When is Turkey Season in Kentucky? A Guide to Spring and Fall Hunting

Turkey hunting is a popular pastime in Kentucky with both spring and fall seasons offering hunters ample opportunity. But when exactly are the open seasons? This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Kentucky turkey hunting dates for a successful hunt.

Overview of Kentucky Turkey Seasons

Kentucky offers both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons The dates vary each year, but generally

• Spring season runs for 23 days beginning on the Saturday closest to April 15.

• Fall archery season runs from early September through mid January.

• Fall shotgun season has two segments – late October and early December.

• There is also a special 2-day youth season each spring.

Exact dates are set annually by state wildlife regulations, so be sure to check the current year’s hunting guide for specifics. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife provides a handy online seasons calendar to look up upcoming hunting dates.

When is Spring Turkey Season in Kentucky?

Spring is peak gobbler season, when turkey hunting is most popular. Kentucky’s 23-day spring turkey season always begins on the Saturday closest to April 15 each year.

For 2023, opening day will be April 15. The season will run through May 7.

There is also a special youth-only weekend prior to the main spring season. For 2023, youth season will be April 1-2. This gives young hunters a chance to get out before the regular season starts. Youth 15 and under can hunt turkeys statewide during this weekend without needing any licenses or permits.

Fall Turkey Hunting Seasons

While the spring season gets most of the attention, serious turkey hunters know that fall can offer great hunting as well. Kentucky has three segments to the fall season:

• Archery: Runs from the first Saturday in September through mid-January each year. This is the longest fall segment at over 4 months.

• Shotgun: Two different one-week blocks – one in late October and another in early December.

• Crossbow: October 1 through late December. Overlaps both archery and shotgun seasons.

So archery hunters have abundant opportunity through fall and into winter. Shotgun and crossbow seasons are much more limited. Be sure to check regulations for specific dates each year.

Turkey Hunting on Public Lands

Kentucky has ample public land open to turkey hunting, though some special rules and draw systems may apply for certain areas. Popular public hunting spots include:

• Peabody WMA: Iconic area with over 60,000 acres of forest and fields drawing hunters from across the region. Requires separate permit.

• Big South Fork NRRA: 125,000 acre park with mixed terrain along the Cumberland River.

• Daniel Boone National Forest: Over 700,000 acres across Eastern Kentucky. Check district maps for open areas.

• Various state forests and wildlife management areas. Especially those in central and western Kentucky.

Be sure to consult rules and maps for any public land before hunting. Things like dog usage, decoys, specialty permits, or lottery draws may come into play.

Turkey Hunting Tips for Beginners

For newcomers to the sport, spring turkey hunting may seem intimidating. But with smart preparation and basic skills, any hunter can find success and have a great time. Here are some key tips:

• Scout ahead of season – Locate flocks, identify roost spots, find strut zones and travel routes.

• Use decoys and calls properly – Set up hen decoys and use locator calls to draw in gobblers. Avoid over-calling.

• Pick a good setup spot – Find a place with visibility where you can sit quietly and wait for approaching turkeys.

• Be patient – Resist frequent calling or moving. Let the turkeys come in on their schedule.

• Aim carefully – Turkeys have small vital areas. Precision shot placement is key.

• Consider a guide – Hiring a guide for your first hunts can be invaluable to learn proper skills.

With the right mindset and skills, spring gobbler hunting is an exciting challenge for any new turkey hunter.

Turkey Population Status in Kentucky

After years of decline, wild turkey numbers are rebounding across much of Kentucky. Restoration efforts began in the mid-1900s, and today the statewide population is estimated at over 200,000 birds.

The highest turkey densities are found in the central and western regions. River bottoms and agricultural areas tend to hold more birds. Numbers are lower in eastern Kentucky’s rugged terrain.

Spring harvest rates are also indicative of the healthy turkey population. Hunters bagged over 30,000 birds in spring 2022. Fall seasons also see good success rates for archers and gunners.

All signs point to a thriving wild turkey population that should provide great hunting for years to come. Careful management and habitat conservation will be key to sustaining numbers long-term.

Licenses and Permits Required

To hunt turkeys in Kentucky, all hunters will need a few basic licenses:

• Hunting license – Required for all hunters aged 12 and above. Resident licenses start at around $20.

• Turkey permit – In addition to the basic license, you need a turkey permit for each bird you plan to harvest. Permits are around $10-15 each.

• HIP permit – Free permit related to migratory bird surveys. Required to buy licenses.

Many hunters will also want to purchase additional permits for things like public lands, bonus turkeys, or multiple turkeys. Permits go on sale in February each year.

Safety education certification may also be required for younger hunters. Hunter orange clothing requirements also apply in fall seasons.

Safety Tips for Turkey Hunters

While turkey hunting carries less inherent danger than some other types of hunting, safety should still be the top priority:

• Treat every gun as if it’s loaded at all times
• Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it
• Wear blaze orange when required in fall season
• Don’t stalk birds or creep through the woods
• Sit still and let birds come to you
• No running or pouncing shots at close range
• Unload your firearm before climbing fences or obstacles
• Verify your shotgun’s effective patterning range

Following basic gun safety protocol, wearing proper clothing, and hunting ethically will help ensure a safe spring or fall turkey hunt.

Enjoying the Turkey Hunting Experience

For many Kentucky hunters, turkey season is the highlight of the year. Despite the early mornings and long sits, spending time in the spring woods and trying to outwit a wily gobbler is thrilling. And a successful hunt culminating in bagging a longbeard makes all the effort worthwhile.

Beyond just harvesting birds, turkey hunting offers a great way to enjoy nature, swap stories with friends around the campfire, create hunting memories, carry on traditions, and much more.

Hopefully this guide provides a helpful overview of Kentucky turkey hunting seasons, regulations, tips, and more. Gobble up this intel, then get out there and experience spring turkey hunting for yourself!