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2013 Spring Turkey Hunting Guide
Select your state below for harvest records, the hottest places to hunt this year, links to state wildlife agencies and online exclusives from the NWTF you can't find anywhere else!
*Members Only* Click here for state specific turkey forecasts.
Not an NWTF member? Join today to access the exclusive, state-by-state turkey hunting guide developed by expert NWTF biologists.
ALABAMA
Alabama Department of Natural Resources and Conservation
www.outdooralabama.com
(334) 242-3486
POPULATION: 500,000
2012 HARVEST: 47,000
SEASON DATES: March 15-April 30 (vary by zone)
HUNTER EDUCATION: A hunter education course is mandatory for all non-supervised hunting license buyers born on or after Aug. 1, 1977. It's available as a two-part course with half completed on CD or the Internet, followed by a half day in the field.
HOURS: daylight hours
BAG LIMIT: one gobbler per day, five gobblers per year
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 272- 4263
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth: Saturday and Sunday prior to opening day
disabled: one day prior to opening day
ARIZONA
Arizona Game and Fish Department
www.azgfd.gov
(602) 942-3000
POPULATION: 36,000
2012 HARVEST: 694
SEASON DATES: April 26-May 23
HUNTER EDUCATION:hunters younger than 15 must have proof of
hunter education
HOURS: daylight hours
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 352-0700
ARKANSAS
Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
www.agfc.com
(800) 364-4263
POPULATION: 90,000
2012 HARVEST: 10,235
SEASON DATES: April 20-May 5 (vary by zone)
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys, no jakes (varies by zone)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 482-9262
SPECIAL HUNTS: Statewide youth hunt for ages 6 to 15 on April 13-14.
Youth hunters may take one jake as part of the two bird bag limit.
CALIFORNIA
California Department of Fish and Game
www.dfg.ca.gov
(888) 773-8450
POPULATION: 240,000
SEASON DATES: March 30-May 5; youth: March 23-24; May 6-19;
archery: March 30-May 20
HUNTER EDUCATION: required
HOURS: half an hour before
sunrise to 4 p.m.
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per day, three per season
POACHER HOTLINE: (888) 334-2258
COLORADO
Colorado Division of Wildlife
www.wildlife.state.co.us/hunting/turkey
(303) 297-1192
POPULATION: 22,000
2012 HARVEST: 3,453
SEASON DATES: April 13-May 26
HUNTER EDUCATION: required for hunters born on or after
Jan. 1, 1949
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise
to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (877) 265-6648
SPECIAL HUNTS: Game Management Unit 30 near Grand Junction
opens for spring hunting this year. Youth Outreach Licenses available
to qualified organizations that sponsor youth turkey hunts increased
from 50 to 200.
CONNECTICUT
Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection
www.ct.gov/deep/
(860) 642-7239
POPULATION: 35,000
2012 HARVEST: 1,364
SEASON DATES: April 24-May 25
HUNTER EDUCATION: certificate or resident hunting license
within the last five years
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise until noon (regular season); Youth
Training Days: half an hour before sunrise to 5 p.m.
BAG LIMIT: private land: three bearded birds; state land: two
bearded birds
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 842-4357
SPECIAL HUNTS: Youth Training Days: April 13 and 20
DELAWARE
Delaware Division of Fish & Wildlife
www.fw.delaware.gov
(302) 735-3600
POPULATION: 4,000
2012 HARVEST: 615
SEASON DATES: public land Zone A: April 13-19; Zone B: April 20-26; Zone C: April 27- May 3; Zone D: May 4-11
HUNTER EDUCATION: Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1967 is required to complete a hunter education course prior to obtaining a license. All turkey hunters must complete a special turkey hunting safety course before being eligible for a turkey hunting license.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to 1 p.m.
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 292-3030
SPECIAL HUNTS: Youth (private lands): April 6
FLORIDA
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
myfwc.com/hunting
(850) 488-4676
2012 HARVEST: 23,006
SEASON DATES: Zone A: March 2-April 7 (youth season Feb. 23-24); Zones B, C and D: March 16-April 21 (youth season March 9-10);
Holmes County: March 16-31
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born on or after June 1,
1975, unless qualified under Hunter Safety Mentoring Exemption
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset on
private land. See specific WMA regulations for public lands.
