*Spring Turkey Season Last Updated: March 10, 2026
Spring is coming, and so is the turkey season! Spring is one of the best time to hunt turkey. The 2026 spring turkey season dates vary by state, with most seasons opening between mid-March and mid-April.
Below you will find a complete breakdown of turkey hunting season dates for every state, including youth hunts and zone differences where applicable.
Now, let’s start with the following hot list of states popular with spring turkey hunting.
Hunting Seasons for Best States To Hunt Spring Turkey
Wyoming Turkey Seasons
The Wyoming turkey seasons last about 2 months, starting from the beginning of April to the end of May.
- Hunt Area 1 (General): April 20 – May 31, 2026
- Hunt Area 1 (Hunt Type 3 Quota): April 1 – May 31, 2026
- Youth Season (Merriam’s): April 17 – 23 and May 8 – 21, 2026 (OTC in 9 units)
Bag Limits: Each hunter can hunt one male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard.
Tag Acquisition: A general license is available for direct purchase (OTC) for both residents and non-residents. For a limited quota license, it is issued by drawing. The application deadline for 2026 was February 2nd, and remaining tags went on sale on March 1st.
2026 Notes: While there are no major changes to turkey regulations in 2026, the Wyoming Fish and Wildlife Department is discussing a proposal to ban rifle hunting of turkeys on public lands starting in 2027.
Best Place to Hunt: The Black Hills is Wyoming’s best public land hunting area for turkey. While it is popular, it is also competitive. Hunters can choose other less-pressured locations, such as the Eastern Plains.
▶ Apply for Turkey Tag: Wyoming Online Electronic Application
▶Official Website Resources: Wyoming Game & Fish Department
Vermont Turkey Seasons
Next, the top hot state for turkey hunting is Vermont. Here is the summary of the turkey seasons:
- Youth Weekend and Novice Weekend: April 25 – 26, 2026
- Spring General: May 1 – 31, 2026
Hunting Areas: The seasons are statewide and have no area restrictions.
Bag Limit: Only one bearded turkey in the Youth weekend, and two bearded turkeys in the general spring season.
Tags: It is available for direct purchase (OTC). You must hold a valid hunting license and purchase a separate Turkey License.
2026 Notes: Starting in 2026, the weekend for juvenile hunters will revert to the traditional schedule, fixed on the weekend before the official start of the season. Spring hunting will still open for half a day (hunting is allowed from one-half hour before sunrise until 12:00 noon daily).
The Vermont spring turkey hunting season only lasts one month. But don’t worry, if you haven’t fully enjoyed the spring season, the state has 3 Fall turkey seasons in October and November, especially Vermont has extended the fall archery hunting season in 2026.
▶Official Website Resources: Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
Maine Turkey Seasons
Maine offers a great opportunity for turkey hunting for outdoor enthusiasts. The Spring season is open statewide.
- General Season: May 4 – June 6, 2026
- Youth Spring Wild Turkey Hunting Day: May 2, 2026
Bag Limit: Two turkeys in WMD 7, 9-29; and one turkey in WMD 1-6 and 8.
Tag Acquisition: Direct Purchase (OTC). Hunters must hold a large/small game license and a turkey permit.
Hunting Hours: Legal hunting hours in Maine are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset.
2026 Notes: Maine now supports full online self-registration. Harvest registration must be completed within 18 hours of a hunt. Please note that Sunday hunting remains prohibited in Maine.
▶Official Website Resources: Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife
Wisconsin Turkey Seasons
In Wisconsin, the turkey seasons vary in different turkey management zones, and they are all open to the spring turkey hunt. The season starts in mid-April and then ends in late May.
Here is the exact schedule dates:
Spring Turkey Youth Hunt: April 11 – 12, 2026
General Seasons:
- Period A: April 15 – 21
- Period B: April 22 – 28
- Period C: April 29 – May 5
- Period D: May 6 – 12
- Period E: May 13 – 19
- Period F: May 20 – 26
Bag Limit: Only one male turkey or one turkey with a visible beard.
Shooting Hours: The legal hunting hours are different in northern and southern locations, and you will have to calculate them.
For example, in Period A, the hunting hour is 30 minutes before sunrise and sunset. For Zone B, there is an additional 4 minutes more than the time for Zone A. Zone C has 8 minutes more than the time for Zone A, and Zone D has 12 minutes more than the time given for Zone A, and so on.
