COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio hunters are looking forward to spring wild turkey seasons beginning in April, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. Ohio’s spring turkey season is a highly anticipated tradition that has occurred annually since 1966.
Ohio’s 2024 youth wild turkey hunting season is Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14. Ohio’s regular seasons are divided into two zones: the south zone, which opens to hunters on Saturday, April 20, and the northeast zone (Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties), which opens on Saturday, April 27. The season limit is one bearded turkey.
Ohio’s wild turkey hunting seasons begin in April. The season limit is one bearded turkey.
During the 2023 spring turkey seasons, hunters harvested 15,673 birds. Among those were 1,823 turkeys checked by young hunters during the two-day youth season. Eastern and southern counties, where forested habitat is most abundant, typically record the highest number of harvests. The top five counties in 2023 were Ashtabula (454 birds taken), Gallia (428), Muskingum (420), Monroe (410), and Tuscarawas (408).
The restoration of the wild turkey in Ohio is among the state’s most notable wildlife success stories. Wild turkeys were extirpated around 1904, and the Division of Wildlife began reintroducing wild turkeys to the Buckeye State in the 1950s. For the next five decades, the wild turkey population grew and expanded rapidly, facilitated by trap-and-transfer efforts. By 1999, wild turkeys were found in all 88 counties. Wild turkey research Each summer, the Division of Wildlife collects information on young wild turkeys, called poults. Brood surveys in 2021, 2022, and 2023 showed above average results that will benefit Ohio’s wild turkey population numbers this spring. The statewide average poults per hen observed was 2.8 in 2023, 3.0 in 2022, and 3.1 in 2021, with a long-term average of 2.7. In addition to turkey brood surveys, the Division of Wildlife is studying the nesting and survival of hen turkeys in eastern Ohio in collaboration with researchers in Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Last year, Ohio’s biologists affixed GPS transmitters to 49 hens and gathered information on their movement, survival, and nest activity timing. This year, staff are gathering data from 137 hens via GPS transmitters. Division of Wildlife staff are also conducting research on the gobbling frequency and timing of male wild turkeys. Biologists placed 32 recorders in northeast and southeast Ohio this spring to record wild turkey gobbles and learn more about factors that influence gobbling. Preliminary results from 2023 show that gobbling peaked in late April, with a smaller peak in the first half of May. Information gathered from the brood surveys, multiyear nest study, and gobbling research will influence wild turkey management decisions in the coming years. This helps the Division of Wildlife structure science-based turkey hunting regulations, ensuring wild turkey success across Ohio for many more years. Turkey hunting regulations During the two-day youth hunting season, hunters ages 17 and under can participate with a youth hunting license ($10 for a one-year license) and youth turkey permit ($16). Licenses and permits can be purchased on the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, via the HuntFish OH mobile app, or at participating license sales agents. Youth hunters are required to be accompanied by a nonhunting adult, 18 years of age or older. Hunting hours during the youth season are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.
In both the south zone and northeast zone, turkey hunting hours for the first nine days of the season are from 30 minutes before sunrise until noon. For the remainder of the season, hours are extended until sunset. The season ends in the south zone on Sunday, May 19, and in the northeast zone on Sunday, May 26. Turkey hunters are required to have a valid hunting license and spring turkey permit, unless exempted. Find more information in the current hunting and trapping regulations. In youth and statewide seasons, hunters are required to game check their harvested bird no later than 11:30 p.m. on the day it was taken. The Division of Wildlife’s automated game check system is available on wildohio.gov, on the HuntFish OH mobile app, by phone at 877-TAG-IT-OH (877-824-4864), or at a participating license agent. Reporting your harvest allows the Division of Wildlife to monitor wild turkey populations from year to year and impacts management decisions on wild turkeys.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
In 2024, join ODNR as we celebrate 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
Ohio’s fall turkey season is an exciting time for hunters across the state. The fall season offers a chance to pursue wild turkeys during their mating season, providing different challenges and opportunities compared to the spring season. In this article, we’ll take a close look at when Ohio’s fall turkey season takes place and what you need to know to have a successful hunt.
Overview of Ohio’s Fall Turkey Season
Ohio’s fall turkey season for 2024 will take place from October 1st through October 27th. During this period, turkey hunting will be open in a number of counties across the state. According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), the 2024 fall turkey season will be open in the following counties:
Adams, Allen, Ashland, Ashtabula, Athens, Belmont, Brown, Butler, Carroll, Champaign, Clermont, Columbiana, Coshocton, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Defiance, Delaware, Erie, Fairfield, Franklin, Fulton, Gallia, Geauga, Guernsey, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Highland, Hocking, Holmes, Huron, Jackson, Jefferson, Knox, Lake, Lawrence, Licking, Logan, Lorain, Lucas, Madison, Mahoning, Marion, Medina, Meigs, Mercer, Miami, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Morrow, Muskingum, Noble, Ottawa, Paulding, Perry, Pickaway, Pike, Portage, Preble, Putnam, Richland, Ross, Sandusky, Scioto, Seneca, Shelby, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Tuscarawas, Union, Van Wert, Vinton, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Williams, Wood, and Wyandot.
