2026 NWTF Spring Hunt Guide

Some data is not available by the print deadline or not reported. Please check your state’s hunting season regulations for up-to-date information and other details and to verify the information reported here. In addition, wild turkey research projects are ongoing in more than half of the state’s in the U.S. and more funding is being devoted to wild turkeys than ever before.

That is in large part due to the support of the NWTF and its members and the devoted universities and state wildlife agencies who are committed to seeing and hearing more wild turkeys on the landscape this season. We hope this information is of value to spring wild turkey hunters and wish all a safe, successful season!

Jump to your state using the first letter of your state's name.

A C D F G H I K L M N O P R S T U V W

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://www.outdooralabama.com/; (334) 242-3469 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 17,059 (Game 

Check); 41,417 (estimated) 

SEASON DATES: Private Lands 

• Zones 1 and 3: March 25 – May 8 

• Zone 2: April 1 – May 8 

WMA and USDA Forest Service Ranger Districts: Bankhead Ranger District; WMAs - Lauderdale, Freedom Hills, Black Warrior, Coon Gulf, Riverton CHA and Martin CHA: April 8 - May 8 

Remainder of National Forests Districts: 

(Talladega, Shoal Creek, Oakmulgee, Tuskegee and Conecuh Ranger District) and WMAs that allow turkey hunting: April 1 - May 8 

BAG LIMIT: Statewide, one gobbler per day, four gobblers during combined fall and spring seasons; WMA and USDA Forest Service Ranger Districts, no more than two gobblers from any one WMA, CHA, or National Forest Ranger District; No more than one gobbler during the first 10 days of each season from each WMA, CHA and National Forest Ranger District 

HUNTING HOURS: Private Lands - daylight hours only; Wildlife Management Areas and National Forests – daylight until 1 p.m. 

STATE STATUS: Game Check harvest reporting is mandatory. See regulations about the use of decoys on public lands. See regulations about special youth and disabled hunt dates. 

NO HUNTABLE TURKEY POPULATION 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://www.azgfd.com/; (602) 942-3000 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 HARVEST DATA: Merriam’s: 1,160; Gould’s: 69 

SEASON DATES: 

• Merriam’s: April 24-May 21, 2026 (two stratified hunts) 

• Gould’s: May 1-May 28, 2026 (two stratified hunts) Youth Merriam’s hunt: April 17-23 and May 8-21, 2026 (over-the counter in nine units) 

BAG LIMIT: One turkey per calendar year 

HUNTING HOURS: Daylight hours 

STATE STATUS: The Arizona turkey population is stable following several mild winters. Current drought conditions are going to affect poult recruitment, resulting in fewer birds being recruited into the population. There are no proposed changes to season dates or season structures. The Department has been placing GPS transmitters on turkeys to track nest initiation, migration/movement and mortality, and is also still implementing some translocations into areas with low-density populations. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.agfc.com; (501) 223-6300 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: Estimated 92,960-113,320 

2025 HARVEST DATA: 11,332 

SEASON DATES: REGULAR SEASON – Zone 1: April 20-May 10, Zone 1A: April 20-28. Zone 2: April 13-May 3, Zone 2A: April 13-21, Zone 3: April 6-26. YOUTH HUNT – Zones 1, 1A, 2, 2A: April 11-12. Zone 3: Closed. WMA PERMIT APPLICATION – Jan. 15-Feb. 15.

BAG LIMIT: Statewide: 2 Legal Turkeys (Zone Limits Apply), Turkey Zone 1A, 2A: 1 Legal Turkey, Turkey Zone 1, 2, 3: 2 Legal Turkeys, Special Youth Turkey Hunt Weekend: 1 Legal Turkey, Nonresidents (youth and adult) are allowed only one turkey in their seasonal bag limit. 

HUNTING HOURS: One half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset daily. 

STATE STATUS: Hunters Age 6 – 15: May take up to one jake as part of their two bird statewide limit. The taking of bearded hens is prohibited. Hunters are allowed one legal turkey during the first seven days of the spring turkey season. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://wildlife.ca.gov/; (916) 557-3444 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: ~250,000 

2024 HARVEST DATA: ~19,965 

SEASON DATES: General Season: March 28 – May 3, 2026; Archery Season: May 4 – May 17, 2026; Additional Junior: March 21-22, 2026, May 4-17, 2026.

BAG LIMIT: One bearded bird per day, three per season combined.

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to 5 p.m. 

