Are you eager to hit the woods and bag a wild turkey this year? Look no further than Missouri, where the 2023 turkey season offers ample opportunities for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike. This guide will delve into the intricacies of turkey hunting in Missouri, providing you with all the essential information you need to plan a successful and enjoyable hunt.
Get Ready for Spring and Fall Turkey Seasons:
Missouri’s turkey season encompasses both spring and fall periods, each with its unique regulations and hunting methods Let’s dive into the specifics of each season:
Spring Turkey Season:
- Dates: April 1-2 (Youth Portion), April 17-May 7 (Regular Season)
- Hunting Methods: Shotguns with shot not larger than No. 4, longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, crossbows, and atlatls.
- Limits: One male turkey or turkey with a visible beard during the youth season. Two male turkeys or turkeys with visible beards during the regular season.
- Permits: Spring Turkey Hunting Permit required.
Fall Turkey Season:
- Dates: October 1-31
- Hunting Methods: Shotguns (including .410) with shot not larger than No. 4, longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, crossbows, and atlatls.
- Limits: Two turkeys of either sex.
- Permits: Fall Firearms Turkey Hunting Permit required.
Additional Considerations:
- Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset for all seasons, except for the spring youth season, which starts one-half hour before sunrise and ends at sunset.
- Prohibited Methods: Electronic calls, electronically activated calls, bait, dogs, night vision equipment, and live decoys.
- Regulations: Always consult the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website for the most up-to-date regulations and information.
Tips for a Successful Turkey Hunt:
- Scout the area: Familiarize yourself with the terrain, turkey activity, and potential hunting spots.
- Choose the right gear: Invest in quality camouflage, a comfortable hunting blind, and a reliable shotgun or bow.
- Practice your calling: Master the art of turkey calling to attract birds within shooting range.
- Be patient: Turkey hunting requires patience and persistence. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
- Respect the resource: Follow all regulations and ethical hunting practices to ensure the sustainability of the turkey population.
Beyond the Basics:
MDC’s Fall Deer & Turkey Regulations and Information booklet provides detailed information on the new firearms early antlerless portion, the new firearms CWD portion, and changes to firearms antlerless permit numbers by county. This booklet will be available starting in July where permits are sold and online at mdc.mo.gov.
Stay Informed:
For the latest updates and regulations, visit the MDC website and follow their social media channels.
Embrace the Experience:
Turkey hunting in Missouri offers an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of the hunt with the beauty of the outdoors. So, grab your gear, head out into the woods, and enjoy the camaraderie and excitement of this time-honored tradition.
Happy hunting!
Limits
During the spring youth season, one male turkey or turkey with visible beard
If a young person harvests a turkey during the youth season, they are not permitted to harvest another one until the second Monday of the regular season. This is so that the bird taken during the youth season counts as the first bird for the first week of the regular season.
What’s New for 2024?
- You may now hunt until sunset on private lands. The same shooting hours apply on public lands, and they end at 1 p.m. m. m.
- Permit prices have gone up to keep up with the rising costs of goods and services.
- Other MDC-managed areas used for turkey hunting were changed to nontoxic shot only, including Donaldson Point, Frisbee Cutoff Access, Hornersville Swamp, Marion Bottoms, Seven Island, Swift Ditch Access, and Warbler Woods.
Topic Category Hunting / Fishing Guide Regulations Seasons Biological Information
One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Youth hunters who are age 6-15 on opening day may hunt.
Youth may also hunt during the regular Spring Turkey season.
Missouri Turkey Season – Opening Day 2023
When can I Harvest a second Turkey?
One male turkey or turkey with visible beard Youths who take a turkey during the youth season may not harvest a second bird until April 24. This is because the bird taken during the youth season counts as the first bird for the first week of the regular season. Spring Turkey Hunting Permit Turkey: Spring: Allowed Methods
Can you hunt a Turkey in Missouri?
See 3 CSR 10-7.432 and 3 CSR 10-7.455 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri. One-half hour before sunrise to sunset Fall firearms turkey hunting is not permitted in Dunklin, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Pemiscot, and Scott counties. Two turkeys of either sex, both may be taken on the same day Fall Firearms Turkey Hunting Permit
What changes are coming to Missouri deer hunting in 2023-2024?
The Missouri Department of Conservation recently released the turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2023-2024 season along with announcing regulation changes to the deer-hunting portions. Those changes include: a new firearms early antlerless portion, a new firearms CWD portion and changes to firearms antlerless permit numbers in most counties.
What changes are coming to Missouri hunting seasons in the New Year?
Hold on to your seats, there are changes coming to Missouri hunting seasons in the new year. The Missouri Department of Conservation recently released the turkey and deer hunting dates for the 2023-2024 season along with announcing regulation changes to the deer-hunting portions.