When Does Turkey Season Come In In Georgia? A Complete Guide

Turkey hunting is a beloved tradition for many Georgia hunters when spring arrives But when exactly does turkey season start in the Peach State? And what are the specific dates and regulations to know for both private and public land hunts? This guide breaks down everything you need to know about when you can pursue wild turkeys in Georgia

Overview of Georgia Turkey Season Dates

The timing of Georgia’s turkey season is carefully set each year by the state’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR) based on reproductive data and population trends. Typically, turkey season runs from late March through mid May.

Here are the key dates for the 2024 turkey season in Georgia:

• March 23-24 – Special youth and mobility impaired hunter opportunity on private lands only.

• March 30 – Opening day of statewide turkey season on private lands

• April 6 – Opening day of statewide turkey season on public lands including WMAs and National Forests.

• May 15 – Turkey season closes statewide on both private and public land

These dates are consistent each year, with the public land opener always falling one week after the private land opener. The special youth weekend also remains the same.

So in general, you can expect turkey season to open on private Georgia lands around the last weekend of March annually.

Turkey Season Variations on Public Land

While the statewide public land opener is set for the first Saturday in April, it’s important to verify the specific dates for the particular public land you intend to hunt.

Georgia has over 100 different Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and each one sets their own opening and closing days within the broader statewide season framework. Some begin earlier or end later than the statewide dates.

Be sure to carefully check the turkey hunting season details for your chosen WMA in the Georgia Hunting Regulations guide before planning your hunt. The public land bag limits and other rules can also vary.

National Forest land in Georgia generally follows the statewide season dates, but always check the Forest Service regulations as well.

Youth Turkey Hunting Season

licensed youth hunters age 16 and under get exclusive turkey hunting opportunities during the weekend right before the statewide opener.

For 2024, youth season will be March 23-24 on private lands only. This allows young hunters to get a jump start on chasing spring gobblers. An adult at least 21 years old must accompany them.

The limit is one gobbler total for the special youth weekend, which does not count towards the normal seasonal limit. Youth must possess a youth hunting license to participate.

Georgia Turkey Hunting Season Limits

Here are the legal turkey hunting bag limits Georgia hunters must follow:

• Daily Limit – One gobbler per person per day. You cannot kill multiple turkeys on the same day.

• Season Limit – Two gobblers total per person for the spring season on private land.

• WMA Limit – Only one gobbler total per hunter for the entire season on public WMA land.

So on private land you can harvest two bearded turkeys, but only one per WMA. Limits for the National Forest may follow the statewide regulations but again, double check for any differences.

Factors That Influence Turkey Season Timing

Georgia’s turkey season dates each year are strategically set based on science and research by state wildlife biologists. Here are some of the factors that influence the timing:

• Poult Production – Seasons are set to avoid peak nesting and maximize hunting when turkeys reach maturity.

• Population Trends – Declining turkey numbers have led to more conservative season lengths.

• Hunter Success Rates – Lower success has also driven tighter regulations and season curtailing.

• Reproduction Timing – Seasons open once poults are mature enough to limit accidental hen harvest.

• Regional Differences – Different peak nesting periods around the state necessitate varied opening dates.

So while the season dates may move slightly from year to year, they are aligned to provide hunting opportunities that don’t negatively impact sustainability of the wild turkey population.

How to Follow Regulation Changes

Since specific turkey season dates, limits, and rules can change annually, it’s essential that Georgia turkey hunters closely follow the DNR regulations each year. Here are some ways to stay up-to-date:

• Review the DNR hunting regulations guide published each summer.

• Check the DNR website for revised turkey season info every fall.

• Follow Georgia DNR social media for turkey season announcements.

• Read outdoor media articles about the latest turkey season news.

Staying engaged on possible turkey hunting changes will make sure you have a successful hunt within the legal season each spring.

In Summary

The answer to “when does turkey season open in Georgia?” is generally late March for private land hunting and early April for public land. But be sure to verify the specific 2025 dates and familiarize yourself with bag limits, license requirements, and other regulations annually. Careful planning will help you have an enjoyable and legal turkey hunt.