When Is Turkey Season Across the United States? A State-by-State Guide

Turkey hunting is an exciting tradition for many outdoorsmen and women across the country. Depending on where you live, turkey season can begin as early as March and extend into late May or even June With different regulations in each state, it can get confusing to keep track of exactly when you can pursue these challenging birds.

That’s why I’ve put together this state-by-state guide to turkey seasons. Below you’ll find details on season dates, license costs, and bag limits for nearly every state that offers spring turkey hunting opportunities. I’ll also highlight some key changes or special regulations worth noting before you head out to your favorite public land spot or private hunting property.

Whether you’re a beginner turkey hunter looking for your first gobbler or a seasoned veteran chasing that old tom on your hit list this guide will ensure you know exactly when you can be in the turkey woods this spring. Let’s fly through the seasons region by region!

Northeast Turkey Season Dates

Kicking off in the northeast, Vermont offers the earliest spring turkey season beginning the second Saturday in April which is April 13 in 2019 Most other New England states open the last week of April Upstate New York begins May 1.

Maine stands out for its late 2 month season stretching from April 29 to June 1. This gives hunters ample time to target gobblers on both public and private land. Maine also has WMD specific bag limits, so check the regs before going afield.

New Jersey is the only state in the region with multiple short hunting periods rather than one continuous spring season. Be sure to apply for the right permit for when you want to hunt.

Southeast Turkey Season Dates

The southeast offers some of the longest turkey seasons nationwide thanks to its early spring warmth. Florida kicks off the region on March 2 south of State Road 70. North of SR 70, the season opens March 16. Florida also gives hunters an impressive 10 weeks to hunt public and private land.

Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Mississippi also start in March. South Carolina is the only state with different season dates and bag limits for its four game zones, so check those closely if hunting there.

Arkansas’ season opens April 15 in the southern zone but doesn’t open until May in the Missouri Ozarks region. This protects nesting hens that breed later farther north. Youth weekend is April 6-7 before the regular season opens.

Midwest Turkey Season Dates

The midwest states generally open turkey seasons in mid to late April. Nebraska has the earliest at April 11 followed by Kansas on April 15. Michigan begins April 20. Ohio, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana all open their statewide seasons on April 24.

Wisconsin is the latest midwest state to kickoff on April 27. It’s a Wednesday opener this year, so hunters will get extra weekend days to pursue birds. Iowa has a unique 4 separate short seasons running April 8 – May 16 rather than one continuous spring season.

Missouri and Kansas both have special regulations for hunting on and around the first week of the season, so be sure to check those closely.

Western Turkey Season Dates

Out west, Colorado is one of the earliest with units opening April 11. Most other states open between April 15 and 20. Idaho is on the late side not opening until April 25.

Utah, along with Arizona and New Mexico, uses a limited permit draw system for spring birds rather than over the counter tag sales. Deadlines for the 2022 draws have passed, but put in for 2023 if you want to hunt these states next spring.

Nevada’s county-specific season dates range from March 23 – May 5 depending on your location. California also has zone-specific regulations, so check the dates carefully for where you’ll be hunting.

Additional Turkey Hunting Considerations

I always recommend carefully reading the turkey hunting regulations before going afield in a new state. Many have specific rules on hunting hours, tagging, legal weapons, public land requirements, and more that you’ll want to be familiar with.

Pay close attention to public land rules in the southeastern states. National forests and management areas can have very restrictive seasons or limits compared to private land. You’ll want to scout and be prepared for the complexity of public land hunting.

Also be sure to purchase any state licenses, stamps, or permits required in addition to your basic hunting license. Many states require upland game bird validations, state wildlife area permits, or turkey specific tags. Check regulations for license costs and purchasing deadlines as well.

With the right licenses and gear, a thorough scouting trip, and proper preparation, your next spring turkey hunt will be a great success. Refer back to this state-by-state guide throughout the season to make sure you hit opening day ready to chase down a longbeard. Good luck this turkey season!

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