Turkey hunting season is an exciting time of year for hunters across the United States As spring arrives, wild turkeys emerge from winter and begin their mating season. This makes them more active and visible, giving hunters the opportunity to target these large, wary gamebirds But turkey season dates vary significantly depending on which state you’re hunting in. Read on for a complete state-by-state guide to when turkey season starts in 2023.
Overview of Turkey Season Dates
Turkey seasons generally begin in April and run through May in most states. Some states have relatively short seasons lasting 2-3 weeks, while others are open for 2 months or more. Specific season dates are set by individual state wildlife agencies.
States like Florida open turkey seasons in early March, while northern states like Wisconsin don’t start until mid-April And a few states like California split their turkey seasons into multiple mini-seasons throughout spring
Turkey hunters need to pay close attention to season dates and bag limits in their state. It’s also crucial to have the required licenses, permits, and tags before heading afield.
When Does Turkey Season Open in Western States?
In Alaska, there is a Spring General Hunt from April 1-May 15, 2023. Bag limits depend on the game management unit.
Arizona offers spring turkey hunts by limited draw permit from mid-April through May
California’s general turkey season runs March 25 through May 7, 2023. The archery-only season is March 25 to May 21.
Colorado’s over-the-counter turkey seasons open April 15 and run through May 31, 2023. Limited permits for the beginning of April must be drawn via lottery.
Idaho’s general turkey season opens April 15 and continues through May 25, 2023. But season end dates vary by game management unit.
In Montana, turkey hunting starts April 15 and continues through May 31, 2023.
Nevada’s turkey seasons vary significantly by county, from March 25 to May 14. Check regulations for your county.
New Mexico’s turkey seasons run from mid-April to mid-May depending on game management unit.
Oregon’s season opens April 15 and continues through May 31, 2023.
Utah offers a limited entry turkey hunt from April 8-28. Over-the-counter hunting runs April 29 through May 31, 2023.
Washington’s general spring season goes from April 15 – May 31, 2023.
In Wyoming, spring turkey hunting opens April 1 and closes May 31, 2023.
When Does Turkey Season Start in Midwest States?
Illinois’ south zone is open April 17 through May 16, 2023. The north zone runs April 24 through May 23.
Indiana’s turkey season starts April 26 and closes May 14, 2023.
Iowa turkey hunters can chase birds starting April 10 through May 19, 2023. Season dates vary by zone.
In Kansas, archery season is April 10-18 and regular firearms season is April 19 through May 31.
Michigan’s hunt dates range from April 17 through May 31 depending on turkey management unit.
Minnesota’s A-season opens April 18, with subsequent seasons running through May 31, 2023.
Missouri is open April 17 through May 7, 2023.
Nebraska archery turkey begins March 27. Shotgun season starts April 15 and goes through May 31.
North Dakota’s spring turkey season is April 14 through May 21, 2023.
Ohio’s south zone opens April 17, while the northeast zone doesn’t open until April 24. Seasons close in late May.
South Dakota’s seasons begin April 15 and run through May 31. But dates vary by unit.
Wisconsin’s turkey hunt runs from April 19 through May 30, 2023.
When to Hunt Turkeys in Southern States
Alabama’s turkey seasons open between March 25 and April 8, depending on the zone. Closing dates range from April 30 to May 8.
Arkansas turkey hunting starts April 15 and runs 2-3 weeks depending on zone.
Florida has the earliest turkey seasons in the south, opening March 4 south of State Road 70. North of SR 70 doesn’t open until March 18. Seasons close in early or mid April.
Georgia’s opening day is March 25 statewide. Public land closes May 15, while private land remains open until May 21.
Kentucky starts April 15 and closes May 7, 2023.
Louisiana’s turkey season has opening dates between April 1-15 based on region. Closing dates are in late April or very early May.
Mississippi’s season is March 15 through May 1 statewide.
In North Carolina, turkey hunting starts April 8 and continues through May 6.
Oklahoma’s season is April 5 through May 6, 2023.
South Carolina’s opening days are March 15-22 based on region. Seasons close between April 15 and May 1.
Tennessee’s hunting begins March 25 and runs until May 14, 2023.
Texas has a spring Eastern turkey season from April 1-30 and a Rio Grande turkey season from April 1 through May 14.
When to Hunt Turkeys in Eastern States
Connecticut’s turkey season is April 26 through May 27, 2023.
Delaware is open April 1 through May 6, 2023.
Florida’s season dates are listed above in the southern states section.
Georgia’s details are also above.
Maine’s spring turkey season is May 1-June 3, 2023.
Maryland’s season is April 18 through May 23, including Sundays in certain counties.
Massachusetts hunters can chase turkeys April 24 through May 27.
In New Hampshire, the turkey season is May 1-31.
New Jersey is open April 24 through May 27, 2023.
New York’s turkey hunt also runs May 1-31.
North Carolina’s details are above.
Ohio’s season dates are listed in the midwest states section.
Pennsylvania turkey hunting starts May 1 and runs through May 31, 2023.
In Rhode Island, the spring turkey season is April 19 through May 21, 2023.
South Carolina’s info is above.
Virginia hunters can hunt turkeys April 8 through May 20, 2023.
West Virginia’s season opens April 24 and closes May 21.
Vermont’s youth weekend is April 22-23, followed by the general season April 29 through May 28, 2023.
This covers the basics of when turkey seasons open in 2023 for every state with a spring turkey hunt. Be sure to thoroughly read your state’s regulations and purchase the required licenses, permits, and tags well before opening day. With smart preparation, you’ll be ready to hunt when your state’s turkey season arrives. Good luck this spring!
2024 – 2025 Seasons and Limits – Band-tailed Pigeon
| Season / Area (Zone Map (PDF)(opens in new tab)) | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Sep 21 – 29 | 2per day | Triple the daily bag |
| South | Dec 21 – 29 |
2024 – 2025 Seasons and Limits – Dove
| Species | Season / Area | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mourning Dove and White-winged Dove | Statewide | Sep 1 – 15 & Nov 9 – Dec 23 | 15, up to 10 of which may be white-winged doves | Triple the daily bag |
| Spotted Dove, and Ringed Turtle Dove | No limit | |||
| Eurasian Collared-dove | All Year | No limit | ||
Turkey season 2023 Wrapping Up/ Start Building your 2024 Turkey Season NOW
FAQ
Is turkey season open in California?
When can you hunt turkeys all day in PA?
What states does turkey season open first?
Can you hunt turkey in NJ?
Can you shoot a Turkey in 2023?
Using bow tools during the archery season and a firearm during the shooting season is permitted with a spring poultry pass. Understanding turkey behavior and habits is essential for having a successful 2023 season of turkey hunting. Because they are preoccupied with surviving and procreating, turkeys are difficult to outsmart.
When is turkey hunting season?
Turkey Hunting Season Dates by State. States in the United States establish their particular times for hunting seasons for wild creatures like deer, turkeys, and birds. While other species may have various seasons throughout the year, the autumn season marks the beginning of the big game shooting season in most areas.
What is the 2023 fall hunt guide?
The NWTF’s 2023 Fall Hunt Guide provides an overview of each state’s fall turkey season. You must check hunting regulations to verify information and get specific details on the state you plan to hunt. Annual bag limits listed are for fall and spring totals. Fall wild turkey seasons are where tradition meets today’s wildlife management concerns.
When do you need a Turkey permit in 2024?
Some states operate their turkey hunting licensing programs via limited draw lotteries and in some instances, the deadline to apply for spring turkey permits for 2024 has already passed. Season Dates: March 25-May 8, Zone 1; April 1-May 8, Zone 2; March 25-May 8, Zone 3.