For hunters eagerly awaiting the thrill of the wild turkey chase, knowing the upcoming season dates is key Indiana offers ample spring and fall turkey hunting opportunities across its varied landscapes Here’s a guide to turkey season dates plus tips for hunting success.
Spring Turkey Season
The rites of spring in Indiana include the eagerly awaited return of wild turkey hunting season. After a long winter spring turkey brings back the camaraderie of the hunt along with opportunities to bag a prized gobbler.
The 2024 Indiana spring turkey dates run from April 24 through May 12 Typically, the season opens in late April each year. Hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.
Before heading out, be sure to purchase your turkey hunting license and game bird habitat stamp. Check regulations for additional permits or requirements for hunting public or private land. Scouting areas ahead of the season will help pinpoint where gobblers are strutting and hens are nesting.
For new turkey hunters, enrolling in a hunter education course provides essential safety and skills training. Mentored youth hunts also offer a great way to introduce the next generation to spring turkey hunting.
Special Spring Seasons
Indiana also provides special spring turkey hunting opportunities for youth and veterans. In 2024, the youth turkey season will be April 20-21, allowing hunters 17 or younger to hunt with an adult mentor. Veterans enjoy an exclusive season from April 17-23.
Bag limits in the spring are one bearded or male turkey per hunter, with additional restrictions for youth. Consult the hunting regulations guide for full season details, licensing, and limits.
Fall Turkey Season
While the spring season draws the most interest, Indiana also offers fall turkey hunting from October through January. The 2024 dates for fall archery are October 1 – October 27, and December 7 – January 5. Fall firearms season runs October 16-27 in designated counties only.
Limits in the fall are one bird of either sex per hunter, regardless of equipment. Fall hunting regulations differ from the spring, so be sure to consult the DNR hunting guide for full details. Cooler weather and changing foliage provide a different turkey hunting experience compared to the spring.
Turkey Hunting Tips
For beginners, spring turkey hunting takes patience and skill. Here are some tips to increase your odds:
- Use turkey calls and decoys to draw in toms looking to show off for hens
- Wear camo and facemasks to blend into the landscape
- Remain utterly still when turkeys are near – they have excellent vision
- Sit against a tree or log – don’t silhouette yourself on a ridge
- Scout pre-season to find strutting and feeding areas
- Be patient – calling in a love-struck tom requires persistence
Hunting wild turkeys provides an exciting challenge for Indiana sportsmen and women each spring and fall. Check the season dates and sharpen your skills to maximize your time in the turkey woods.
Turkey Season Key Dates
Here are the upcoming turkey hunting season dates to mark on your calendar:
2024 Indiana Spring Turkey Season
- Youth Season: April 20-21
- Regular Season: April 24 – May 12
2024 Indiana Fall Turkey Season
- Archery: October 1 – October 27, December 7 – January 5
- Firearms: October 16-27 (designated counties only)
Be sure to verify season dates and check regulations each year for any changes. Purchase required licenses well in advance of opening day. Sharpen your calls, arrows, and shotgun patterning to ensure you’re ready when spring gobblers sound off in the morning mist.
Whether you’re a veteran turkey hunter or new to the sport, scout land access points, practice safety protocols, and review hunting tips. With preparation and persistence during prime seasons, you’ll increase your chances of bagging a gobbler and enjoying the special camaraderie of the turkey hunt.
The undeniable thrill of a big tom thundering towards your calls, fanned tail shimmering in the sunrise, keeps Indiana turkey hunters returning year after year. Follow the season dates, knock the rust off your skills, and experience the heart-pounding excitement of spring and fall wild turkey season for yourself.
Season and Bag Limits
Fall 2024 – The bag and possession limit for the fall seasons is one bird of either sex, regardless of hunting equipment used or what portion of the season. Fall archery season (including crossbows) is statewide from Oct. 1-27, 2024 and Dec. 7, 2024 – Jan. 5, 2025. Fall firearms season is from Oct. 16-27, 2024 in specific counties. See the map.
Spring 2024 – The spring season runs from April 23 – May 11, 2025. The bag limit is one bearded or male turkey for the spring season. Spring turkey hunting is allowed statewide.
