When is Kansas Turkey Season? A Guide to Spring and Fall Turkey Hunting in the Sunflower State

Kansas offers excellent turkey hunting opportunities in both spring and fall seasons. Understanding the different season dates, permit requirements, and hunting regulations is key to having a successful turkey hunt in Kansas This article provides a comprehensive guide on when turkey seasons occur and everything you need to know to hunt turkeys in the Sunflower State.

Overview of Kansas Turkey Seasons

Kansas has designated turkey hunting seasons in both spring and fall. The timing and length of the seasons vary depending on factors like weapon type, hunting unit, and hunter residency status. Here is a quick overview of Kansas turkey seasons:

• Spring Turkey: Approximately April to May annually. Separate seasons for archery, youth/disabled, and regular firearms hunting. Dates vary by unit.

• Fall Turkey: Typically October to January. Season sometimes cancelled due to declines in fall turkey populations.

Turkey populations are managed in 6 distinct units in Kansas. Season dates and permit availability can differ between the units. Non-resident hunters have limited permit availability for spring turkey seasons.

When is Spring Turkey Season in Kansas?

The spring turkey season is highly anticipated by Kansas hunters. Here are the typical opening and closing dates:

• Youth/Disabled Season: Early to mid-April.

• Archery Season Mid April Overlaps with week 2 of youth season

• Regular Firearm Season: Mid April to late May.

The Regelar firearm season lasts about 6 weeks, providing ample opportunity to hunt spring turkeys. Exact season dates vary each year, so be sure to check the current year’s regulations.

Spring turkey permits are valid only in the unit specified on the permit. Non-residents have limited permits allocated through a lottery draw system. Most resident hunters can purchase spring turkey permits over the counter.

Kansas Spring Turkey Season Dates by Unit

Here are the opening and closing dates for the 2022 spring turkey seasons in each Kansas unit:

• Unit 1:

  • Youth/Disabled: April 4 – 13
  • Archery: April 11 – 13
  • Regular: April 14 – May 31

• Unit 2:

  • Youth/Disabled: April 4 – 13
  • Archery: April 11 – 13
  • Regular: April 14 – May 31

• Unit 3:

  • Youth/Disabled: April 4 – 13
  • Archery: April 11 – 13
  • Regular: April 14 – May 31

• Unit 4:

  • Youth/Disabled: April 1 – 14
  • Archery: April 4 – 14
  • Regular: April 15 – May 31

• Unit 5:

  • Youth/Disabled: April 1 – 14
  • Archery: April 4 – 14
  • Regular: April 15 – May 31

• Unit 6:

  • Youth/Disabled: April 1 – 14
  • Archery: April 4 – 14
  • Regular: April 15 – May 31

As you can see, the season dates are relatively consistent across units, except for slight variations in the youth and archery seasons. Be sure to verify the current year’s season dates before planning your spring turkey hunt.

Fall Turkey Season Info for Kansas

Kansas offers limited fall turkey hunting opportunities from mid-October through January. Key points about the fall turkey season include:

• Generally runs October 1 – January 1 each year.

• Permits can be purchased over the counter by resident and non-resident hunters.

• Legal equipment includes shotguns, bows, raptors.

• The season sometimes gets cancelled due to declining fall turkey populations.

If contemplating a fall turkey hunt, be sure to consult the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks for the latest season status and regulations. Fall turkey populations have been decreasing in many areas, leading to frequent season cancellations.

What are the Spring Turkey Permit Requirements?

All turkey hunters in Kansas need a valid spring turkey permit, which allows the harvest of one bearded bird. You also need a valid Kansas hunting license if required for your residency status.

There are several options for spring turkey permits:

• General Turkey Permits: Valid in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. Can be purchased over the counter by residents and non-resident landowners.

• Unit 4 Permits: Only available to residents and non-resident landowners through pre-season draw.

• Non-Resident Permits: Must apply through lottery draw for Units 1-3 and 5-6. Leftover permits issued over the counter.

• Youth Turkey Permits: Reduced price statewide permits for resident hunters under 16.

Be sure to verify permit availability and purchase your spring turkey permit well in advance of the season opening.

What are the Fall Turkey Permit Requirements?

Kansas has an over the counter fall turkey permit that can be purchased by both resident and non-resident hunters. The permits are valid statewide during the designated fall season dates.

You will need to purchase the fall turkey permit in addition to your required hunting license. Consult the hunting regulations for full details on licensing requirements before your fall turkey hunt.

Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations in Kansas

In addition to permits and licensing, Kansas turkey hunters must adhere to hunting regulations that include:

• Shooting hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

• Legal equipment: Shotguns with #2 through #9 shot, archery equipment

• Bag limit: One turkey with a visible beard per permit

• Tagging: Game tags are not issued for turkey. Electronic tagging required if permitted.

• Hunter orange: Not required during spring turkey season

• Dogs: Prohibited for spring turkey hunting

Make sure you review the hunting regulations and unit-specific rules before your Kansas spring turkey hunt.

Turkey Hunting Tips and Tactics

Some helpful tips for having a successful turkey hunt in Kansas include:

• Scout early: Locate flocks and identify roosting areas weeks before the season.

• Use decoys and calls cautiously: Overcalling and aggressive decoy setups can sometimes spook wary spring birds.

• Be patient: Don’t expect birds to come running every time you call. Sit still and let the birds come to you.

• Focus on the first 2 hours: Spring birds are most active right after fly-down in the early morning.

• Stay concealed: Use blinds, camo, facemasks and eliminate movement to keep hidden.

With some pre-planning and smart hunting tactics, your next Kansas turkey hunt can hopefully result in bagging a longbeard!

Summary of Kansas Turkey Seasons and Regulations

Here are the key takeaways on Kansas turkey hunting:

• Spring season runs approximately April – May with varying start dates per unit

• Separate spring seasons for youth, archery, and regular firearms hunting

• Fall turkey season typically October to January with over the counter permits

• Spring permits must be purchased in advance with special rules for non-residents

• Shooting hours, ammunition, bag limits, and other regulations apply

• Scouting and hunting patience/concealment are vital for success

Following the turkey season dates, permit requirements, and hunting regulations is crucial for an enjoyable hunt. With preparation and smart hunting, you can experience fantastic turkey hunting success in the Sunflower State.