Tag Acquisition: Tags are issued primarily through a drawing, with a deadline of December 10, 2025. And then the remaining bonus tags will be available for selling starting March 16, 2026.
2026 Notes: Please check if there are remaining tags for your zone. Due to warmer weather forecasts for spring 2026, experts recommend prioritizing remaining tags in zones C and D.
▶Official Website Resources: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Iowa Turkey Seasons
Iowa is known for its large Eastern Turkeys and boasts abundant woodland resources. The turkey season in Iowa lasts about a month and is divided into 6 different ones.
Here are the 2026 season dates:
- Youth (Resident Only): April 10 – April 12, 2026
- Season 1: April 13 – April 16, 2026
- Season 2: April 17 – April 21, 2026
- Season 3: April 22 – April 28, 2026
- Season 4: April 29 – May 17, 2026
- Archery Only: April 13 – May 17, 2026
Bag Limit: Each license allows for one bearded or male turkey. Residents can obtain a maximum of 2 tags per season, while non-residents are limited to one. And, remember that the hunting hour is half an hour before sunrise to sunset.
Application Method: Residents can purchase directly (OTC). While non-residents must participate in a drawing to get a turkey license, with a deadline in January. The remaining leftover tags are available for purchase in March.
News for 2026: Electronic registration requirements are stricter than before. Hunters must submit their reports online or by phone before midnight on the night of the harvest.
In Iowa, over 15,000 birds were harvested in 2025. For a better chance of a successful harvest, you can try those popular areas: the Northeast’s “Driftless Area” and southern counties near the Missouri border (such as Appanoose and Davis).
▶Official Website Resources: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
West Virginia Turkey Seasons
This is a mountain hunting paradise with an extremely high public land coverage. You can hunt turkey in West Virginia within a month.
- Youth Season: April 18 – April 19, 2026
- General Season: April 20 – May 24, 2026
Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys per season (1 per day).
Tag Acquisition Method: Available for direct purchase (OTC).
2026 New Rules: Now it is permitted to use drones (UAVs) to assist in locating wounded turkeys. Additionally, the minimum age limit for the youth hunting season has been removed.
Districts 3 and 4 have the highest harvest rates acoording to previous data. You may try to hunt in popular counties, such as Mason, Monroe, Nicholas, and Pendleton.
▶Official Website Resources: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources
New Mexico Turkey Seasons
The New Mexico turkey season is mainly starting from mid-April to mid-May. With various wildlife resources, here you can challenge Merriam’s, Rio Grande, and even Gould’s subspecies.
- Youth Season: April 10 – April 12, 2026
- General Season: April 15 – May 15, 2026
Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys.
Licenses and Permits: The turkey permits for most units are Over-The-Counter (direct purchase). But there are still a few special areas, like Valle Vidal, that require a lottery application. Deadlines are usually in early February.
2026 New Rules: Permit fees have increased this year, especially for non-residents ($125).
The success rate for turkey hunting is generally around 25%, but with a skilled guide hunt, it can achieve up to 90%. Hunters can consider popular units like Gila National Forest (Units 15, 16) and Unit 4 in the north.
Turkey Draw Permit Hunts:
| Units | Season Dates | Bag Limits |
| Units 2B & 2C Carson National Forest | Apr. 15 – May 15 | 1 bearded turkey |
| Unit 2A (Areas east of Hwy. 550 and north of NM Hwy. 173) | Apr. 15 – May 15(Youth Only) | 1 bearded turkey |
| Unit 6B Valles Caldera National Preserve1 | Apr. 15 – Apr. 30 | 1 bearded turkey |
| Unit 8 | Apr. 15 – May 15 | 2 bearded turkey |
| Unit 9 Marquez/LBar WMA Only | Apr. 15 – May 15(NM Resident Only) | 1 bearded turkey |
| Units 26 & 27 (Gould’s Turkey) | May 1 – May 30 | 1 bearded turkey |
| Unit 55A Valle Vidal | East: Apr. 15 – May 15 | 1 bearded turkey |
| West: Apr. 15 – Apr. 30 | 1 bearded turkey |
▶Apply for Draw License: New Mexico Online Licensing System
▶Official Website Resources: 2026-2027 New Mexico Hunting Rules and Info
Minnesota Turkey Seasons
Turkey populations in Minnesota have expanded rapidly in recent years, particularly in the central and southern regions.