Reserved turkey hunts are scheduled at select DNR Fish & Wildlife areas.
Reserved turkey hunts also take place at Big Oaks and Muscatatuck national wildlife refuges. Applications and draws are managed through the DNR reserved hunt system. For details and to apply during open applications, go to hunting.IN.gov.
Turkeys harvested at a reserved hunt count toward the hunterâs season bag limit.
Information about the youth season is on Youth Hunting.
Turkeys can be hunted only with:
- A .410 caliber and 10-, 12-, 16-, 20-, or 28-gauge shotgun loaded with pellets of size No. 4, 5, 6, 7, or 7½, or with Tungsten Super Shot 8,9 and 10. Shot sizes smaller than size 7½ must be made of Tungsten Super Shot or equivalent pellet density only, such as Tungsten Super Shot 8, 9 and 10. Nontoxic shot is required while hunting turkey on some DNR properties. Call the property you are interested in hunting on for additional information.
- A muzzleloading shotgun not smaller than 20-gauge and not larger than 10-gauge, loaded with pellets of size 4, 5, 6, 7, 7½, and Tungsten Super Shot 8, 9 and 10. Combination loads using shot sizes other than these are illegal.
- Bow and arrow
- A crossbow
Wild turkeys may be hunted only from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. All DNR properties managed by the Division of Fish & Wildlife have spring season hunting hours one-half hour before sunrise until noon for properties on CT and until 1 p.m. for properties on ET. Mushroom hunters are required to stay out of the field until after this time during the spring season.
Immediately upon killing a turkey, the hunter must complete a temporary transportation tag on paper stating the hunterâs full name, address, sex of the turkey, license number (if applicable), and the date the turkey was taken before transporting the turkey from the field. For a printable version of a temporary transportation tag, visit CheckINGame.dnr.IN.gov.
Hunters are required to register their harvested turkey within 48 hours of the kill. This can be done one of three ways:
- Self reporting online through the DNRâs CheckIN Game system (CheckINGame.dnr.IN.gov)
- Calling 800-419-1326 (a $3 fee applies)
- Finding a check station, license vendor, or retailer who will file the information for you through CheckIN Game at CheckINGame.dnr.IN.gov or calling the DNR Customer Service Center at 317-232-4200 or 877-463-6367 (toll-free).
Once the turkey is registered with the CheckIN Game system, a confirmation number will be generated. The number must be recorded on a temporary transportation tag and kept with the turkey until processing begins.
Turkey hunters must meet hunter orange requirements while hunting turkeys Dec. 7-22, 2024. See hunter orange requirements.
While hunting wild turkey, it is illegal to use or possess a dog, another domesticated animal, a live decoy, a recorded call, an electronically powered or controlled decoy, or bait. An area is considered baited for 10 days after the removal of the bait and affected soil, but an area is not considered to be baited that is attractive to wild turkeys resulting from normal agricultural practices.
This Is How You Turkey Hunt in the Late Season
FAQ
Do you need a license to hunt turkey on your own property in Indiana?
What are the dates for turkey season in Indiana?
How much is a turkey tag in Indiana?
Can you shoot a turkey in the spring and fall in Indiana?
When is wild turkey season in Indiana?
Indiana fall wild turkey season runs Oct. 1–27, 2024, and Dec. 7, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025. Fall firearms season is from Oct. 16–27, 2024, in select counties.
What are the dates for Indiana’s spring wild turkey season in 2024?
Indiana spring wild turkey season starts April 24 and goes through May 12, 2024. Youth turkey season is April 20 and 21, 2024.
Can you hunt wild turkey in Indiana?
Those who have a lifetime comprehensive hunting, lifetime comprehensive hunting and fishing, or resident youth hunt/trap license can hunt wild turkey and do not need to purchase the Game Bird Habitat stamp privilege. Indiana fall wild turkey season runs Oct. 1–27, 2024, and Dec. 7, 2024–Jan. 5, 2025.
How long does a turkey hunt last in Indiana?
Conversely, the fall game will last about nine weeks and be lengthier. Hunting with weapons, arrows, or crossbows is permitted for both male and female birds during this time. Anyone wishing to pursue wild turkeys in Indiana must possess a hunting license.