STATE STATUS: Regionally, current wild turkey abundance indices are highest in the Sierra Nevada foothills and Central Valley (as well as around the San Francisco Bay); in the North they can be found on Forest Service lands in the Cascade Range, and to the west in Mendocino and Central Coast Mountains. The CDFW holds drawings and hosts many spring opportunities for hunting wild turkey. Please visit: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Special-Hunts. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://cpw.state.co.us/; (303) 297-7227 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 30,000 

2024 HARVEST DATA: 5,903 

SEASON DATES: April 11 – May 31, 2026 for most, see regulations for specific units. 

BAG LIMIT: Two bearded turkeys in spring; one must be taken with a limited license, the other with an over-the-counter license. 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEPHunting; (860) 418-5961 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 HARVEST DATA: The 2025 spring harvest consisted of 342 juvenile and 837 adult males, five bearded females, and two unknown. 

SEASON DATES: April 30 – May 31, 2026, excluding Sundays on public property. 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset. 

BAG LIMIT: Five bearded birds from any combination of property types. 

STATE STATUS: Research continues east of the Connecticut River; hunters may encounter banded birds, hens with transmitters, and cameras on nest. Bands from harvested birds are to be reported via the web link printed on the band. Harvested birds with transmitters should contact the number above. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife/ ; (302) 735-3600 

2024 WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 6,000 

2025 HARVEST DATA: 801 harvested. 630 birds from private lands (79%) and 171 birds from public lands (21%) 

SEASON DATES: 

• Youth and Non-ambulatory: April 4 and April 5

• Regular season: April 11 through May 9 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded bird per eligible hunter per season.

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until 1 p.m. 

STATE STATUS: As of the 2025 spring season Sunday hunting for wild turkey is now permitted – see season dates. All hunters must complete mandatory  turkey education hunting course. For public land hunters, a permit is needed to hunt turkey on public lands; hunters must fill out and submit application for a permit through the public land lottery. For the 2026 season, entries must be postmarked by Jan. 6, 2026. More info can be found in the Delaware Hunting Guide or online. Brood surveys are conducted annually during the summer – June through end of August. If a hunter harvests a turkey with a leg band, they are asked to call the phone number listed on the metal band, (302)735-3600. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://myfwc.com/hunting/turkey/ ; (850) 488-4676 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: N/A 

2025 HARVEST DATA: 12,066 reported harvests 

SEASON DATES: South of St Rd 70 – Youth weekend Feb. 27 to March 2, 2026, Regular spring season March 7 - April 12, 2026; North of St Rd 70 – Youth weekend March 13-16, 2026, Regular spring season March 21 - April 26, 2026.

BAG LIMIT: Two gobblers or bearded turkeys; See regulations for WMA specific.

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset; see regulations for WMA specifics.

STATE STATUS: Ongoing Research: Fieldwork completed for Gobbling and Nesting Chronology of Wild Turkeys in South Florida, data analysis underway. Additional research assessing wild turkey vital rates and female survival; with this study we aim to estimate adult hen annual survival, establish baseline reproductive vital rates (nesting rate, nest success, brood success) and compare these parameters with other areas across Florida. 

Harvest notes: In the spring 2025 season in Florida, an estimated 28,162 hunters went turkey hunting. While estimated harvest per hunter declined, the majority of turkey hunters gave an excellent or good rating of their hunting experience. Harvest reports indicated 81% of harvested turkeys on private lands, 19% on public. 

Regulation changes: 

- Youth Turkey Season has expanded from a previous two-day season (Saturday-Sunday) to a four-day season (Friday to Monday) on private lands and many lands inside the WMA system. 

- Nonresident hunters cannot hunt wild turkey during the first nine days of the zonal spring turkey season at Big Cypress (on the non-quota units only), Herky Huffman/Bull Creek, Jumper Creek, Three Lakes, and J.W. Corbett WMAs. 

- Nonresident turkey hunters must also purchase a nonresident annual hunting license. A 10-day nonresident hunting license can no longer be used during the spring turkey season. 

- Nonresidents are limited to only being issued up to 10% of spring turkey quota permits. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: Georgiawildlife.com; (706) 557-3350 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 12,511 gobblers 

SEASON DATES: Special Opportunity: March 21-22, 2026; Statewide Season (Private Lands): March 28 – May 15, 2026; Statewide Season (Public Lands): April 4 – May 15, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Season limit two gobblers, daily limit one gobbler, WMA/National Forest Limit: one gobbler per area.

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset.