In Minnesota, there is no minimum age for youth hunters or elder hunters. Everyone can hunt turkey statewide.
Youth Season: April 15 – May 31
Archery Season: April 15 – May 31
- A: April 15 – 21
- B: April 22 – 28
- C: April 29 -May 5
- D: May 6 – 12
- E: May 13 – 19
- F: May 20 – 21
Bag Limit: one bearded turkey.
Hunting Hours: The shooting hours are half an hour before sunrise to sunset.
Turkey Tags Application Method: Most areas are OTC. However, ”A season” hunting in Carlos Avery and Whitewater WMAs requires a lottery (deadline February 13th).
2026 New Rules: The state expanded the use of crossbows; all hunters with a bow and arrow license can use them.
The turkey success rate is approximately 30%. Whitewater WMA in the southeast is the state’s premier turkey habitat, and it is the most popular location hunters will choose.
When turkey hunting in Minnesota, there is one simple rule to remember: No baiting and no dogs in turkey hunting.
▶Official Website Resources: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Nebraska Turkey Seasons
Since 1959, wild turkeys have spread across Nebraska. This makes it one of the best places to hunt turkeys, especially Merriam turkeys.
Be ready to hunt your trophy in this state? Be sure to follow the season dates as follows：
- Spring Archery: Mar. 25–May 31, 2026
- Youth Shotgun: Apr. 11–May 31, 2026
- General Shotgun: Apr. 18–May 31, 2026
Bag Limit: 1 male or bearded turkey per license (maximum 2 licenses per person, 1 turkey harvest per day).
Turkey Tags: Residents can directly buy them. There is a limit of 10,000 tag quotas for non-residents, typically going on sale in mid-January and selling out quickly.
2026 New Changes:
- The number of non-resident tags is decreasing. It’s best to buy them on the release date, January 12.
- Please note that fees for hunting licenses and permits have risen for non-resident hunters in Nebraska.
Nebraska has a high success rate for turkey hunting. If you plan a hunt in this state, consider heading to the Pine Ridge region in the northwest for the Merriam Turkey; and to the central valley for the Rio Grande.
▶Official Website Resources: Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
Missouri Turkey Seasons
Missouri is known as the “Legendary State for Turkeys in the East.” It has top-tier turkey management and strong population numbers nationwide.
It continues to rank at the top for the annual harvest of wild turkeys. There are more than 50,000 birds were harvested in the 2025 spring season.
- Spring: Youth Season: April 11 – 12, 2026
- Spring Season: April 2 0 – May 10, 2026
Bag Limit: Two male turkeys for residents ((1 limited to the first week); Starting in 2026, non-residents limit is reduced to one turkey.
Hunting Hours: On public lands, the hunting hour ends at 1:00 pm. However, hunters can hunt on private land till haof-hour before sunset.
Archery: Hunters can use shotguns and all types of bows, such as longbows, recurve bows, or compound bows, and crossbows.
▶Official Website Resources: Missouri Department of Conservation
Arkansas Turkey Seasons
Arkansas has made significant rule changes in recent years to help restore its turkey population.
Special Youth Turkey Hunt: April 11 – 12, 2026 (Zones 1, 1A, 2 and 2A)
Regular Turkey Season:
- Zone 1: April 20 – May 10, 2026
- Zone 1A: April 20 – 28, 2026
- Zone 2: April 13 – May 3, 2026
- Zone 2A: April 13 – 21, 2026
- Zone 3: April 6 – 26, 2026
Bag Limit: Two legal turkeys in the regular season; one turkey for youth season. Only young hunters can take a jake turkey during Youth Hunts.
Shooting Hours: cannot be taken from 30 minutes after sunset until 30 minutes before sunrise.
Turkey Permits: In Arkansas, a lottery system is used to award turkey permits for some popular WMAs. The winner who has been selected by the system is eligible to buy turkey permits. If you are not being chosen, don’t forget to check the leftover licenses later.
2026 Rules: The use of any baits, trapping devices, or electronic lures is strictly prohibited. Arkansas continues its “late start season” policy to ensure hens have time to mate before peak hunting season.
🔔: Leftover Turkey Permits for 2026 spring season are now available! Click here to apply.
▶Official Website Resources: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Pennsylvania Turkey Seasons
Pennsylvania is a traditional spot for turkey hunting in the East, with a large hunter population and intense competition.
