For hunters eagerly awaiting spring in Oklahoma, it signals the opening of turkey hunting season. The spring season offers the chance to pursue wild turkey during their mating rituals. Oklahoma provides ample opportunities to hunt turkey across two distinct seasons – spring and fall.
Understanding the different turkey seasons, license requirements, and regulations is key to having an ethical and successful hunt Here is a comprehensive guide to the turkey hunting seasons and rules in Oklahoma
Spring Turkey Season
The spring turkey season is highly popular as it coincides with breeding activity. Toms are vocally active and more visible as they strut and gobble to attract hens. The spring season occurs in two segments:
Youth Spring Turkey
- April 12 – 13, 2025
- 1 tom turkey limit statewide
Regular Spring Turkey
- April 16 – May 16, 2025
- 1 tom turkey limit statewide
Hunters must purchase a spring turkey license in addition to a hunting license to hunt in spring. Only shotguns and archery equipment are permitted.
Fall Turkey Season
While the spring season gets more attention, avid turkey hunters also look forward to the fall season. The patterns and hunting tactics of fall turkeys present their own unique challenges.
Fall Archery
- October 1 – January 15
- Either sex, no limit
Fall Gun
- November 2 – November 22
- Either sex, no limit
A fall turkey license is required along with a hunting license. Archery, shotgun, and muzzleloaders can be used in the fall season.
Licenses Required
All turkey hunters in Oklahoma need a hunting license and a turkey license for the appropriate season. Resident youth under 18 only need a youth hunting license. Nonresident youth need a nonresident youth hunting license.
Lifetime license holders still must purchase an annual hunting license and turkey license. And all youth hunters require supervision by an adult 18 or older.
Limits
- Spring season – 1 tom turkey total
- Fall season – No limit, either sex
The spring season limit is only 1 tom turkey total, even if hunting during both youth and regular seasons. Hens may not be harvested during the spring season.
Legal Methods
Shotguns – No larger than size BB shot. Rifles or handguns are prohibited.
Archery – Longbows, crossbows, and compound bows are permitted.
Muzzleloaders – Legal during the fall gun and muzzleloader seasons only.
Turkey Identification
Proper identification of tom turkeys is crucial during the spring season when only bearded birds may be harvested. Juvenile toms, jakes and some adult toms may not have long beards.
Look for:
- Beard protruding from the chest
- Red, white and blue coloration of the head
- Spurs on the legs (usually over 1 inch)
When in doubt, do not shoot! Shooting hens or non-bearded turkeys leads to citations.
Tips for a Successful Hunt
- Scout areas ahead of season and pinpoint where turkeys roost and feed
- Use turkey calls and decoys to draw in toms
- Stay concealed and still when turkeys are near
- Be patient and wait for a clear shot within 40 yards
- Use a facemask and camo clothing including gloves to blend into terrain
Enjoy Oklahoma’s Turkey Hunting Opportunities
With excellent turkey habitat from mountain forests to prairie grasslands, Oklahoma provides prime hunting across two diverse seasons. Be sure to get your licenses, review regulations, practice safety and ethics, and you’ll be set for an exciting turkey hunt in the Sooner State!
Legal Means of Taking
- Archery: Equipment described as legal for big game. See Big Game Regulations.
- Shotgun: Conventional or muzzleloading, using shot no larger than BB (.180 of an inch in diameter) are legal.
Season Dates & Limits
- One tom turkey regardless of method of take.
- Archery: Oct. 1, 2024 – Jan. 15, 2025, statewide.
- Gun: Nov. 2 – Nov. 22
Atoka, Choctaw, Coal, Delaware, Latimer, Le Flore, Mayes, McCurtain, Ottawa, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, Rogers, and Tulsa counties are closed to Fall turkey gun hunting.
Spring turkey hunting season set to begin in Oklahoma
FAQ
When can you hunt turkey in Oklahoma?
How much is a turkey tag in Oklahoma?
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Resident Hunting License Costs
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License / Permit
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Cost
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Resident Antelope
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$51
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Resident Bear
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$101
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Turkey (spring or fall)
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$10
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Why did Oklahoma change the turkey season?
Where is the best turkey hunting in Oklahoma?
Does a spring turkey count towards a regular spring turkey season?
A turkey taken during the youth spring season counts toward the regular spring turkey season limit of one turkey. Resident: Resident hunting license & spring turkey license, unless exempt from either. Nonresident: Nonresident annual hunting license & spring turkey license, unless exempt from either.
When is turkey hunting season?
Statewide, the archery season lasts from October 1 through January 15, while the firearms season is from October 29 through November 18. Additionally, young hunters may partake in the turkey hunting experience during the youth season, which runs from April 8 to April 9 nationwide.
Can you take a Turkey in the fall?
Unfilled fall turkey license (Jan. 1-15) may be used the following fall season. One tom turkey regardless of method of take. Archery: Oct. 1, 2023 – Jan. 15, 2024, statewide. Atoka, Choctaw, Coal, Delaware, Latimer, Le Flore, Mayes, McCurtain, Ottawa, Pittsburg, Pushmataha, Rogers, and Tulsa counties are closed to Fall turkey gun hunting.
Do you need a license to hunt turkeys in Oklahoma?
To hunt turkeys in Oklahoma, you must purchase a hunting license. This annual license covers a range of game species for a year, including turkey. The cost of a license depends on several factors, such as your age and the license duration. Costs change constantly, too, so it’s important to check the state’s website for updated prices.