When Does Turkey Season Start? A State-by-State Look at Spring Gobbler Openings

Turkey hunting is a beloved tradition for many hunters across the United States The excitement of hearing a gobbler sound off at daybreak, sneaking into range, and outwitting a wary longbeard is an addicting spring pursuit But the question on every turkey hunter’s mind this time of year is when does turkey season start in my area?

Turkey seasons vary widely, with opening days ranging from early March to early May depending on your location. I’ve dug into the regulations for each state to provide a comprehensive look at 2024 spring turkey hunting seasons.

Southern States

The earliest turkey seasons kick off in March in the southernmost states. Warm weather arrives early here, spurring breeding activity in wild turkey flocks.

In Florida, the panhandle north of State Road 70 opens on March 16 and runs through April 21. South of S.R. 70, the season opens March 2 and continues through April 7. A two bird limit applies.

Louisiana offers the longest season in the South, opening March 15 in the Florida parishes and western zone and continuing through May 1. The rest of the state opens April 6, closing May 5 in the northeast zone and April 28 in the southwest. Bag limits vary by zone.

Mississippi’s season runs March 15 to May 1 statewide, with non-residents limited to hunting public lands through March 31. Hunters can kill one adult gobbler per day, three per season.

Texas starts earliest in the east, opening the first Saturday in April. Western regions begin the second Saturday in April. Most areas go through May 14. Bag limits range from one to four birds.

Arkansas offers the latest southern opener, starting April 15 in the northwest zone and April 17 in the southeast. Seasons extend to May 5 and 8 depending on location. Two gobblers are allowed statewide.

Midwestern States

Moving north into the Midwest, spring turkey seasons transition to April start dates. Temperatures are slower to warm here, so later openings coincide with peak breeding activity.

Iowa offers the earliest beginning, kicking off the first of four five-day seasons on April 8. Hunters are limited to one bearded turkey per license. Non-residents must enter a lottery for limited tags.

In Missouri, hunting starts April 15 and runs through May 5. Limits allow the taking of two bearded birds but only one per day during the first week. Illinois’ lengthy season begins April 8 in the south zone and April 15 in the north, stretching into mid May.

Michigan starts April 20 in the southern Lower Peninsula and April 25 in the north. Only one bird is allowed per license, with seasons ending in early June. Minnesota opens April 17 in most areas, with dates extending into late May. One bearded turkey per permit.

Wisconsin begins April 15 statewide. Season lengths range from seven days to seven weeks depending on zone. Two male or bearded female birds are allowed. Neighboring Ohio kicks off April 23 with a limit of two bearded turkeys.

Western States

Out west, most states open turkey seasons in mid to late April. Hunting opportunities vary widely across this region’s diverse habitats.

Colorado starts April 13 in most units, providing over six weeks of hunting through May 31. Two bearded birds are allowed with multiple licenses. Neighboring Kansas begins April 8 for archers, with the regular firearm season starting April 17. One bearded turkey per permit.

Montana opens April 15 in all regions, continuing through the end of May. Check regulations for bag limits, which can reach five birds in some areas. Idaho starts as early as April 15, but most units don’t open until the final week of the month. Two male turkeys per tag.

Nevada begins late March to early April depending on region, closing in early to mid May. One bearded turkey allowed. New Mexico starts in mid April in most units, with specially draw hunts for Gould’s turkeys in May. Two beards per license.

Northeastern States

In the northeast, turkey hunters generally have to wait until the end of April or later to start chasing longbeards. Several states don’t open until May, coinciding with the peak of breeding activity for northern flocks.

Maine starts the latest, opening April 29 and continuing through June 1. Two bearded birds are allowed in most areas. Vermont begins April 27, also allowing the taking of two male turkeys.

New York and New Hampshire both kick off their statewide seasons on May 1. Both states close at the end of the month, with generous bag limits—two and three respectively in most areas.

From south to north, Connecticut starts April 24, Massachusetts April 29, and Maine April 30. All three continue through the end of May. Generally two birds are allowed, with variations by zone. Maryland opens April 18, wrapping up May 23 in most counties. One per day, two per season.

Regulations Vary, So Do Your Homework

As you can see, spring turkey season dates vary widely across the country, opening as early as March and extending as late as June. And within each state, there are regional variations and differences between public and private lands.

Limits also range from one bearded turkey to up to five birds in certain areas out west. And there are specific rules for archery, youth, and sometimes fall turkey opportunities.

So be sure to do your homework when planning a turkey hunt. Carefully review the regulations for your state—and for the specific area you’ll be hunting. Pick up your tags or enter lotteries as needed. And know the season dates, bag limits, and legal hunting methods to have an enjoyable hunt this spring.

The turkeys are already getting fired up. It will be gobbler time before you know it. Now you know exactly when turkey seasons start in your region, so you can start scouting and be ready opening morning. Good luck tagging your spring longbeard!

Frequency of Entities:
Alabama: 1
Alaska: 0
Arizona: 0
Arkansas: 2
California: 0
Colorado: 2
Connecticut: 2
Delaware: 0
Florida: 2
Georgia: 0
Hawaii: 0
Idaho: 1
Illinois: 2
Indiana: 0
Iowa: 2
Kansas: 2
Kentucky: 0
Louisiana: 2
Maine: 2
Maryland: 2
Massachusetts: 2
Michigan: 2
Minnesota: 2
Mississippi: 2
Missouri: 2
Montana: 2
Nebraska: 0
Nevada: 2
New Hampshire: 2
New Jersey: 0
New Mexico: 2
New York: 2
North Carolina: 0
North Dakota: 0
Ohio: 1
Oklahoma: 0
Oregon: 0
Pennsylvania: 0
Rhode Island: 0
South Carolina: 0
South Dakota: 0
Tennessee: 0
Texas: 1
Utah: 0
Vermont: 1
Virginia: 0
Washington: 0
West Virginia: 0
Wisconsin: 2
Wyoming: 0