The spring turkey seasons in Pennsylvania last less than a month.
- Youth Hunt Only: April 25, 2026
- General Season: May 2 – May 30, 2026
Bag Limit: The daily bag limit is one turkey. If you buy a Special Spring Turkey License, you can take two turkeys in total. In Youth Hunt, only one turkey can be taken.
Hunting Hours: It is divided into two periods. For the first period, hunting is allowed from half an hour before sunrise until 12 noon (May 2 to May 16). Full-day hunting lasts from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset. (May 18 to May 30)
License Acquisition: Direct Purchase (OTC). A second tag must be purchased before the season begins.
Approximately 40,000 turkeys were harvested in 2025. Hunters can consider popular WMUs such as: 2D, 5C, and 4D. State Game Lands in the North offer excellent public land opportunities.
▶Official Website Resources: Pennsylvania Game Commission
Kentucky Turkey Seasons
Kentucky is widely recognized as one of the top five states in the nation for spring turkey hunting, with a healthy turkey population.
- Youth-Only: April 4 – 5, 2026
- General Season: April 18 – May 10, 2026
Shooting Hours: The hunting hour is half hour before sunrise and half hour after sunset.
Bag Limit: One bearded turkey per day and two in total for the whole spring season.
License and Permits: Hunters will need a hunting license and permit to hunt spring turkey. The license can be directly bought online or from any agent.
The state has already enhanced the Telecheck system; hunters must register their harvest before midnight on the night of the hunt.
Kentucky maintains a high success rate year-round. Hot hunting spots such as: Land Between the Lakes (LBL) in the west and Daniel Boone National Forest in the east.
▶Official Website Resources: Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources
Michigan Turkey Seasons
Michigan’s turkey management is highly specialized, divided into multiple units and periods. Depending on the unit, it typically begins on April 18th and runs in segments until May 31st..
- TUM(0110): Apr. 18 – May 31, 2026
- TUM(0134): Apr. 18 – May 1, 2026
- TUM(0234): May 2 – 31, 2026
- TUM(0301): Apr. 18 – May 31, 2026
- TUM(0302): Apr. 18 – May 1, 2026
- TUM(0303): May 2 – May 31, 2026
Bag Limit: Only one bearded turkey per spring turkey license.
Hunting Hours: one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset
Turkey Drawing System:
Michigan uses a combination of drawing and OTC to assign hunting licenses to qualified hunters. If you are not selected in the drawing, no worries, you can still buy leftover tags, a Hunt 0234 or Hunt 0301 license. These two are statewide licenses that can be bought by everyone directly.
To check your drawing results, buy licenses, and keep updated with the latest news, you can download the official App called: Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, or check from here: Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
In Michigan, Unit ZZ (covering most of the southern region) has the highest harvest rates. The Northern Peninsula (UP) has slightly lower success rates but less pressure.
▶Official Website Resources: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Ohio Turkey Seasons
Ohio will continue its relatively conservative quota policy in 2026.
Youth Turkey Season:
- South zone: April 18 – 19, 2026
- Northeast zone: April 25 – 26, 2026
General Turkey Season:
- South zone: April 25 – May 24, 2026
- Northeast zone: May 2 – May 31, 2026
Bag Limit: one bearded turkey statewide.
Hunting Hours: 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
Some of the hunting seasons have limits on the counties you can hunt in; make sure to check it first.
In Ohio, regardless of age, everyone needs to buy a legal hunting license to hunt turkey in this state. Hunters can directly purchase the licenses online or from any agent.
The license fees for each type of hunter are: Resident Youth($10), Resident Adult( $19), and Nonresidents($180.96).
▶Official Website Resources: Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Indiana Turkey Seasons
Turkeys are evenly distributed throughout Indiana, and harvests have steadily increased in recent years.
The turkey seasons last less than a month, so hunters should grab any chance to be involved in these thrilling activities.
- Youth Turkey: April 18 and 19, 2026
- Regular Wild Turkey: April 22- May 10, 2026
Bag Limit: One bearded or male turkey during the whole season.
Shooting Hours: Start from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
2026 New Rules: No major new changes, but emphasize the requirement that all bait used on public land must be artificial.
To hunt turkey in Indiana, remember to possess a spring turkey hunting license and Game Bird Habitat stamp. These two are required for common hunters.
