Can You Shoot A Hen Turkey In Missouri?

Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor activity in Missouri Many hunters look forward to spring turkey season each year for the chance to bag a big tom, But what about shooting hen turkeys – is that allowed in Missouri? Let’s take a look at the regulations

Overview of Turkey Hunting in Missouri

Wild turkeys can be found throughout Missouri with an estimated population of over 300000 birds. There are two main turkey seasons – spring and fall. Spring turkey season runs from mid-April through mid-May. This is when male turkeys, known as “toms” or “gobblers”, are actively breeding and responding to calling from hunters. Fall turkey season runs from mid-October through November.

Turkey hunters in Missouri can purchase multiple permits and harvest up to two turkeys per day during the spring season. During the fall season, the limit is one turkey of either sex per day. Hunters are allowed to take up to four turkeys total in the spring and two in the fall.

Regulations on Shooting Hen Turkeys

So can you shoot a hen turkey in Missouri? The answer is yes within season limits.

Hunters can legally harvest hen turkeys during both the spring and fall seasons in Missouri. There are no regulations prohibiting taking female turkeys. The daily and seasonal bag limits apply to turkeys of either sex.

This differs from some other states that have restrictions on harvesting hens. Missouri is more liberal with its hen harvest regulations.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), hens typically make up around 30-40% of the total statewide turkey harvest each year. The number of hens taken by hunters does not have a significant impact on the overall wild turkey population in Missouri.

However, MDC biologists do advise that hunters be more conservative about shooting hens on smaller properties. Taking too many hens from one localized area can reduce productivity and reproduction potential for that particular land. But statewide, the current hen harvest level is sustainable.

Why Would You Want To Shoot a Hen?

So why would a turkey hunter intentionally go after a hen when a male tom is the more coveted prize? There are a few reasons:

Opportunistic hunting – If a hunter spots a hen first while scouting an area before season, they may take note and come back to hunt that bird as an opportunity.
Helping population control – Some hunters specifically target hens to help control overpopulation in a localized area where turkeys are becoming a nuisance.
Meat hunting – Hens provide just as much meat as toms, so hunters focused on getting turkey for the table may not discriminate between sexes.
Lack of toms – In areas with unbalanced sex ratios, hens may greatly outnumber toms available to hunt. Taking a hen may be a hunter’s only opportunity.
Youth hunters – Younger or inexperienced hunters may be happy with any turkey for their first harvest rather than holding out for a mature tom.
Challenge – Bagging a wise old hen can be difficult and provides an additional challenge compared to calling in a lovestruck tom.

Tips for Shooting a Hen

Here are some tips for hunters who want to target hens during turkey season:

Scout to pattern daily habits – Locate where hens roost, feed, and travel to set up properly.
Assume flock has toms nearby – Be prepared in case a gobbler shows up when calling a hen.
Use hen calls – Clucks, purrs, and yelps rather than aggressive gobbling sounds.
Pick safe shot angles – Hens sit tighter than toms, requiring careful shot placement.
Bring extra shells – Hens often run or flush after the first shot requiring follow up.
Be mobile – Hens cover ground to forage so be ready to reposition as needed.
Avoid nesting areas – Give hens space during breeding to avoid scattering poults.

can you shoot a hen turkey in missouri

When Hunter Orange Is Not Required

You don’t have to wear hunter orange during firearms deer season, on an area that is having a managed firearms deer hunt, or during the firearms portion of the elk season if:

You are hunting migratory game birds.
You are archery hunting within municipal boundaries where the discharge of firearms is prohibited.
You are hunting on federal or state land where deer hunting is restricted to archery methods.
You are using an archery permit during the alternative methods portion.
You are archery or small game hunting during the antlerless or CWD portions in a closed county.
You are hunting small game or furbearers during the alternative methods portion.
You are hunting small game or furbearers during the firearms portion of the elk season.

Hunter Ethics Body

All hunters should treat the outdoors with respect and follow ethical hunting practices. These include:

If you hunt on private land, be sure to obtain permission from the landowner and respect his or her property as if it were your own. Scout the area you plan to hunt so you know where the boundaries, houses, roads, fences and livestock are located on the property.
If you do not kill your game instantly, make every effort to find the wounded animal. Permission is required to enter private land.
Clean and care for your game properly.
Pick up all litter, including spent ammunition. Leaving an area better than the way you found it is a sign of thanks for the privilege of hunting.
Report observed violations of the law to a conservation agent or local sheriff as soon as possible.
If you are involved in a firearms-related accident, the law requires that you identify yourself and render assistance; failure to do so is a Class A misdemeanor.
Develop your skills and knowledge, and share them with others.
Know and obey all wildlife laws.
Know and follow the rules of gun safety.
Respect the rights of hunters, non-hunters and landowners.
Make every effort to retrieve and use all game.
Respect the land and all wildlife.
Be sensitive to others when displaying harvested game.
Remember, hunting is not a competitive sport.

Unbelievable Turkey Hunt in Missouri!

FAQ

Can you shoot a hen turkey with a beard?

Hens most always are illegal to shoot in the spring, but on occasion, a hen will sport a beard, making her legal game, as they are considered bearded turkeys. Personally, I don’t shoot bearded hens as they are either carrying or incubating eggs, and shooting one takes her brood out of the population.

Can you shoot a turkey roosting in a tree?

This is the first and most important question you should ask, and the answer is easy: Check your state’s or province’s hunting regulations. I know of nowhere that it is illegal to set up near or even under a roost for a morning hunt as long as you don’t shoot before legal shooting hours.

What are the new regulations for turkey season in Missouri 2024?

Shooting hours are extended for private land only from a half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Shooting hours on public land will remain a half-hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. These changes are effective for the Spring 2024 turkey season.

Can you shoot a hen turkey in Minnesota?

One turkey of either sex may be taken during the fall season. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Fall turkey hunters can use a crossbow.

Does Missouri have turkey hunting regulations?

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) announces changes to turkey hunting regulations for the spring season and has proposed regulation changes for the fall seasons.

What time can you hunt a Turkey in Missouri?

Hunting hours: As mentioned above, spring turkey hunting hours are limited to one half-hour before sunrise to 1:00 PM, while fall hunting hours span from one half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Legal shooting methods: Shotguns (20-gauge or larger), longbows, recurve bows, and crossbows are the only legal weapons for turkey hunting in Missouri.

Is Missouri a good place to hunt a Turkey?

Missouri’s diverse landscapes, abundant wildlife, and strong conservation efforts make it an ideal destination for turkey hunting enthusiasts. From lush forests to rolling hills, there’s a perfect spot for everyone. Here’s an expanded breakdown of some prime turkey hunting areas to explore: 1.

Do I need a permit to hunt a Turkey?

During the regular spring turkey season, anyone assisting another hunter must be properly licensed with either a filled or unfilled spring turkey hunting permit. During youth turkey season, you do not need a permit to assist a properly licensed youth hunter.