When Does Turkey Season Wrap Up Across the Country?

As an avid turkey hunter, I always get sad when spring turkey season starts winding down. That magical time of year when I get to head out before sunrise, sit against a tree, and try calling in a big tom is one of my favorite parts of spring. But before I know it, the seasons have ended and it’s time to put away the turkey call until next year.

So when exactly does turkey season wrap up across the country? I did some digging to find the closure dates for spring turkey seasons in each state. Here’s a state-by-state look at when you need to stop chasing gobblers this spring.

Northeast Turkey Season Closure Dates

Up in the northeast, turkey seasons start closing down in mid to late May

• In Maine, the spring turkey season wraps up on June 1st.
• New Hampshire’s season ends on May 31st.
• Vermont’s closure date is May 31st as well.
• Massachusetts’ season ends May 25th.
• Rhode Island hunters can chase birds until May 19th.
• Connecticut’s last day is May 25th.
• New York’s season ends May 31st.
• In New Jersey, spring turkey wraps up between May 20-24 depending on zone.
• Pennsylvania’s season ends May 31st in most areas.
• Maryland’s closure date is May 23rd.
• Delaware’s last day is May 11th, one of the earliest closures nationwide.
• Virginia’s final day is May 16th.
• West Virginia’s spring season ends May 18th.

So late May is when most Northeast turkey action stops. I need to get out there and fill my last tags soon before the weather gets too hot!

Southeast Turkey Season Wrapping Up

In the southeast, spring turkey seasons tend to end in early to mid May.

• South Carolina’s season closes April 30th, except for some special hunts that go until May 10th.
• In Georgia, most public and private lands close May 15th.
• Florida’s last day is April 21st in one zone and May 7th in the other.
• Alabama’s seasons end May 8th.
• Mississippi wraps up turkey season on May 1st, with a shorter season for non-residents.
• Louisiana’s closure dates range from April 21st to May 5th depending on zone.
• Arkansas ends spring turkey hunting in most areas on May 5th.
• Tennessee’s season wraps May 26th, one of the latest in the region.
• North Carolina closes on May 11th.
• In Kentucky, the last day is May 5th.

So for most southeast states hunters only have until early May to bag that last gobbler. I better get on those public lands soon before the seasons end!

Midwest Turkey Season End Dates

In the midwest, there’s more variability in closure dates for spring turkey seasons. They range from early May to late May.

• Missouri’s last day is May 5th.
• Kansas ends spring turkey season on May 31st.
• Oklahoma’s closure is May 16th.
• Nebraska’s final day is May 31st.
• South Dakota’s seasons end May 19th in one unit and May 31st in others.
• North Dakota closes the latest in the country on May 26th.
• Minnesota’s season end dates range from May 7th to May 31st depending on zone.
• Iowa hunters can chase turkeys until May 12th.
• In Illinois, the last day is May 16th in the north zone and May 9th in the south zone.
• Wisconsin closes on May 30th in most zones.
• Michigan’s seasons end as early as May 12th or as late as June 7th depending on zone.
• Ohio wraps up spring turkey between May 19-26th depending on location.
• Indiana’s closure is May 12th.

There seems to be more variability in season end dates across the midwest. So consult regulations to make sure you maximize your remaining time chasing turkeys this year!

Western Turkey Season Wrap Up Dates

Out west in the Rocky Mountains and west coast, spring turkey season closure dates also have a lot of variability.

• In Washington, some units end in April while others go until May 31st.
• Oregon has a long season ending May 31st.
• California’s general season goes until May 5th while the archery season extends until May 19th.
• Idaho’s last day ranges from April 15th to May 25th depending on unit.
• Nevada’s closure dates vary from March 23rd to May 5th by county.
• Utah ends most turkey seasons April 30th, an early closure compared to nearby states.
• Arizona’s end dates range from April 19th to May 30th depending on hunt type.
• New Mexico’s seasons wrap up between April 15th and May 15th depending on game unit.
• Colorado’s final day is May 31st.
• Wyoming closes May 31st as well.
• In Texas, spring turkey season ends May 14th statewide.
• Montana’s last day is May 31st.

So if you still have an unfilled turkey tag out west, make sure to double check those season dates because they really vary across the region.

When to Stop Hunting Turkeys This Spring

As you can see, spring turkey season closure dates range from as early as mid-April to as late as the end of May depending on your state. Here in Kentucky, my home state, the last day we can chase birds is May 5th.

So make sure to check your state’s regulations to see when your last day to fill that final turkey tag is. Then get out there and hunt hard until the final day arrives. Don’t let the season end with any unused tags left! Make every day count until turkey seasons wrap up this spring.

The beginning of June will be here before we know it, and that magical time when the woods come alive with gobbling at first light will be over. But for now, keep chasing those birds and enjoy every minute you have left this spring turkey season. It will be turkey hunting withdrawal time before you know it!