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a newcomer to the sport, this guide provides the essential information you need to make the most of your turkey hunting experience in the beautiful state of Massachusetts.
Turkey hunting season begins in Massachusetts
FAQ
What is fall turkey season in Massachusetts?
Where can I turkey hunt in Massachusetts?
Can you shoot a turkey with a 22?
How far can you shoot a turkey with a 12 gauge?
Can you hunt wild turkey in Massachusetts?
This page contains regulations for hunting wild turkey in Massachusetts. *During certain periods of the fall season, only archery equipment is permitted, get details. All dates are inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. Youth Day: Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sunrise and end at 5:00 p.m.
How many turkey hunting seasons are there?
There are 2 turkey hunting seasons, one in the spring and one in the fall. Use the pages below to learn about regulations for licensing, permits, and reporting. In addition, you will find turkey harvest data and tips for hunters. Find regulations related to licenses, permits, and reporting, as well as turkey harvest data and tips for hunters.
What time does turkey hunting start & end?
All dates are inclusive. Hunting is prohibited on Sundays. Youth Day: Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sunrise and end at 5:00 p.m. Spring turkey season: Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sunrise and end at noon. Fall turkey season: Hunting hours begin 1/2 hour before sunrise and end 1/2 hour after sunset.
How do I become a turkey hunter in Massachusetts?
Be accompanied by an adult mentor with a Massachusetts hunting license and turkey permit Kids ages 15 or older that wish to hunt with a shotgun are required to have a valid Massachusetts firearm license. Kids that are interested in future youth turkey hunt programs can complete the courses and seminars online.