When is Youth Turkey Season in Missouri?

Turkey hunting is a popular pastime in Missouri The Show-Me State offers youth hunters special opportunities to hunt wild turkeys during designated youth seasons So when exactly is youth turkey season in Missouri?

Overview of Youth Turkey Season

The Missouri Department of Conservation designates a weekend-long youth turkey hunting season each spring. During this season, hunters ages 6-15 can hunt wild turkeys before the regular spring season opens.

Youth turkey season occurs on the weekend prior to the opening of the regular spring turkey season. For 2024 youth turkey season will take place on April 6-7. This season gives young hunters a chance to hunt without pressure from older, more experienced hunters in the woods.

Season Dates and Limits

The 2024 youth turkey season in Missouri runs from April 6-7. During these two days, youth can harvest one male turkey with a visible beard. Hunters are allowed to take their turkey using archery methods or shotguns.

If a youth is successful during the youth weekend, they must then wait until the second week of the regular spring season to harvest a second bird. The limit for the regular spring turkey season is two male turkeys with visible beards.

Participation Requirements

To participate in the youth turkey season, hunters must meet the following requirements:

• Be between the ages of 6-15 on opening day
• Purchase the appropriate permits
• Complete hunter education certification (or qualify for exemption)
• Comply with hunter orange requirements
• Follow all other turkey hunting regulations

Youth under age 16 must hunt with an adult mentor who possesses the appropriate hunting permits. The mentor may not hunt during the youth season but can call turkeys for the youth hunter.

Transition to the Regular Season

Missouri’s regular spring turkey season begins each year on the second Monday in April. For 2024, opening day is April 15. The season lasts for three weeks, ending on the first Sunday in May.

During the regular turkey season, youth hunters can continue hunting but must adhere to all standard regulations. This includes observing limits, legal methods, shooting hours, and other rules.

The limit during the regular spring turkey season is two male turkeys with visible beards. Hunters may harvest one bird during the first week and two birds total for the remaining two weeks.

Fall Turkey Hunting Opportunities

In addition to the spring season, Missouri also offers fall turkey hunting opportunities. The fall firearms turkey season runs from October 1-31 each year.

During the fall season, hunters may take two turkeys of either sex using archery methods, shotguns, muzzleloaders, or crossbows.decoys

Checking and Reporting Harvests

Hunters must check and report any turkeys harvested during youth season within 24 hours through the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Telecheck system.

Reporting helps biologists monitor turkey populations and set appropriate regulations. Accurate harvest data is essential for responsible wildlife management.

Ensuring an Ethical Hunt

Turkey hunting provides wonderful opportunities to introduce youth to the outdoors. However, it’s critical that mentors emphasize ethics and safety:

• Choose appropriate weapons and ammunition
• Stick to fair chase principles
• Respect other hunters
• Follow all regulations
• Use proper shot placement for clean harvests
• Treat wildlife and the environment with care

Following ethical hunting practices ensures the continuation of the sport for future generations.

Apply Soon for 2024 Permits

Spring turkey hunting is an exciting tradition for many Missouri families. Parents looking to take a kid hunting during youth season should apply for permits as soon as possible once they become available in early 2024.

Demand for turkey hunting opportunities continues to exceed supply in Missouri. Don’t wait too long or you may miss out on your preferred season or location. Mark your calendars for youth turkey season April 6-7 and share the joys of spring hunting with someone special.