Texas offers excellent turkey hunting opportunities across most of the state With ample numbers of Rio Grande turkeys and large tracts of available public and private hunting lands, many hunters look forward to turkey season each spring in Texas. But when exactly is turkey season in the Lone Star State? Here is a complete guide on turkey season dates and regulations in Texas.
Overview of Turkey Seasons in Texas
There are three main turkey seasons in Texas
-
Spring Turkey Season – This is the most popular season, open statewide in March, April and May. Seeks to harvest adult gobblers.
-
Fall Turkey Season – Less hunters participate in the fall, open November to January. Usually allows either sex of turkeys to be harvested
-
Youth-Only Turkey Seasons – Special weekend seasons held in the fall and spring to provide youth under 16 their own hunting opportunity.
Within these seasons, Texas has a North and South Turkey Zone with slightly different season dates and bag limits based on turkey populations in each region. Specific season dates are set each year by Texas Parks & Wildlife.
When is Spring Turkey Season in Texas?
The Spring Turkey Season targets adult Rio Grande gobblers and provides the best opportunity to bag a mature tom. Season dates for 2024 are:
-
North Zone – March 30 to May 12
-
South Zone – March 16 to April 28
-
Special One-Gobbler Counties – April 1-30 – Limit of one gobbler total in these counties
-
Youth-Only – March 23-24 and May 18-19 in both zones
Hunters can harvest up to 4 gobblers in the spring season, but the daily bag limit is 1 gobbler. Only bearded turkeys are legal during spring. Spring provides plenty of hunting time to call in lovesick toms.
When is Fall Turkey Season in Texas?
The Fall Turkey Season runs from early November to late January. 2024-2025 estimated season dates are:
-
North Zone – November 2 to January 5
-
South Zone – November 2 to January 19
-
Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg and Willacy Counties – November 2 to February 23 – Special extended season
-
Youth-Only – October 25-27 and January weekends
The fall season bag limit is 4 turkeys of either sex in most counties. Fall is a great time to introduce new hunters before the spring rush.
Application Dates for Drawn Turkey Hunt Opportunities
Texas also offers drawn public hunts for turkeys on Wildlife Management Areas and state parks. Application deadlines are:
-
Spring WMA Turkey Hunts – Early January
-
Big Time Texas Hunts – Early October
Check the Public Hunting section of the TPWD Outdoor Annual for exact application dates annually.
Turkey Hunting License and Permit Requirements
All turkey hunters in Texas need:
-
Hunting License – Resident or non-resident general hunting license.
-
Upland Game Bird Stamp – Required along with hunting license to hunt turkey.
-
Harvest Tag – Special turkey tag comes with hunting license to tag harvested birds.
-
Mandatory Harvest Reporting – All harvested turkeys must be reported within 24 hours.
Safety Tips for Turkey Hunting in Texas
Turkey hunting involves unique challenges and safety considerations:
-
Use turkey specific ammo like #4-6 shot in open chokes for patterns at short range.
-
Sit still against a tree wearing camo and call softly to avoid detection. Turkeys have excellent eyesight and hearing.
-
Be sure of target and what’s downrange before shooting as turkeys often gather in groups.
-
Use a turkey vest to safely carry your firearm and keep hands free for calling.
-
Be patient and hunt safely. Gobblers can frustrate even seasoned hunters.
Enjoy a Great Turkey Hunt in Texas!
With excellent turkey numbers and ample seasons statewide, Texas offers amazing turkey hunting every spring and fall. Follow the season dates and hunting regulations based on where you hunt. Apply for special drawn hunts for even more opportunities. Get your license and gear, scout preseason, then have a safe and successful turkey hunt in the Lone Star State!
Special Regulations for Eastern Spring Season in Certain East Texas Counties
Shotgun and lawful archery equipment are the only legal means of take; no hunting over bait; all turkeys must be reported to the department within 24 hours after they are killed. Harvested turkeys may be field dressed, but must otherwise remain intact until reaching a final destination.
All Eastern turkey harvests must be reported by mobile app or online:
Tagging a Wild Turkey
A tag from the hunting license of the person who killed the turkey must be correctly and legibly completed (including name of property and county) and immediately attached to the animal. Hunters in possession of a digital license and tags should refer to Digital Licenses and Tagging for tagging instructions.
Harvest reporting is mandatory for wild turkeys in all counties with a 1-bird bag limit.
OPENING WEEKEND in Texas! (Turkeys Gobbling in EVERY DIRECTION!)
FAQ
What are the dates for turkey season in Texas?
|
Season
|
Zone
|
Dates
|
|
Fall
|
South
|
Nov. 5 – Jan. 15
|
|
|
Brooks, Kenedy, Kleberg & Willacy counties
|
Nov. 5 – Feb. 26
|
|
|
Archery-only
|
Oct. 1 – Nov. 4
|
|
Fall Youth-only
|
North
|
Oct. 29-30 & Jan. 2-15
|
Can you hunt wild turkeys in Texas?
What is the bag limit for turkeys in Texas?
Where is the best turkey hunting in Texas?
When is turkey hunting season?
Turkey hunting seasons are delineated into spring and fall periods, each with its distinct dates and regulations, providing hunters with ample opportunities for pursuing these birds. Season Dates: Spring turkey season typically commences in March with exact starting dates varying by state.
When does turkey hunting start in Colorado?
Colorado: Offers both a spring and fall season; the spring season usually begins in April. Idaho: Spring season dates begin in April, with controlled hunts requiring application. Illinois: The spring season is split into several segments with specific dates throughout April and early May. Indiana: Spring turkey hunting generally starts in April.
When does turkey hunting start in California?
California: Fall and spring turkey hunting seasons are available with variable dates depending on the area. Colorado: Offers both a spring and fall season; the spring season usually begins in April. Idaho: Spring season dates begin in April, with controlled hunts requiring application.
When should turkeys start nesting in Texas?
Let’s talk turkey – forecast, skill builders, videos and more. Wild turkeys in Central and South Texas should have already started nesting. An early nesting season bodes well for nest success, recruitment and good hunting early in the season.