Can I Kill a Turkey in My Yard in Massachusetts?

Wild turkeys can be a nuisance when they wander into your yard in Massachusetts. You may be wondering if you can kill or hunt them to get rid of them. Here’s what you need to know about your legal options for dealing with wild turkeys on your property.

Understanding Wild Turkey Behavior

Wild turkeys are naturally wary of humans, but they are increasingly adapting to live near suburban and urban areas in Massachusetts Turkeys can become aggressive during breeding season and may attack or chase people They see their reflection in windows and vehicles and attack, thinking it’s a rival bird.

Turkeys scratch and peck for food in yards, gardens, and farm fields. They eat seeds, nuts, berries, insects, and small vertebrates. Turkeys can destroy gardens, landscape plants, and crops. Their droppings can be a nuisance and health hazard.

During spring and summer, male turkeys are protective of females and their broods. They may chase or attack if they perceive a threat. In fall and winter, turkeys form large mixed flocks that may loot seed from bird feeders, raid gardens, and become bold in approaching humans for handouts

Is It Legal to Kill Wild Turkeys in Massachusetts?

The wild turkey is a regulated game species in Massachusetts Here are the rules on killing or hunting wild turkeys

• It is illegal for ordinary citizens to kill wild turkeys outside of the designated fall turkey hunting season.

• Landowners can kill wild turkeys only if they obtain a special permit from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife.

• Licensed turkey hunters can harvest turkeys during the fall hunting season from October through late November.

• Turkeys can only be killed using approved hunting methods and equipment like shotguns and archery.

• There are bag limits on the number and type of turkeys that can be harvested.

So without a special permit, you cannot legally kill or hunt wild turkeys causing problems in your yard or on your property in Massachusetts.

Nonlethal Options for Deterring Wild Turkeys

Since killing turkeys is not allowed for most people, you’ll need to use nonlethal methods to deter them from your yard and protect your property. Here are some effective turkey deterrents:

• Remove food sources like bird seed, fallen fruits, and garden produce. Install fencing around gardens and orchards.

• Use motion-activated sprinklers, sounds, flashing lights, and scarecrow effigies.

• Block reflective surfaces like windows and vehicles that trigger aggression.

• Use dogs or supervision to keep turkeys away from people, especially children.

• Consider taste and smell repellents on plants they damage.

• Hang mylar tape, aluminium pie pans, or old CDs to scare with flashes and noise.

• Yell, wave arms, spray water, and chase aggressive turkeys away. Don’t run or turn your back.

• Seek help from a wildlife control professional for exclusion, trapping, or relocation if needed.

When Lethal Control May Be Allowed

In some cases, the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife may issue special killing permits or expanded hunting access:

• If wild turkeys are causing excessive property damage that cannot be resolved by nonlethal means.

• For protection of public health and safety if turkeys are acting very aggressive.

• To control localized overpopulations of turkeys in an area.

• For special management situations such as research.

So lethal control is restricted to specific situations based on evidence of need. The wildlife agency won’t issue killing permits for minor annoyances. And any lethal control must follow humane protocols.

Hunting Turkeys on Private Land

Landowners in Massachusetts may allow licensed hunters onto their property during fall turkey season. This can help reduce the number of turkeys causing problems. Here are some tips:

• Contact local hunting groups to find responsible hunters interested in hunting on your land.

• Allow hunters to access adjacent woodlands where turkeys gather and roost.

• Permit hunting if your property is at least 10 acres with a fairly remote safe shooting zone.

• Require hunters to follow all regulations and safety protocols.

• Prohibit discharge of hunting weapons within 500 feet of a dwelling.

• Consider requiring hunters to provide some of the harvested turkey meat to you or donate to charity.

But keep in mind that fall hunting is limited to male turkeys, so it won’t eliminate flocks completely. And hunting may push remaining birds onto neighboring properties.

When to Seek a Nuisance Wildlife Permit

If wild turkeys become a serious problem, consult with your local wildlife agency office to explore options. They may issue a nuisance wildlife control permit to:

• Allow trapping and relocating turkeys away from the problem site.

• Permit lethal removal if absolutely necessary after trying nonlethal means first.

Be prepared to show evidence of the damage and risks caused by turkeys. Try reasonable nonlethal solutions before expecting a killing permit. Work cooperatively with wildlife officials to find the best humane solution.

Coexisting with Wild Turkeys in Massachusetts

With some tolerance and smart prevention, we can peacefully coexist with wild turkeys in Massachusetts neighborhoods. Learn about their behaviors and biology. Remove food attractants and block access to dangerous areas. Use effective humane harassment techniques. Call on wildlife professionals when needed. Let’s keep turkeys wild and our communities safe.