When is Youth Turkey Season in Ohio? A Complete Guide

For young turkey hunters in Ohio, the youth turkey season is an exciting chance to get out in the spring woods and try your luck at bagging a gobbler before the regular season opens. If you’re wondering when youth turkey season happens each year and how to take part, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

Overview of Ohio Youth Turkey Season

The youth turkey hunting weekend in Ohio takes place annually on the weekend prior to the south zone opening day of the regular spring turkey season. For 2024 the dates are April 13-14.

Youths age 17 and under are eligible to participate. They must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult except adults that are legally disabled can participate and assist. All regular spring turkey hunting rules permits, and bag limits apply.

The purpose of the special youth weekend is to give young hunters increased opportunities and a better chance at success before pressure increases from the regular season. Youths get the woods to themselves for this special weekend.

Ohio Youth Turkey Permits

To participate in the youth turkey season, young hunters will need a valid hunting license and spring turkey permit:

• Youths 16-17 need an adult hunting license or apprentice license and a spring turkey permit.

• Younger youths need only the spring turkey permit. They do not need a hunting license.

The permits are valid for wild turkeys of either sex in the spring season only. All normal bag limits apply. Wildlife area permits are also required on certain public lands.

Licenses and permits can be purchased online at the ODNR website or from authorized agents. Printed permits must be carried while hunting turkeys.

Youth Turkey Season Rules

The following rules and regulations apply during the Ohio youth turkey season:

• Youth hunters must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult, except legally disabled adults may participate.

• Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset.

• Only shotguns using shot, crossbows, and longbows permitted. No rifles allowed.

• Turkeys must be checked by 11:30 pm on the day of harvest using the game check system.

• All spring season bag limits apply. The statewide limit is two bearded birds.

• All other spring turkey hunting rules and regulations are in effect.

Make sure youth hunters are familiar with rules on tagging, permits, hunter orange, and legal weapons/ammo. Review identification of legal birds as well. Safety is paramount.

Youth Turkey Hunting Tips and Tactics

To make the most of the youth turkey weekend, focus on the following turkey hunting strategies:

Scout and Set Up – Cover likely hunting areas and roost sites ahead of time. Listen for gobbles in the late evening or early morning. Set up decoys and blinds in advance.

Use Decoys – Decoys are highly effective with spring turkeys. A jake/hen pair works well to pull in territorial toms. Be sure to conceal yourself well.

Sit Tight and Stay Quiet – Patience and stillness are key. Avoid excessive movement and noise. Let the tom come in to you rather than pushing him.

Safety First – Stress safe shooting zones, patterning of shotguns, and proper identification of targets. Avoid risky shots. Keep muzzles pointed safely.

Focus on Fun – Make the hunt enjoyable even if no birds are harvested. Spend time together spotting wildlife, scouting sign, and taking in the spring woods.

The future of turkey hunting depends on recruits like these youth hunters. Introduce them properly, emphasize ethics and safety, help them succeed, and the tradition will continue.

Best Areas for Youth Turkey Hunting

Ohio offers excellent public land opportunities across the state. Some top public hunting areas to consider include:

• Appalachian Hills (SE) – Tranquility, Tar Hollow, Zaleski, Shawnee State Forest

• NW Region – Killdeer Plains, Resthaven, Dixon Waterfowl Refuge

• NE Region – Berlin Lake, West Branch, Grand River, Spencer Lake

• Central Region – Deer Creek, Pleasant Valley, Delaware, Alum Creek, AEP ReCreation Lands

Focus on open landscapes like fields that allow for easy sighting of birds and have good turkey habitat nearby. State forests and wildlife areas with a diversity of habitats are ideal.

Youth Turkey Season Outlook for 2024

Heading into spring 2024, Ohio’s turkey population remains in good shape, supported by strong reproduction in recent years. Hunters can expect another great youth weekend and spring season overall, with long term prospects looking positive as well.

Be sure to review any regulation changes from the Ohio DNR for the 2024 spring season. Check the ODNR website and 2024 hunting digest for complete details. Major changes are not expected this year.

With good preparation, scouting, mentoring, and patience, the 2024 youth turkey season should provide great opportunities to get young hunters out after spring gobblers. Follow this guide to make the most of this special weekend!