When is Pennsylvania Turkey Season? A Guide to Spring Gobbler Hunting in the Keystone State

Turkey hunting is a popular pastime for many outdoor enthusiasts in Pennsylvania. The state provides ample opportunities to pursue wild turkeys during the spring gobbler season each year. But when exactly is Pennsylvania turkey season?

Overview of Pennsylvania Turkey Season Dates

The Pennsylvania Game Commission oversees the turkey hunting seasons each year The dates for spring gobbler season are as follows

• Youth Turkey Hunting Day: April 29, 2023
• Regular Turkey Season: May 1-31, 2023

During the regular spring turkey season, hunting hours are:

• May 1-13: Half-hour before sunrise until noon
• May 15-31: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset

Hunters may harvest one bearded turkey per day, with a maximum of two bearded turkeys for the entire season The second turkey must be taken with a special turkey license.

Pennsylvania’s Top Turkey Hunting Zones

Pennsylvania has some excellent public and private lands for spring gobbler hunting. Here are some of the top zones throughout the state:

Southwest Region

The southwest region contains a mix of forested ridges and agricultural valleys perfect for turkeys. Some notable areas include:

• State Game Lands 50
• State Game Lands 79
• State Game Lands 117
• Forbes State Forest

The open hardwood forests here allow hunters to spot turkeys at a distance. Calling in lovestruck toms as they search for hens is a productive strategy.

Northcentral Region

Northcentral PA contains large swaths of dense forest interspersed with openings. Prime destinations include:

• Susquehannock State Forest
• Tioga State Forest
• Sproul State Forest
• State Game Lands 100

This region requires more scouting to find turkey hotspots. Use locator calls and be mobile to entice gobblers within range.

Southeast Region

The southeast offers rolling piedmont terrain with scattered woodlots amid agricultural fields. Top picks are:

• French Creek State Park
• State Game Lands 43
• State Game Lands 156
• State Game Lands 280

In this habitat, sneak along fencerows to hidden gobblers. Sitting against a tree where two fields meet is also effective.

Northwest Region

Northwest Pennsylvania has expansive hardwood forests, clearcuts, and reverting farmland. Check out:

• State Game Lands 29
• State Game Lands 39
• State Game Lands 74
• Clear Creek State Forest

Locate feed sources like acorns or greening fields. Set up downwind and use loud yelps and cutting to bring in lovestruck toms.

Turkey Hunting Tips and Tactics

Here are some key turkey hunting tips to remember for Pennsylvania spring gobbler season:

• Scout and set up near roost sites – Locate trees where turkeys are roosting at night to ambush them at fly down.

• Use hen decoys and calls – A hen decoy and turkey calls like a slate, box, or mouth calls draw in lovesick gobblers.

• Pick travel corridors – Funnel toms along their preferred routes between roosting and feeding areas.

• Use a blind – Portable pop-up ground blinds conceal movement while allowing you to see approaching turkeys.

• Learn turkey talk – Understand the meanings of gobbles, yelps, purrs, and other vocalizations.

• Use a turkey fan – Fanning makes subordinate gobblers think a dominant rival is in the area.

• Remain still – Sudden movement will bust hidden turkeys, so stay motionless when they’re near.

• Aim for the head – Headshots are most lethal on turkeys. Avoid shooting at the body.

Proper scouting, calling skills, decoy setups, and woodsmanship leads to spring gobbler success in Pennsylvania. Study the terrain, hunting pressure, and behaviors of turkeys in your chosen areas. Then apply smart tactics during the season to tag your bird.

Spring Turkey Hunting Outlook for 2023

The Pennsylvania Game Commission expects another robust spring harvest in 2023 after good production in recent years. Here are some key points:

• Preliminary data shows strong poult numbers from the 2022 breeding season. More juveniles typically translates to more adult toms available in spring.

• Acorn crops were spotty in fall 2022, which concentrated turkeys for hunters in areas with food sources.

• The state turkey population remains stable overall. Turkey numbers are good compared to the 1980s and 1990s.

• Active habitat management on public lands provides openings and edge habitat beneficial for turkeys.

• An early spring green-up favors hunting during the first couple weeks before foliage emerges.

Barring any unusual weather events or disease outbreaks, Pennsylvania should offer plenty of eager gobblers for hunters this spring.

Get Ready for Pennsylvania Turkey Season

Now you know when Pennsylvania turkey season takes place each spring. Be sure to purchase your hunting license and tags ahead of time. Scouting beginning in March will reveal where the birds are located on public land and private property you have access to. Sharpen your turkey hunting skills and equipment so you’re ready to go on opening day. Gobble, gobble! Good luck tagging a longbeard.