This amounts to 67 counties being open for fall turkey hunting. Hunting hours run 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset each day Only shotguns using shot, crossbows, and longbows can be used. The fall season bag limit is one bearded turkey per hunter
Why Have a Fall Turkey Season?
Ohio has a fall turkey season for a few key reasons:
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To manage wild turkey populations. Fall hunting helps keep populations at healthy levels going into the breeding season.
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To provide additional hunting opportunities. Having both spring and fall seasons allows more chances to hunt.
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The challenge of fall turkeys. Fall turkeys behave differently than spring birds, offering a unique experience.
During the fall, turkeys form large flocks made up of hens, young birds, and adult males. As the breeding season approaches, the flocks break up as adult gobblers look to establish dominance and gather hens. This makes fall birds more dispersed and less responsive to calling compared to the spring.
Timing Your Fall Turkey Hunt
To maximize your chances of success during Ohio’s fall turkey season, timing is important. Here are some tips:
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Start early. Don’t wait until the last week or two. Get out as soon as the season opens on October 1. Early in the season, turkeys may still be flocked up, making them easier to locate.
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Hunt the pre-rut. Focus your efforts in the first two weeks of October This is when gobblers are still more responsive as they look for hens and establish territory
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Be patient. As the season progresses, gobblers become more interested in breeding activity than responding to calls. Stay persistent.
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Track weather patterns. Cold nights followed by warm days tend to make fall turkeys more active as they move and feed. Plan your hunts accordingly.
Locating and Calling Fall Turkeys
Locating and calling fall turkeys requires different tactics than the spring:
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Scout flocks. Look for areas with signs of turkey flocks – multiple tracks, dust bowls, droppings, feathers. Set up near flock break-up zones.
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Focus on food sources. Turkeys spend more time feeding in the fall. Set up near acorn-producing oak trees, agricultural fields, and mast-producing forests.
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Use owl and crow calls. These predator calls can elicit shock gobbles as turkeys try to warn others. Listen for gobbles at fly-down.
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Call softly and irregularly. Avoid loud, aggressive calling. Use clucks, purrs and yelps to mimic feeding hens and poults.
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Roost turkeys the night before. Determine where birds are roosting so you can set up within 100 yards the next morning.
Fall Turkey Hunting Tips and Tactics
Here are some additional tips for having a successful fall turkey hunt:
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Camouflage is crucial. Blend in with your surroundings. Wear camo clothing from head to toe. Also, conceal movement and remain still when turkeys are close.
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Use decoys sparingly. Decoys can draw interest but also make wary fall birds hang up. Set up one or two hen decoys at most.
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Stay mobile. Be ready to move as turkeys shift throughout the day. Have multiple calling locations identified.
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Play the wind. Always try to set up with the wind in your face. Turkeys have excellent eyesight and sense of smell.
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Be safety-conscious. Follow safe hunting practices regarding other hunters, shooting lanes, and positively identifying your target.
Gear You’ll Need
Having the proper hunting gear and equipment can make for a much more effective and enjoyable fall turkey hunt. Consider packing:
- Turkey hunting shotgun, ammunition, sling
- Camouflage clothing, facemask, gloves
- Turkey vest with calls, shells, and other accessories
- Compact folding seat
- Shooting sticks or bipod as a shooting rest
- Knife and game shears
- Daypack to carry gear
- Water and high-protein snacks
- Map, compass, GPS device
- Turkey hauling sled or vest for retrieving birds
In Summary
Ohio’s fall turkey season takes place from October 1st – 27th in 2024 across 67 counties. By timing your hunt properly, scouting effectively, using smart calling tactics, and having the right gear, you’ll give yourself the best chance at bagging a bird. Fall turkey hunting provides a fun and challenging way to extend your time in the turkey woods. Be sure to check local regulations and enjoy Ohio’s fantastic fall turkey hunting opportunities.
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FALL TURKEY HUNTING/ How to Find Fall Gobblers
FAQ
Can you hunt turkeys in the fall in Ohio?
Do you need a license to hunt turkey on your own property in Ohio?
What are the best counties in Ohio for turkey hunting?
When is wild turkey hunting season open?
The fall wild turkey hunting season is open in 70 counties from Oct. 1, 2024, to Oct. 27, 2024. The season limit is one bird. Spring 2025 wild turkey seasons will be announced this fall.
What are wild turkey hunting hours?
Fall wild turkey hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. It is legal to use dogs to assist in taking wild turkeys during the fall season only. A valid hunting license and wild turkey permit are required, unless exempt. Hunting hours for youth turkey season are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
Is spring a good time to hunt a Turkey?
Springtime isn’t just for turkey hunting. With largemouth bass and bluegills on their beds and morel mushrooms popping, be sure to take advantage of the resources below and enjoy all that Ohio’s public land has to offer.
When are wild turkey hunting hours in 2024?
South Zone wild turkey hunting hours from April 29-May 19, 2024 are 30 min- utes before sunrise to sunset. Northeast Zone wild turkey hunting hours from April 27-May 5, 2024 are 30 minutes before sunrise to noon. Northeast Zone wild turkey hunting hours from May 6-26, 2024 are 30 min- utes before sunrise to sunset.