Turkey hunting is a popular spring activity in West Virginia that allows hunters to take to the fields and forests in pursuit of wild turkeys. The season provides an exciting opportunity to test your skills against one of America’s wariest game birds. Here’s a guide to turkey season dates, rules, locations and tips to help you have a successful hunt.
Turkey Season Dates in West Virginia
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The 2025 youth turkey season runs April 19-20 This season allows hunters under 18 to get a head start on the hunting season, Youth can harvest one bearded turkey during these two days,
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The 2025 regular spring turkey season opens on April 21 statewide. The season runs until May 25 giving hunters over 5 weeks to hunt turkeys.
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There is also a fall turkey season in selected counties, running October 28 – November 17 This allows hunting of either sex
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Specific counties open for fall turkey hunting are listed on page 44 of the West Virginia Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.
Turkey Bag Limits
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In the regular spring season, the daily limit is 1 bearded turkey, with a possession limit of 2 turkeys total for the entire season.
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Only bearded turkeys may be harvested in the spring. Hens and jakes without beards are off-limits.
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The fall turkey season has a daily limit of 1 turkey of either sex.
Where to Hunt Turkeys in West Virginia
Some of the best public lands for spring turkey hunting include:
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Wildlife Management Areas – These public lands provide ample hunting opportunities and are managed specifically for wild turkey populations.
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National Forests – The Monongahela and George Washington National Forests offer plenty of habitat for turkeys.
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State Parks and Forests – Many state parks and forests allow hunting in designated areas, providing access to prime turkey habitat.
Tips for Turkey Hunting
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Use turkey calls and decoys to draw in wily gobblers within range of your shotgun. Practice calling to mimic hen turkeys.
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Wear camouflage and sit still against a tree to avoid detection. Turkeys have incredibly sharp eyesight.
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Scout an area before the season to locate flocks and identify roosting spots turkeys use at night.
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Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it before shooting. Safety is paramount.
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Stay quiet and move slowly. Loud noises will spook turkeys.
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Pack essential gear like calls, shotgun, boots, binoculars, knife, and hunting license.
Licensing
All turkey hunters over 15 years old are required to have a West Virginia hunting license, which can be purchased online at WVhunt.com or from license agents around the state.
In Summary
Spring turkey hunting in West Virginia runs April 19 – May 25, 2025, with separate youth seasons. Consult the hunting regulations for exact season dates and bag limits. With preparation and scouting, you can have an exciting hunt for these challenging birds. Just be sure to hunt safely and responsibly. Good luck this spring gobbler season!
WILD TURKEY – FALL SEASON/REGULATIONS
- 26 counties are open to a one-week fall turkey season (Oct. 12–20, 2024).
- 15 counties are open to a split two-week fall turkey season (Oct. 12–20 and Oct. 28 –Nov. 3, 2024).
- 14 counties are open to a split four-week fall turkey season (Oct. 12–20 and Oct. 28 – Nov. 17, 2024).
- Fall wild turkey season now includes Sunday closing days.
- For more information, consult the 2024–2025 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Summary.
No. Baiting for turkeys in both the spring and fall hunting seasons is prohibited.
WILD TURKEY – SPRING SEASONS/REGULATIONS
- Statewide spring gobbler season from April 21 – May 25, 2025.
- The youth spring gobbler season is April 19–20, 2025 for hunters ages 8–17.
No, only shotguns, bows (arrows must have a point with at least two sharp-cutting edges measuring in excess of 3/4 inch wide) or crossbows are permitted. Shot size restrictions have been removed.
No. Class XS license holders are only permitted to hunt in the youth antlerless deer season, the Class XS license privilege does not apply to other youth seasons (e.g., youth spring gobbler season, youth small game season).
West Virginia 2023 Spring Turkey Season!
FAQ
What day does turkey season start in WV?
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Species
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Opening Date
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Season Limit
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*Turkey, Fall Split Season (Selected Counties – see the 2022-2023 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Summary)
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October 24
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1
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October 24
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*Turkey (Spring 2023 – Bearded Only)
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April 17
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2
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*Turkey (2023 Youth Season – see the 2022-2023 Hunting & Trapping Regulations Summary)
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April 15
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How many turkeys can you shoot in West Virginia?
Can you hunt on Sunday in WV?
Does West Virginia have good turkey hunting?
When is turkey hunting season in West Virginia?
The West Virginia turkey hunting season is about to start now that spring has arrived! Hunting season runs from April to May, and the autumn season runs from October to November. As the weather heats up, hunters throughout the state are excitedly preparing for the season.
Can you hunt a Turkey in West Virginia?
Only 1 turkey of either sex can be taken during the fall season with a gun, bow or crossbow. The use of dogs is legal during the fall turkey season. All hunters 15 and older must have a valid West Virginia hunting license and a valid form of identification while hunting. Resident landowners hunting on their own land do not need a hunting license.
Is spring turkey season a good time to visit West Virginia?
Second, the spring turkey season is the perfect opportunity to combine multiple outdoor activities into a single day’s hunting trip. Whether you enjoy fishing, hiking or simply taking in the natural beauty of the West Virginia landscape, spring turkey season is the perfect time to get outside and experience all that the state has to offer.
When is turkey hunting in West Virginia 2023?
Get ready for fall hunting adventures! West Virginia’s 2023 fall turkey season is set to open on Oct. 14. While the fall turkey season might not generate as much excitement as the spring gobbler season, turkey hunting in the fall has plenty of thrills and plenty of opportunities to bag a bird worthy of your dinner table.