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per day, two per season. Season limit is
one in Holmes County.
POACHER HOTLINE: (888) 404-3922
SPECIAL HUNTS: There is an abundance of opportunities in the 5.8
million acres of public hunting lands throughout Florida, with some of
the best Osceola action found via Special Opportunity Hunts on areas
such as Fisheating Creek, Lake George, Dexter Mary Farms Unit and
Triple N Ranch. Information on all special opportunity hunts is available
on the agency website.
GEORGIA
Georgia Department of Natural Resources-Wildlife Resources Division
www.gohuntgeorgia.com
(770) 761-3045
POPULATION: 325,000
SEASON DATES: March 23-May 15
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born on or after Jan. 1, 1961. Hunter education is not required to purchase an apprentice hunting license, a three-day hunting and fishing license or when hunting on one's own land or land of a parent or guardian residing in same household.
HOURS: half and hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: three gobblers
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 241-4113
HAWAII
Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources
hawaii.gov/dlnr/dofaw/hunting
(808) 587-0166
SEASON DATES: March 1-31
HUNTER EDUCATION: A Hawaii hunter education card or letter of
exemption, available on the website, along with proof that hunter education
requirements from another state have been met are required.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: two bearded gobblers
IDAHO
Idaho Fish and Game
www.fishandgame.idaho.gov/
(208) 334-3700
SEASON DATES: April 15-May 25; controlled hunts vary by unit. Visit
the agency website for details.
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born on or after Jan. 1, 1975. See website
for information on the junior mentored hunting program.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per day; two bearded turkeys per season
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 632-5999
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth hunt: April 8-14. Controlled youth hunts vary
by unit. Visit the agency website for details.
ILLINOIS
Illinois Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.illinois.gov/hunting/Pages/Turkey.aspx
(217) 782-6302
POPULATION: 106,000
2012 HARVEST: 15,942
SEASON DATES: vary by zone (See website for details.)
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born on or after Jan. 1, 1980
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to 1 p.m.
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per county or special area; three per person. (See agency website for details.)
POACHER HOTLINE: (877) 236-7529
SPECIAL HUNTS: Several youth hunting opportunities are available
through the Indiana DNR and the NWTF. The Illinois Recreational
Access Program offers special access to enrolled private lands to youth
turkey hunters drawn for a permit. Check the agency website for more
information. The NWTF is again partnering with the Torstenson Family
Youth Conservation Education Center to introduce youth to turkey
hunting.
INDIANA
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild
(317) 232-4200
POPULATION: 130,000
2012 HARVEST: 12,000
SEASON DATES: April 24-May 12
HUNTER EDUCATION: required for those born after Dec. 31, 1986, with
an exception for those with an apprentice hunting license
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 847-4367
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth
hunt: April 20-21, for ages
17 and younger with an
adult mentor
IOWA
Iowa Department of Natural Resources
www.iowadnr.com
(515) 281-5918
POPULATION: 150,000
2012 HARVEST: 10,457
SEASON DATES: Season 1: April 15-18; Season 2: April 19-23;
Season 3: April 24-30; Season 4: May 1-19; archery: (resident
archery only) April 15-May 19
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born after Jan. 1, 1972
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey for each valid license
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 532-2020
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth: April 6-14 (residents only)
KANSAS
Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks
www.kdwp.state.ks.us/news/Hunting/Turkey-Information
(620) 672-5911
POPULATION: 350,000
2012 HARVEST: 31,239
SEASON DATES: April 10-May 31; archery, youth and disabled:
April 1-9
HUNTER EDUCATION: Anyone born on or after July 1, 1957, must be
certified through an approved course in hunter education before they
can hunt. The exception is anyone 16 and younger may hunt without
hunter education certification if they are under the direct supervision of
an adult 18 or older.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one gobbler per permit. Permit availability varies across the
state. Southwestern Kansas is open to residents through a pre-season
drawing. Visit the website for more information.
