When is Turkey Season in PA 2022?

Turkey season in Pennsylvania offers hunters exciting opportunities to harvest wild turkeys during both a fall and spring season Understanding the different season dates, bag limits, and regulations can help hunters have a successful turkey hunt. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the when, where and how of turkey season in PA in 2022

Overview of Turkey Season Dates in PA

There are two main turkey seasons in Pennsylvania – a fall turkey season and a spring turkey season:

Fall Turkey Season – Running from late October through late November, this season allows hunters to harvest either male or female turkeys in most parts of the state.
Spring Turkey Season – The more popular spring gobbler season opens in late April for youth hunters before opening in early May for the general public This season is specifically for hunting bearded turkeys only

Turkey can also be hunted to a limited extent during certain small game seasons from September through February.

When is Fall Turkey Season in PA 2022?

The fall turkey season in PA runs from October 29, 2022 to November 25, 2022 statewide. However, season dates vary by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU):

Oct 29 – Nov 17 and Nov 22-25 in WMU 2B
Oct 29 – Nov 4 in WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E
Oct 29 – Nov 11 in WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C
Oct 29 – Nov 11 and Nov 22-25 in WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E
Oct 31 – Nov 2 in WMU 5B
Closed in WMUs 5A, 5C, 5D

The fall turkey season bag limit is 1 bird of either sex per license year. Hunting hours are half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.

When is Spring Turkey Season in PA 2022?

Here are the key dates for the 2022 spring turkey season in Pennsylvania:

April 23, 2022 – Youth Turkey Hunt Day
April 30 – May 14, 2022 – Spring turkey season statewide (bearded birds only)
May 16-31, 2022 – Extended spring turkey season (bearded birds only)

The youth hunt day allows junior license holders and mentored youth under 16 to harvest 1 bearded turkey (male or female).

During the regular spring season, hunters may harvest 1 bearded turkey per day, with a season limit of 2 turkeys. Hunting hours are half an hour before sunrise to noon from April 30 to May 14, and half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset from May 16-31.

A valid spring turkey tag is required to hunt during this season.

Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations in PA

Here are some key regulations Pennsylvania hunters need to follow during the spring turkey season:

Must possess a valid spring turkey hunting license or spring turkey hunting guide license.
Only bearded turkeys may be harvested.
Legal firearms include shotguns, muzzleloaders, long, recurve, compound bows or crossbows. Rifles or handguns may not be used.
Hunters may possess no more than 2 shells in the shotgun chamber and magazine combined during the youth hunt day.
All turkey hunters must wear fluorescent orange material with 144 square inches visible 360 degrees around the head during the youth hunt day. Not required during the regular season.
It is unlawful to use electronic calls or live decoys when turkey hunting.

Turkey Hunting Opportunities on Public Land

Many State Game Lands and state parks in Pennsylvania allow turkey hunting in the spring season with the appropriate licenses. Popular public land areas include:

State Game Lands 176, 182 (WMU 2B)
State Game Lands 44 (WMU 3C)
State Game Lands 13, 57, 136 (WMU 4E)
State Game Land 46 (WMU 2G)
State Game Lands 259 (WMU 5B)
Ricketts Glen, Promised Land, and Nockamixon State Parks

Be sure to consult the Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest for SGL-specific regulations.

Tips for Hunting Spring Gobblers

Here are some tips to consider when hunting spring gobblers in Pennsylvania:

Scout – Locate flocks and identify roosting areas pre-season.
Use Decoys Cautiously – Decoys can pull in dominant gobblers but also educate birds. Avoid overusing them.
Play the Wind – Set up downwind of gobbles and roost spots and call conservatively.
Be Patient – Don’t overcall. Let hen yelps, clucks and purrs bring hung-up toms into range.
Consider Weather – Hunt all day on cloudy, drizzly days. On sunny days, target mornings and late afternoons.

Summary

In Pennsylvania spring 2022, turkey hunters can look forward to a youth hunt day on April 23, followed by a statewide spring gobbler season from April 30 to May 31 (extended in some WMUs). During this time, bearded turkeys can be pursued using calls, decoys and camouflage tactics. The fall 2022 turkey season will open October 29 statewide, with closing dates varying by WMU. Following regulations, scouting thoroughly, and hunting patiently can help PA turkey hunters maximize their time afield.

Frequency of Entities:
WMU: 21
PA: 14
Turkey: 13
Season: 11
Hunt: 7
Spring: 6
Fall: 5
Bearded: 4

Wild Turkey Recipes

Learn to Hunt

Join Pennsylvania Game Commission Game Bird Management Supervisor and Information and Education Bureau Director to learn some turkey biology and scouting tips to help you harvest a bird this spring turkey season.

Turkey Calling With Matt Morrett

Learn techniques from a five-time world champion turkey caller.

Shot Placement

Where is the best place to aim on a gobbler? Matt Morrett provides a great tip on shot placement when spring turkey hunting.

Getting Comfortable

As part of the Pennsylvania Game Commissions Turkey Hunting Tips series, Matt Morrett provides a great tip on preparing your hunting area and ways to get comfortable in the woods.

2022 PA SPRING TURKEY SEASON OPENER! (I Got A Shot)

FAQ

What are the dates for turkey season in PA?

The regular season runs May 4-31, with hunting hours going from one-half hour before sunrise until noon from May 4-18, then from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half-hour after sunset from May 20-31.

Do you have to wear orange when turkey hunting in PA?

There is no requirement for hunters to wear fluorescent orange during the spring turkey season, though wearing it is recommended while moving. Blinds used while turkey hunting must be manufactured with manmade materials of sufficient density to block movement within the blind from an observer outside the blind.

How many turkeys can you harvest in PA?

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only) Daily limit 1, season limit 2. (Second spring gobbler may be only taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.)

Do you need a license to hunt turkey in PA?

Resident Adult Hunting License ($20.97): Issued to bona fide residents of Pennsylvania ages 17 through 64. This license includes one antlered deer tag, one fall turkey tag, one spring turkey tag and small game hunting privileges for one license year.

When does the fall turkey season start in Pennsylvania?

HARRISBURG, PA – Pennsylvania’s fall turkey season kicks off Saturday, Oct. 28 in 19 of Pennsylvania’s 22 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs.) The fall season is closed in WMUs 5A, 5C and 5D.

Do you hunt spring turkeys in Pennsylvania?

About 172,000 people, on average, hunt spring turkeys in Pennsylvania every year. Some bag a bird, others won’t. It’s work done before the season that often separates the two groups. Casalena said turkey abundance varies across the state and preseason scouting to locate these vocal toms could be the key to your hunt.

Will a spring turkey Poult be a success in 2022?

With poult production in 2022 just as good as the year before, jakes, or 1-year-old gobblers, abound, as well. None of that guarantees success. About 172,000 people, on average, hunt spring turkeys in Pennsylvania every year. Some bag a bird, others won’t. It’s work done before the season that often separates the two groups.

Where can I find information on spring turkey hunting rules & regulations?

For more information on spring turkey hunting rules and regulations, pertaining to the youth or regular hunts, check the 2022-23 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which is provided with a hunting license and is available online at www.pgc.pa.gov. Reporting harvests