The success rate is approximately 20%. When planning you rtrip, consider popular places like Hoosier National Forest and Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge in the south.
▶Official Website Resources: Indiana Department of Natural Resources
Tennessee Turkey Seasons
Tennessee is another high-yield turkey region in the East. Recently, some policies have tightened to protect the population.
- Youth Season: April 4 – 5, 2026
- Shotgun/Archery: April 11 – May 4, 2026
Bag Limit: One bearded turkey per day and only 2 in total per season.
Hunting Hours: 30 minutes before legal sunrise to legal sunset.
2026 New Rules: Non-residents need to apply for a Quota Permit in advance to hunt in certain designated Wildlife Management Areas.
Counties in the Midwest and the West have the highest harvests. You may want to check out these popular counties: Maury, Giles, and Montgomery.
▶Official Website Resources: Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
Some of the states may not be a popular destination for turkey hunting, but you can always make additional plans in case you are not selected for the drawing.
Let’s find out more about the turkey seasons in other states.
Alabama Turkey Seasons
Alabama turkey season starts very early, making it the first stop for many hunters in the spring.
| Season | Zone 1 | Zone 2 | Zone 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Turkey Season | March 25 – May 8, 2026 | April 1 – May 8, 2026 | March 25 – May 8, 2026 |
| Special Youth Hunt | March 21 – 22, 2026 | March 28 – 29, 2026 | March 21 – 22, 2026 |
| Special Disabled Hunt | March 24, 2026 | March 31, 2026 | March 24, 2026 |
Season dates vary by hunting zone. Zone 2 opens slightly later than Zone 1 and Zone 3, while youth and disabled hunts take place just before the general turkey season.
Bag Limit: One gobbler per day and four in total, including the fall turkey season. You cannot hunt more than 2 gobblers in one wildlife management area.
2026 Notes: Access to certain public lands (WMA) is limited by lottery for the first 10 days of the season, in order to reduce hunting pressure.
The Black Belt region is an excellent habitat for turkey, which results in a thriving turkey population. Head to a place like this will improve your harvest success rate.
▶Official Website Resources: Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Virginia Turkey Seasons
Virginia has over 2 million acres of public land. The George Washington & Jefferson National Forests is an iconic location for turkey hunting in the eastern United States.
Youth and Apprentice Weekend: April 4 and 5, 2026
Spring Turkey:
- April 11 – 26, 2026 (30 minutes before sunrise until 12 noon)
- April 27 – May 16, 2026 (30 minutes before sunrise to sunset)
Bag Limit: One bearded turkey per day, three in total (includes fall season).
Tag Acquisition: Direct purchase.
Tip: Morning hunting is limited for the first 16 days to minimize disturbance to mating hens.
▶Official Website Resources: Virginia Department of Game & Inland Fisheries
Connecticut Turkey Seasons
- Junior Hunter Training Days: April 18 – 25, 2026
- Regular Season: April 29 – May 30, 2026
Bag Limits: 3 bearded birds on private lands and 2 bearded birds on public lands. That is a total of 5 bearded turkeys during the spring season if you have the appropriate permits.
Hunting Hour: From 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset
Direct Purchase Permits: Connecticut has simplified the process. Hunters only need to purchase a single “Spring Turkey Permit” to hunt on both public and private land. Non-residents can also purchase permits directly online.
Sunday Hunting: On private land, turkey hunting is now permitted on Sundays with written permission from the landowner. This significantly increases opportunities for working hunters.
Statistics show that units 5, 11, and 12 have the highest turkey density. They are mainly in the eastern and northwestern parts of the state.
▶Official Website Resources: Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection
Utah Turkey Seasons
There are spring limited seasons and general seasons for hunters. If hunters don’t draw for the limit-entry season, they can still harvest turkey in the general season.
- Spring Limited-entry Hunt: April 11 – 30, 2026
- Youth Turkey Hunt: May 1 – 3, 2026
- General Turkey Season: May 4 – May 31, 2026
Bag Limits: One beard turkey.
Drawing and OTC: The application for the drawing will be accepted in December. Unsuccessful applicants can buy remaining tags after February.
Top Locations: Populations in Wasatch and Nebo are healthy. Turkey populations in the Rio Grande near the southern Pine Valley and Zion have recently rebounded.