POACHER HOTLINE: (877) 426-3843
SPECIAL HUNTS: At least three NWTF sponsored youth hunts occur
during the early youth and disabled season, with potential for a fourth.
Several special hunts on private property and normally closed areas are
also available. These hunts are awarded through a pre-season drawing.
Applications are accepted on the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks
and Tourism website.
KENTUCKY
Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
www.kdfwr.state.ky.us/
(800) 858-1549
POPULATION: 225,000
2012 HARVEST: 33,068 (spring)
SEASON DATES: April 13-May 5
HUNTER EDUCATION: A hunter education card is required if born on or
after Jan. 1, 1975.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey; two per season
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 252-5378
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth: April 6-7
The following lands are not owned or managed by the KDFWR
and may have special season dates, regulations and hunter requirements:
Bluegrass Army Depot, Fort Campbell Military Reservation, Fort Knox
Military Reservation, Clarks River National Wildlife Refuge, Reelfoot National
Wildlife Refuge and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation
Area. Contact the respective facilities for more information.
LOUISIANA
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/hunting/turkey
(225) 765-2800
POPULATION: 60,000
SEASON DATES: March 23-April 21 (vary by zone)
HUNTER EDUCATION: Hunter education is mandatory for anyone born on or after Sept.
1, 1969.
HOURS: half an hour before
sunrise to half an hour after
sunset
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 442-2511
MAINE
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
www.maine.gov/ifw
(207) 287-8000
POPULATION: 55,000
2012 HARVEST: 5,938
SEASON DATES: April 30-June 2
HUNTER EDUCATION: Applicants for an adult hunting license
must show proof of having previously held an adult license to hunt with
firearms in any year beginning in 1976, or successful completion of an
approved hunter safety course from any state. Applicants for an adult
archery license must show proof of having held an adult license to hunt
with a bow and arrow in any year after 1979, or successful completion of
an archery education course.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to noon
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey maybe taken with the purchase of a
spring/fall tag and a second bearded turkey may be taken with the
purchase of an additional spring tag.
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 253-7887
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth hunt weekend: April 27
MARYLAND
Maryland Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.state.md.us/wildlife
(410) 221-8838
POPULATION: 32,000
2012 HARVEST: 3,132
SEASON DATES: April 18-May 23
HUNTER EDUCATION: Anyone born after July 1, 1977 must complete
a hunter education course unless the person has a license and hunter
education certificate from another state.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise until noon: April 18-May 9; half and
hour before sunrise until sunset: May 10-23
BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 635-6124
SPECIAL HUNTS: junior hunt: April 13
MASSACHUSETTS
Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife
www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/recreation/hunting
(508) 389-6300
POPULATION: 30,000
2012 HARVEST: 2,723 (spring)
SEASON DATES: April 29-May 25
HUNTER EDUCATION: hunter education certification or previous hunting
license
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to noon
BAG LIMIT: annual limit: either two bearded birds in spring (one per
day) or one bearded bird in spring and one bird of either sex in fall
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 632-8075
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth day: April 27. Young hunters must participate in
a preseason workshop to be eligible to hunt.
MICHIGAN
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
www.michigan.gov/dnr
(517) 373-1263
POPULATION: 300,000
SEASON DATES: Vary by unit an hunt numbers. See website for more info.
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born after Jan. 1, 1960
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour before sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 292-7800
MINNESOTA
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.state.mn.us
(888) 646-6367
2012 HARVEST: 11,325
SEASON DATES: April 10-May 23
HUNTER EDUCATION: All hunters ages 12 to 18 or born after Dec. 31,
1979 are required to have a firearms safety certificate. Youth ages 11
and under may hunt wild turkeys without a firearms safety certificate if accompanied by a parent or guardian who has a certificate. Residents
ages 12 and older who have not completed hunter education firearms
safety training can purchase an apprentice hunter validation, which
allows them to hunt small game, wild turkey and deer without having
completed hunter education firearms safety training.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one adult male turkey per permit; one permit per hunter
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one permit per person, one turkey, either sex
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 652-9093
MISSISSIPPI
Mississippi Wildlife Fisheries and Parks
home.mdwfp.com/wildlife/Species/Turkey
(601) 432-2400
POPULATION: 225,060
SEASON DATES: March 15-May 1
HUNTER EDUCATION: All persons born after Jan. 1, 1972,
must complete a hunter education course approved by the Mississippi
Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks before purchasing
a hunting license.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: one gobbler with a 6-inch or longer beard per day; three per
season. Hunters 15 and younger: one gobbler per day; three per season
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 237-6278
MISSOURI
Missouri Department of Conservation
mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/regulations/turkey-regulations/spring-turkey-regulations
(573) 751-4115
POPULATION: 300,000
2012 HARVEST: 44,766
SEASON DATES: April 15-May 5
HUNTER EDUCATION: Must be hunter education certified
if born on or after Jan. 1, 1967
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.
BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (only one may be taken the first week
of the season)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 392-1111
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth hunts:
April 6-7; (half an hour
before sunrise until sunset). Visit
the agency website for details about
spring managed turkey hunting opportunities.
MONTANA
Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks
fwp.mt.gov/default.html
(406) 444-2535
SEASON DATES: April 13-May 19
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born after Jan. 1, 1985
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: varies by region
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 847-6668
SPECIAL HUNTS: Applications for 11 special spring hunts are due by
March 8.
NEBRASKA
Nebraska Game and Parks Commission
outdoornebraska.ne.gov/hunting/
(402) 471-0641
2012 HARVEST: 21,419
SEASON DATES: youth archery: March 25-May 31; archery: March 25-May 31; youth shotgun: April 6-May 31; shotgun: April 13-May 31
HUNTER EDUCATION: Hunters ages 12 through 29 must complete firearm
hunter education to hunt turkeys with a firearm or crossbow.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per permit; limited to three permits per
hunter per calendar year
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 742-7627
NEVADA
Nevada Department of Wildlife
www.ndow.org
(775) 688-1500
SEASON DATES: Vary by zone. Click for more info.
HUNTER EDUCATION: Anyone born after Jan. 1, 1960 is required to
provide proof of hunter education.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to 4 p.m.
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 992-3030
NEW HAMPSHIRE
New Hampshire Fish and Game Department
www.huntnh.com
(603) 271-3421
POPULATION: 40,000
2012 HARVEST: 3,873
SEASON DATES: May 3-31
HUNTER EDUCATION: Anyone applying to hunt with a
firearm or bow must present a previous hunting or archery license or
a certificate of completion from an approved hunter or bowhunter
education course.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise until noon
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 344-4262
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth hunt: April 27-28
NEW JERSEY
New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife
www.njfishandwildlife.com
(908) 735-8793
POPULATION: 23,000
2012 HARVEST: 2,954
SEASON DATES: Segment A: April 22-26; Segment B: April 29-May 3;
Segment C: May 6-10: Segment D: May 13-17 and 20-24
Segment E: (Saturdays) April 27, May 4, 11 and 18
HUNTER EDUCATION: All first time hunters must pass a hunter
education course. A previous hunting license or hunter education
certificate is required to purchase a license for anyone born after 1970.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise until noon
BAG LIMIT: one gobbler per permit. Hunters may purchase
multiple permits
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 222-0456
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth season: April 20, April 22-May 24
NEW MEXICO
New Mexico Wildlife
www.wildlife.state.nm.us
(505) 286-1412
POPULATI ON: 35,000
SEASON DATES: April 15-May 10
HUNTER EDUCATION: required for hunters younger than 18
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys, except as restricted by permit or are
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 432-4263
SPECIAL HUNTS: There are a number of special (draw permit required)
hunts each spring. See the agency website for details.
