When Does Fall Turkey Season Start in Pennsylvania?

For many hunters, fall is synonymous with pursuing whitetails. But autumn in Pennsylvania also brings opportunities to hunt wild turkeys. If you’re looking to bag a bird this fall, it’s important to know the dates for the fall turkey season. Here’s a complete guide on when you can hunt turkeys in Pennsylvania each autumn.

Overview of Fall Turkey Season Dates

Pennsylvania offers a fairly lengthy fall turkey season compared to many other states. The season dates are:

• WMU 2B: Oct. 28 – Nov. 17 and Nov. 22-24
• WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D, 4E: Oct. 28 – Nov. 4
• WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C: Oct. 28 – Nov. 11
• WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E: Oct. 28 – Nov. 11 and Nov. 22-24
• WMU 5B: Oct. 31 – Nov. 2
• WMUs 5A, 5C, 5D: No fall turkey hunting

So the fall season runs from late October through late November statewide, with specific variations by Wildlife Management Unit.

Why Do Fall Season Dates Vary?

Pennsylvania manages wild turkey populations by WMU. These units take into account habitat, land use, human populations, and other factors that affect turkeys.

As a result, the Game Commission tailors hunting regulations to align with population trends and reproduction timing in each WMU Fall season dates are set based on when hens are no longer nesting and poults are mature enough to survive without their mothers

Shorter seasons and later start dates in some WMUs help maximize hunting opportunities without negatively impacting nesting and reproduction, The varied dates allow hunters to pursue fall turkeys while also protecting local flocks,

What Are Some Good WMUs for Fall Turkey?

Opinions vary on the top WMUs for fall turkey hunting in Pennsylvania. But here are a few units known for good fall action:

• 2B: This WMU offers the longest fall season. The area from southwestern PA through the Laurel Highlands holds good numbers of birds.

• 2F: Allegheny National Forest provides prime habitat in this northwestern PA unit. The long season and remote terrain makes 2F a top pick.

• 2G: Another northwestern option, 2G features large tracts of public land and limited hunting pressure in the fall.

• 3C: The extensive mountain and valley terrain in this south-central unit holds strong turkey numbers.

• 4E: The remote forests of this northeastern WMU harbor good fall flocks with limited hunting pressure.

Fall Turkey Hunting Tips

Hunting fall turkeys comes with its own strategies compared to the spring season:

• Scout acorn crops: Turkeys rely heavily on acorns in fall. Locate oak forests producing nuts to find flocks.

• Focus on food sources: Birds are concentrated near food versus scattered during spring breeding. Set up near acorn-laden trees, wild fruit, and agricultural fields.

• Use flock calling: Autumn turkeys gather in flocks rather than small groups. Use group yelps and cutting to mimic a flock.

• Be mobile: Cover ground until you locate flocks. Turkeys can be anywhere nuts and fruits are abundant.

With the right techniques, you can tag a turkey in the fall to enjoy delicious wild game. Now you know exactly when you can hunt turkeys in Pennsylvania’s autumn season.

When to Buy Your Fall Turkey Tag

Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your fall turkey tag. Fall turkey licenses go on sale in mid-June each year. The deadline is typically in mid-October. You must have a valid tag before doing any fall turkey hunting.

Be sure to consult the Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest for exact dates, regulations, and license requirements.