▶Official Website Resources: Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
Maryland Turkey Seasons
- Junior Turkey Hunt: April 11 – April 12, 2026
- Spring Turkey Season: April 18–May 23, 2026
Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey per day and two in total for the season.
2026 Rule Changes: From April 18 to May 9, hunting is limited to the morning (until noon); after May 10, hunting is allowed all day. Sunday hunting is only permitted in some counties.
Top Locations: Garrett County (western mountains) and Charles County are traditionally high-yield areas.
▶Official Website Resources: Maryland Department of Natural Resources
Illinois Turkey Seasons
Youth Spring Turkey: March 28 & 29 and April 4 & 5, 2026
Spring Turkey Hunt:
- 1st Season: April 6 – April 10 (South); April 13 – April 17 (North)
- 2nd Season: April 11 – April 16 (South); April 18 – April 23 (North)
- 3rd Season: April 17 – April 22 (South); April 24 – April 29 (North)
- 4th Season: April 23 – April 29 (South); April 30 – May 6 (North)
- 5th Season: April 30 – May 7 (South); May 7 – May 14 (North)
Bag Limit: 1 bag per license. Maximum of 3 licenses per person.
Tag Acquisition: Lottery (multiple draws). Remaining permits will be available for OTC purchase after March 10.
Top Locations: Jo Daviess County consistently ranks first in the state for harvests, followed by Jefferson and Pike counties.
▶Official Website Resources: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
New York Turkey Seasons
- Youth Turkey Season: April 25 -26, 2026
- Spring Season: May 1 – May 31, 2026
Bag Limit: 2 bearded turkeys allowed per season, 1 per day.
2026 Notes: Hunting hours are from sunrise to 12:00 noon (all season).
Top Locations: Western and Northern New York State have the highest turkey density.
▶Official Website Resources: New York Department of Environmental Conservation
Georgia Turkey Seasons
Special Opportunity Youth/Mobility Impaired: Mar. 22–23, 2026
Statewide Season:
- Private Land: Mar. 28 – May 15, 2026
- Public Land: April 4 – May 15, 2026
Bag Limit: One turkey per day and two in total
Tip: Georgia has intentionally delayed the start date for the WMA to alleviate hunting pressure. Game Check registration is mandatory.
▶Official Website Resources: Georgia Department of Natural Resources
Washington Turkey Seasons
- Youth: April 1 – 7, 2026
- General: April 15 – May 31, 2026
Bag Limit: Three in total. Male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards only. Strict regional restrictions apply (e.g., 2 turkeys per Klickitat County, 3 per Spokane County).
Top Location: Northeast Washington (PMU P10) produces over 70% of the state’s turkeys, primarily from Merriam’s.
▶Official Website Resources: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife
North Carolina Turkey Seasons
- Youth Season: April 4 – 5, 2026
- Statewide Season: April 11 – May 9, 2026
Bag Limit: One bearded turkey per day and two in total. Note that teens are limited to hunting one turkey during the season.
Special Permit Hunts: Certain lands require a lottery system for entry permits during the first few weeks of the season or specific periods. These applications typically close in January.
2026 Important Notes:
- Starting with the 2025-2026 season, the age definition for teen hunters has changed from “under 18” to “under 16”.
- The teen season has been shortened from one week to a two-day weekend season (April 4 – 5).
- Turkey hunting in North Carolina is limited to shotguns, bows and arrows, or crossbows. Rifles and handguns are prohibited.
According to 2025 statistics, Duplin County consistently ranked number one for the highest harvests. Uwharrie National Forest is one of the most popular public game areas in the state, while Pisgah National Forest is more suitable for hunters who enjoy challenging, rugged terrain.
▶Official Website Resources: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
Florida Turkey Seasons
Youth Turkey Hunt Weekend:
- March 13 – 16, 2026(North)
- Feb. 27 – March 2, 2026(South)
Spring turkey season:
- March 21 – April 26 (North)
- March 7 – April 12 (South)
Bag Limit: 2 globbers per season, 1 per day on public land.
2026 Reminder: Non-resident hunting is strictly limited during the first 9 days of certain major WMAs, such as Big Cypress.
Top Locations: Osceola (Florida subspecies) is a must-hunt for Grand Slam hunters; Green Swamp WMA is challenging but extremely famous.
When hunting in Florida, the swamps and heavy morning dew will make your feet get soaked fast. You need a pair of Kalkal waterproof hunting boots that help you stay dry and comfortable enough to stay in the woods until you bag that bird.
▶Official Website Resources: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Texas Turkey Seasons
General Season:
- South: March 14 – April 26, 2026
- North: March 28 – May 10, 2026
Spring Youth-Only:
- North: March 21-22, 2026, and May 16-17, 2026
- South: March 7-8, 2026, and May 2-3, 2026
One-Gobbler Counties: April 1-30, 2026
East Zone: April 22 – May 14, 2026
Bag Limit: The state limit is 4 birds (applies to most counties).
Hot Locations: The Hill Country (Central Plateau) has the highest concentration of Rio Grande turkeys in the world. Bandera and Kerr counties are also highly recommended.
▶Official Website Resources: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
California Turkey Seasons
- Spring General Season: Mar 28 – May 3, 2026
- Spring Archery Only: May 4 – May 17, 2026
- Spring Additional Junior: Mar 21 – 22, and May 4 – 17, 2026
Bag Limits: 1 bearded turkey per day and 3 in total per hunter.
2026 Key Rules:
- Hunting must stop at 5:00 PM (not at sunset) to protect returning hens.
- Environmental Requirements: Lead pellets are prohibited statewide.
Top Locations: El Dorado and Shasta counties.
▶Official Website Resources: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Which States Require Drawing Application For Turkey Hunt?
In some states, hunters will need to apply for a drawing to be qualified to obtain hunting licenses for big game, like turkey or deer.
A drawing is a random system that allocates license qualifications to hunters. The success ratio for residents and nonresidents is different.
What’s more, there is something called Preference Points. The more you have, the higher your chance of getting selected.
In some states, just because you were not selected for the drawing does not mean that you are not eligible to hunt turkey. There are still leftover licenses available. Make sure to keep track of the drawing results and the sale dates of the leftover licenses.
Here, we collected information about those states that require drawing applications. So, you can keep in mind to apply for the quota each year:
- Minnesota
- New Mexico
- Arkansas
- Michigan
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Arizona
- Alaska
- Idaho
- New Mexico
- Nevada
- California
- Florida
- Kansas
- Wisconsin
Tips For Spring Turkey Hunt
Spring is a great time to hunt turkey. In this season, turkeys are active. To ensure a successful hunt, here are some of the tips from turkey experts:
Utilize Turkey Calls And Decoys
Using a locator call can help you find out where the toms are. Male turkeys often respond to a sudden, loud noise by gobbling in surprise. Once the season starts, try to make use of hen calls to locate a male turkey.
The best place to place a turkey decoy is about 20 yards from where you plan to sit. Once you are prepared, use your turkey call to lure the birds. Typically, you can use hen yelps, clucks, and purrs to lure male turkeys.
*Pay attention to the regulations in each state because some of them prohibit the use of decoys.
Know How To Keep Track Of Turkey
Turkey tracks and paths are distinctive. If you know how to identify them, then you can know where to look for your prey.
Look for their footprint. They usually measure approximately four inches in length, with three elongated toes pointing forward and one small toe pointing backward. Compared to Tom’s, Hen’s toes are smaller.
If you see some wing marks or feathers, that is the track of male turkeys because they usually drag their wings while walking.
Find The Best Hunting Spot
Before getting the turkey coming closer to you, make sure to find a good spot for hiding and shooting first.
Search for grass areas or small open spaces with lots of food. If you come across a large amount of droppings under a tree, that is probably the roosting tree for the turkey. Remember the tree’s location, and then you will know where to set up a hunting spot.
You can choose to sit on a tree stand for a better view. Camouflage clothing and a safety harness are also essential for the turkey hunt. They keep you concealed and safe in the tree stand.
Know Their Roost Behavior
Turkeys usually roost at night in trees. However, during the nesting period, hens may choose to stay in the nest in order to protect the eggs. Turkey prefers using the largest trees in a group and usually roosts as near to the tree’s highest point as possible.
Hunters should stand about 70 yards from where the birds are resting anduse calling methods to lure them in while hunting. It is illegal to shoot turkeys while they are still in the tree.
Conclusion
Here is our comprehensive guide on the Spring Turkey Seasons. The season dates and limits vary by state, so it is important to keep in mind to stay updated with the most current information.
We hope this guide will help you in planning your upcoming hunting trip. And wish you a successful and ethical hunting season!
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