NEW YORK
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
www.dec.ny.gov
(518) 402-8886
POPULATION: 180,000
2012 HARVEST: 19,038
SEASON DATES: May 1-31
HUNTER EDUCATION: required
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to noon
BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys, one per day
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 847-7332
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth hunt: April 20-21
NORTH CAROLINA
North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
www.ncwildlife.org
(919) 707-0050
POPULATION: 260,000
SEASON DATES: April 13-May 11
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 662-7137
NORTH DAKOTA
North Dakota Game and Fish Department
gf.nd.gov
(701) 328-6300
2012 HARVEST: 2,115 (spring)
SEA SON DATES:April 13-May 19
HUNTER EDUCATION: Required if born after Dec. 31, 1961. Exceptions
include hunters younger than 12 who hunt with their parent or legal
guardian, persons who hunt exclusively on land of which they are the
record title owner or operator, and those who obtain an apprentice
hunting license.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 472-2121
SPECIAL HUNTS: First-time spring turkey hunters ages 15 and younger
receive one spring license good for the regular hunting season in a
specific area.
OHIO
Ohio Division of Wildlife
www.wildohio.com
(800) 945-3543
POPULATION: 200,000
SEASON DATES: April 22-May 5 (half an hour before sunrise to noon);
May 6-19 (half an hour before sunrise to sunset)
HUNTER EDUCATION: required
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 762-2437
OKLAHOMA
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
www.wildlifedepartment.com/
(405) 521-2730
POPULATION: 110,000
2012 HARVEST: 34,244
SEASON DATES: April 6 - May 6, 2013 Statewide except in the southeast region; April 22-May 6, 2013 Southern region only
HUNTER EDUCATION: required. Check the agency website for details.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one turkey per person. Check the agency website for
county regulations. Some counties do not have an open fall season.
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 522-8039
SPECIAL HUNTS: Applications for controlled hunts will be available in
April for spring 2014 hunts on the agency website.
OREGON
Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife
www.dfw.state.or.us
(503) 947-6000
2012 HARVEST: 4,132
SEASON DATES: April 15-May 31
HUNTER EDUCATION: Required for hunters under age 18. Mentored
hunting allowed for ages 9 to 13. See regulations for details.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 452-7888
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth hunt: April 13-14
PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Game Commission
www.pgc.state.pa.us
(717) 787-4250
POPULATION: 191,000
2012 HARVEST: 35,392
SEASON DATES: April 27-May 31
HUNTER EDUCATION:New hunters ages 12 and older are required to
complete a hunter/trapper education course with the exception of
those hunting with a mentored youth hunting license. Hunters with a license or hunter education certificate from another state are exempt.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers an Advanced Successful
Turkey Hunting course. See the agency website for details.
HOURS: April 20 and April 27-May 11: half an hour before sunrise until
noon. May 13-31:
half an hour before
sunrise until half an
hour after sunset.
BAG LIMIT: one
bearded bird per
regular hunting
license. Hunters
with a special second
license may take a
second bearded bird.
POACHER HOTLINE: (888) 742-8001
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth spring gobbler day: April 20
RHODE ISLAND
Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
www.dem.ri.gov
(401) 789-0281
POPULATI ON: 3,500
SEASON DATES: April 25-May 21
HUNTER EDUCATION: prior year's license, certified hunter
safety card or equivalent
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise until 1 p.m.
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (401) 222-3070
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth and paraplegic hunters: April 20-21
SOUTH CAROLINA
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
www.dnr.sc.gov
(803) 734-3886
POPULATION: 125,000
SEASON DATES: vary by zone
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 922-5431
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth day: March 30
SOUTH DAKOTA
South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks
www.sdgfp.info
(605) 223-7660
2012 HARVEST: 13,415
SEASON DATES: April 13-May 19
HUNTER EDUCATION: required for ages 16 and younger
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: varies by zone
POACHER HOTLINE: (888) 683-7224
TENNESSEE
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
www.tnwildlife.org
(615) 781-6500
POPULATION: 310,000
2012 HARVEST: 33,789
SEASON DATES:March 30-May 12
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born after Jan. 1, 1969
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per day; four per season
POACHER HOTLINES:
West Tennessee (Region I): (800) 831-1173
Middle Tennessee (Region II): (800) 255-8972
Cumberland Plateau (Region III): (800) 241-0767
East Tennessee (Region IV): (800) 831-1174
SPECIAL HUNTS: young sportsman
hunt: March 23-24
(ages 6 to 16). One
bearded turkey
counts toward statewide
bag limit unless
taken on a WMA where the turkey is counted as bonus bird. A non-hunting
adult may accompany multiple youths at least 21 years old, who must
remain in a position to take immediate control of the hunting device.
