When is Turkey Season 2022? A Guide to Spring Turkey Hunting Season Dates Across the U.S.

Turkey hunting season is an exciting time of year for hunters across the United States. From the first gobbles of spring to heart-pounding moments as a big tom finally walks into range, pursuing these wary birds is a thrilling tradition for many hunters. If you’re looking forward to spring turkey season here’s a comprehensive guide to turkey hunting season dates and regulations for 2022.

Overview of Turkey Season Dates

Turkey seasons vary significantly across the U.S. depending on region, management goals, and subspecies of turkeys present. Here’s a quick look at some key dates:

• General spring turkey seasons open as early as late March or early April in southern states like Texas and Florida. Northern states like Wisconsin typically open in mid-April.

• Fall turkey seasons are less common, but run from late September through January in states like Kansas, Kentucky, and Texas

• Most states have youth hunting weekends in the spring and/or fall. These are typically 1-2 day seasons reserved for younger hunters.

• Season lengths range from just a couple weeks in states like Virginia to 2-3 months in Texas.

• Bag limits also vary widely, from 1 bird per year in some Western states to 3-5 per season in Midwest and Eastern states.

So be sure to check regulations for your specific state and region. Dates and details can change from year to year, so confirm your 2022 info before making plans.

Spring Turkey Season Outlook

The spring of 2022 looks promising for turkey hunters in most parts of the Eastern turkey’s range. Dry conditions in 2020 and 2021 likely lowered reproduction in some areas. However, improved habitat conditions and good acorn crops in 2021 led to better brood success in many states.

Spring prospects look best across a band from Missouri east through Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York, where biologists expect the largest number of 2-year old gobblers. The Southeast also had improved reproduction, while New England’s outlook is fair to good. Out West, Merriam’s and Rio Grande turkey populations are stable to increasing.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

Here are few quick reminders on licenses, permits, rules, tactics, and gear as you start preparing for spring:

• Purchase required licenses or tags well in advance of your hunt. Deadlines for lotteries and limited permits can be early.

• Look into special rules for public lands you’ll be hunting. Some require extra permits.

• Pattern late-season flocks to locate roost sites and get an idea of turkey numbers.

• Scout early and often – the more you learn about an area, the better your odds.

• Be proficient with calling techniques like yelps, cuts, and purrs. Practice makes perfect.

• Choose reliable camo, and brush up on effective setup and concealment tactics.

• Check that your turkey vest, shotgun, and gear are in good repair and ready to go.

With some preparation and scouting, you’ll be ready to make the most of whatever opportunities your spring turkey season brings. Good luck tagging a longbeard this year!

Spring Turkey Season Dates by State

Alabama

• Season Dates: Mar. 25 – May 8
• Bag Limit: 4 (combined spring/fall), 1 per day

Turkey numbers decreased in 2021 after heavy pressure in 2020. Hunting prospects look best in the Piedmont region of northeast Alabama.

Arkansas

• Season Dates: Apr. 11 – May 8
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys

Spring 2022 should see increased numbers of 2 year old gobblers after improved reproduction in 2020 and 2021. The southwestern region looks most promising.

California

• Season Dates: Mar. 26 – May 1
• Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey

Opportunities remain good across central valleys and foothills, though fires impacted some habitat. Check regulations for zone details.

Colorado

• Season Dates: Apr. 16 – May 22
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys

Stable to growing Merriam’s and Rio Grande populations provide spring hunting statewide. Southwest areas tend to be most productive.

Florida

• Season Dates: Mar. 5 – Apr. 10
• Bag Limit: 2 turkeys, only 1 may be a gobbler

Prospects for Osceolas are similar to 2021. The new FWC interactive map highlights quality turkey habitat statewide.

Georgia

• Season Dates: Mar. 26 – May 15
• Bag Limit: 3 turkeys, 2 gobblers max

Turkey numbers are fair heading into spring, with the central Piedmont and Upper Coastal Plain regions looking best.

Illinois

• Season Dates: Apr. 4 – May 5
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys

Improved production in 2020 and 2021 points toward an optimistic spring 2022. Parts of eastern Illinois may see higher gobbler numbers.

Indiana

• Season Dates: Apr. 27 – May 15
• Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey

Cicadas boosted reproduction in 2020, but a wet 2021 hampered it.Turkey numbers overall are stable to increasing.

Iowa

• Season Dates: Apr. 4 – May 19
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys

Iowa had excellent reproduction in 2021, setting the stage for its best spring season in over a decade. Numbers should be up statewide.

Kansas

• Season Dates: Apr. 1 – May 31
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys

Stable populations, balanced age structure and good production in 2021 point toward an excellent spring hunt.

Kentucky

• Season Dates: Apr. 2 – May 8
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys

Spring prospects look very promising after improved brood surveys. The central and western regions should be especially strong.

Louisiana

• Season Dates: Apr. 2-30
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys

Good habitat conditions, increased trapping by LDWF and stable-to-improving populations have set the stage for a great spring.

Maryland

• Season Dates: Apr. 16 – May 16
• Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey

The outlook is fair to good, though localized impacts from cicadas and wet weather may lower gobbler numbers in certain areas.

Michigan

• Season Dates: Apr. 18 – May 31
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys

Michigan’s turkey population is stable to increasing after good reproduction in 2020 and 2021, though locally variable.

Minnesota

• Season Dates: Apr. 13- May 29
• Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey

Excellent production in 2019 and 2020 point toward an improved hunt in 2022. Northcentral and northeast areas look most promising.

Mississippi

• Season Dates: Mar. 15 – May 1
• Bag Limit: 4 turkeys, 2 per day

Spring prospects look good thanks to strong reproduction in 2020 and Mississippi’s actively-managed turkey program.

Missouri

• Season Dates: Apr. 18 – May 8
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys

With the highest turkey population in decades, Missouri is poised for another excellent spring. Most areas should hold good numbers.

New York

• Season Dates: May 1 – 31
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded birds

Stable, locally abundant turkey numbers and early season bode well for spring success. The central and southeast regions are best.

Ohio

• Season Dates: Apr. 23 – May 29
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys

Excellent reproduction in 2020 sets the stage for Ohio’s best spring season in years, with birds well distributed statewide.

Oklahoma

• Season Dates: Apr. 6 – May 6
• Bag Limit: 3 bearded turkeys

Stable spring prospects after solid reproduction in 2020. Far western counties along the Panhandle have highest turkey densities.

Pennsylvania

• Season Dates: Apr. 30 – May 31
• Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey

An expanded 2-week spring season and excellent production in 2020 and 2021 point toward a stellar hunt in 2022.

South Carolina

• Season Dates: Mar. 22 – May 1
• Bag Limit: 5 turkeys total, 2 per day

South Carolina boasts high, stable turkey numbers. The outlook is bright for spring 2022 after strong reproduction statewide.

Tennessee

• Season Dates: Apr. 2 – May 15
• Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey

Stable populations after improved production in 2020 should make for consistent hunting statewide again this spring.

Texas

• Season Dates:
• North Zone – Apr. 1 – May 14
• South Zone – Mar. 18 – Apr. 30
• Bag Limit: 4 turkeys total, 1 per day

Texas offers ample spring potential across over 200 counties. Prospects look best in the Edwards Plateau and eastern regions.

Virginia

• Season Dates: Apr. 9-16
• Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys