When is Turkey Season in California? A Guide to the Best Times to Hunt Wild Turkey

For many hunters in California, spring turkey season is one of the most exciting times of the year The anticipation builds as opening day approaches, and hunters eagerly prepare their gear and scout for big gobblers But when exactly is turkey season in the Golden State? This guide will cover everything you need to know about the regulations, dates, and tips for a successful California turkey hunt.

Overview of Turkey Seasons in California

California offers both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons across the state. The general spring season runs annually from late March through early May. There is also a special youth turkey hunt weekend in late March. The fall turkey season is much shorter, typically running for just 3-4 weeks in November and December.

In addition to the regular seasons, there are special archery-only seasons for turkeys in both spring and fall. Hunting turkeys with archery equipment adds an extra challenge but provides more opportunities to be in the field and target these wary game birds.

Spring Turkey Season Dates

The spring turkey general season in California runs for approximately 5-6 weeks from late March into early May each year. In 2023, opening day of the spring season is March 30 statewide. It will close on May 5.

There is also a special 2-day junior turkey hunt over the weekend preceding the general opener, March 23-24, 2023. This allows youth under 16 to get a head start and gain valuable experience before the regular season starts.

For archery turkey hunters, the spring season is slightly longer than the regular shotgun season. It begins on the general opener of March 30, but extends about 2 additional weeks until May 19, 2023.

Spring is prime time for turkey hunting, as winter flocks break up and male birds are actively courting and breeding hens. Hunting success is often best early in the season when gobbles echo loudly across the landscape.

Fall Turkey Season Dates

Compared to the generous spring season, fall turkey hunting in California is much more limited. The fall season typically opens in early-mid November and closes after just 3-4 weeks in early December. In 2022, fall turkey opened on November 11 and will close on December 10.

Fall archery turkey season matches the general fall dates of November 11 – December 10 in 2022.

During the fall, turkeys flock up again and are less responsive to calling compared to the spring. But patient hunters can still find success targeting flock patterns and roost sites. Cooler weather also makes for pleasant hunting conditions.

Best Areas to Hunt Wild Turkey in California

California has thriving and growing wild turkey populations across much of the state. The best areas to target turkeys include:

• North Coast Range – Mendocino National Forest and surrounding areas harbor excellent turkey numbers in spring and fall.

• Sierra Foothills – Yuba, American, and Feather River drainages, Plumas National Forest.

• San Joaquin Valley – Merced and Madera Counties, foothill areas along the valley’s rim.

• Southern California – Cleveland National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, Cuyamaca Mountains.

Within these regions, focus on areas with oak woodlands and openings like meadows, farms, and clearcuts that turkeys rely on for feeding and breeding. Proximity to water sources is also key.

Turkey Tagging, Reporting Requirements

All turkey hunters in California need to purchase a turkey tag or validation along with their hunting license. One tag is good for one bearded turkey in the spring or one either-sex turkey in the fall.

Hunters are required to tag their turkey immediately upon harvesting one and before transporting the carcass. Accurately filling out the tag anddetachable harvest report card is critical.

The harvest card portion must be submitted to CDFW by January 31 following the season. Accurate harvest reporting is crucial for biologists to monitor turkey populations and set appropriate seasons and limits.

Useful Turkey Hunting Tips and Tactics

Here are some key strategies to consider when hunting wild turkeys in California:

• Scout and identify roost sites – Locating where turkeys are roosting at night is half the battle. Focus on large trees near openings.

• Set up near roosts at fly down – Get in position well before daylight where you expect birds to fly down off the roost.

• Use decoys sparingly – Decoys can pull in curious dominant gobblers during breeding season. Avoid overusing them.

• Call less, listen more – Calling too much can make turkeys hang up. Use owl hoots, soft clucks, and purrs instead of aggressive calling.

• Stay concealed and still – Turkeys have incredible eyesight. Avoid moving until you have a shot opportunity.

• Be patient – It often takes hours for turkeys to relax and resume normal patterns after fly down. Don’t give up too early.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

Before heading out to hunt wild turkeys, be sure you meet all licensing and permit requirements:

• California hunting license

• 2023 Upland Game Bird Validation ($25.10)

• 2023 Turkey Tag or Validation ($24.28)

• Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation if also hunting migratory birds like doves.

• Blaze orange required when hunting on public lands.

• No more than 10 shotgun shells allowed in the field on public lands.

Be sure to also read up on current turkey hunting regulations regarding legal methods of take, shooting hours, and bag limits. Understanding the rules will help ensure an ethical, legal hunt.

With burgeoning turkey populations across California, spring and fall turkey hunting provides fantastic opportunities to test your skills on these challenging birds. Pay close attention to the season dates and scout ahead of time to pattern the birds. Mastering turkey calls takes practice, so don’t get discouraged. Hunt safely, responsibly and enjoy your time afield this turkey season. Gobble, gobble!