TEXAS
Texas Parks and Wildlife
www.tpwd.state.tx.us
(800) 792-1112
POPULATION: 500,000
SEASON DATES: Rio Grande South Zone: March 16 - April 28 (Youth:
March 1-10 and May 4-5); Rio Grande North Zone: March 30-May
12 (Youth: March 23-24 and May 18-19); Rio Grande, Gobbler Only
Zone: April 1-30; Eastern Zone: April 15-May 14
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born after Sept. 2, 1971
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: annual bag limit four (no more than one Eastern).
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 792-4263
SPECIAL HUNTS: Information about draw hunts can be found on the
agency website.
UTAH
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources
www.wildlife.utah.gov
(801) 538-4700
POPULATION: 180,000
2012 HARVEST: 2,000
SEASON DATES: April 29-May 31
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born after Dec. 31, 1965
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 662-3337
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth hunt: For 15 and under, April 26-28. Youth permits
are valid through the remainder of the statewide general season.
VERMONT
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
www.vtfishandwildlife.com
(808) 241-3700
2012 HARVEST: 4,713
POPULATION: 45,000
SEASON DATES: May 1-31
HUNTER EDUCATION: Hunters, archers and trappers must successfully
complete their respective course to purchase their first license. Hunter
education course completion certificates from other states or previous
held hunting licenses also satisfy the requirement.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to noon
BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 752-5378
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth hunt: April 24-25
VIRGINIA
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
www.dgif.virginia.gov
(540) 248-9360
POPULATION: 155,000
2012 HARVEST: 15,326
SEASON DATES: April 13-May 4, May 6-18
HUNTER EDUCATION: required for first-time license buyers and youth
hunters. Visit the agency website for exceptions.
HOURS: April 13-May 4: half an hour before sunrise to noon; May 6-18:
half and hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per day. Hunters may take up to three
turkeys depending on how many turkeys
were taken in the fall season.
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 237-5712
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth day: April 6
WASHINGTON
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
wdfw.wa.gov
(360) 902-2200
2012 HARVEST: 5,551
SEASON DATES: April 15-May 31
HUNTER EDUCATION: required for hunters born on or after Jan. 1, 1972
HOURS: half-hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: Three bearded turkeys in the spring season, of which only
two turkeys may be taken in eastern Washington and one of which may
be taken in Chelan, Kittitas and Yakima counties combined. Only one
turkey may be taken in western Washington per year outside of Klickitat
County. Two turkeys may be taken in Klickitat County.
POACHER HOTLINE: (877) 933-9847
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth hunt: April 6-7
WEST VIRGINIA
West Virginia Department of Natural Resources
www.wvdnr.gov
(304) 558-2771
POPULATION: 140,000
2012 HARVEST: 8,332
SEASON DATES: April 22-May 18
HUNTER EDUCATION: All persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1975 must successfully
complete a hunter education course before purchasing a license.
Check the agency website for information about apprentice licenses.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to 1 p.m.
BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 638-4263
SPECIAL HUNTS: youth hunt: April 20
WISCONSIN
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
dnr.wi.gov
(888) 936-7463
2012 HARVEST: 42,612
SEASON DATES: April 13-May 22
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if ages 12 to 18 or
born after Jan. 1, 1973
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: One gobbler per permit with no limit
on permit purchases. Limited permits are available
in each zone
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 847-9367
WYOMING
Wyoming Game and Fish Department
gf.state.wy.us
(307) 777-4600
2012 HARVEST: 2,470
SEASON DATES: vary by region
HUNTER EDUCATION: required if born after Dec. 31, 1965, unless the
hunter receives authorization under the department's Hunter Mentor
Program. See agency website for details.
HOURS: half an hour before sunrise to sunset
BAG LIMIT: One license per hunter, one wild turkey per license. Hunters
can purchase a second license after the license draw is complete, provided
at least one license is a Limited Quota Type 3 license.
POACHER HOTLINE: (877) 943-3847