STATE STATUS: The current Wild Turkey Strategic Management Plan for Georgia is due for revisions at the end of 2026. We will be soliciting input from Georgia turkey hunters in the development of the updated plan. We also welcome hunters to participate in the Turkey Hunter Survey to help us monitor spring turkey populations. Visit https://georgiawildlife.com/turkey-info 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting/, 808-587-0160 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: N/A 

2024 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 43 harvested from 320 hunter trips (2025 data n/a) 

SPRING DATES: March 1, 2026 – April 15, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Three toms 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset 

STATE STATUS: The 2026 spring turkey season now includes Unit C, Laupahoehoe and Piha sections of the Hilo Forest Reserve. The wild turkey population on public lands is marginal in comparison to private lands and ranches. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://idfg.idaho.gov/; (208) 334-3700 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: ~53,000 

2024 HARVEST DATA: 7,000 

SEASON DATES: Varies by unit, check regulations 

BAG LIMIT: Two 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour prior to sunrise to sunset 

NOTE: Turkey hunters looking to apply for 2026 spring controlled turkey hunts can apply from Feb. 1 to March 1. Any leftover tags for spring turkey controlled hunts go on sale March 25 at 10 a.m. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.dnr.illinois.gov; (217) 782-6302 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: Not reported (n/a) 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 18,189 (record harvest) 

SEASON DATES: 

• Youth Season: March 28 – 29 and April 4-5; North Zone: 1st: April 13-17; 2nd: April 18-23; 3rd: April 24-29; 4th: April 30-May 6; 5th: May 7-14 

• South Zone: 1st: April 6-10; 2nd: April 11-16; 3rd: April 17-22; 4th: 

• April 23-29; 5th: April 30-May 7 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded bird/permit; max three 

permits/hunter 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. 

STATE STATUS: Illinois saw a record spring harvest in 2025. While permit sales were up as well, so were success rates, indicating a robust population across the state. The state is coming off five straight years of solid reproductive success which is another great sign. However, our summer brood survey indicated a slight drop in reproduction for 2025 in most parts of the state. Fingers are crossed this was a temporary drop and trends continue upward in 2026. Southern Illinois University – Carbondale is kicking off a large-scale research project in 2026, evaluating nest success and gobbling chronology across the state. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: on.in.gov/turkey; (317) 234-8440 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 HARVEST DATA: 15,415 

SEASON DATES: April 22 – May 10; Youth season 

April 18-19 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded or male turkey 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset; properties managed by Indiana DNR Division of Fish & Wildlife are one half-hour before sunrise until noon CT or 1 p.m. EST. 

STATE STATUS: The wild turkey is doing great in Indiana, and we’re coming off three years of record spring harvest. Production was above average in 2025, so we expect another good spring season in 2026. Research on surveying turkey populations with aircraft and drones is ongoing, and in 2026, Indiana DNR will start a pilot project on several public lands with autonomous recording units to collect gobbling timing information. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: iowadnr.gov; (515) 725-8200 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 120,000 – 150,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 15,350 reported harvests 

SEASON DATES: Youth April 10-12 

• Season 1: April 13-16 

• Season 2: April 17-21 

• Season 3: April 22-28 

• Season 4: April 29-17 

• Archery April 13-May17 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded or male turkey per license. Residents may have up to two tags (see regulations for restrictions). Nonresidents one tag by drawing. 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: Iowa has 99 counties that all have wild turkeys; however, the landscapes are vastly different and can provide unique hunting opportunities. Populations vary across the state with much of the wild turkey population being located in the NE, SE and West-Central parts. Harvest by county is available at goiowaoutdoor.com. Resident landowner/tenant licenses are now good until filled. The Iowa DNR continues its longterm wild turkey research project looking at turkey demographics in SE Iowa. Populations are coming off good production years, and turkey numbers are generally stable to growing in most of the state. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://ksoutdoors.gov/Hunting/What-to-Hunt/Turkey 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: Total harvest during the spring 2025 season was 13,862 turkeys. The age and sex structure of the 2025 harvest was 87.6% adult gobblers, 12.4% jakes, and 0% bearded hens. 

SEASON DATES: Youth/ Disabled: April 1 – April 14, 2026; Archery Only: April 6 – April 14, 2026; Regular (firearm/archery): April 15 – May 31, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One turkey with a visible beard 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: In partnership with the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP), Kansas State University Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit has been conducting ongoing research for a four-year study on turkey population demographics and ecology in Kansas. This research involves graduate students collecting and analyzing data to improve state harvest and habitat management. Objectives of the work include researching factors influencing wild turkey hen, nest, and poult survival, evaluating habitat selection and resource requirements for wild turkeys throughout the year, and investigating movement patterns and distribution of breeding and nonbreeding wild turkeys. 

No regulation changes for 2026 spring turkey season. 

Resident hunters may obtain a spring turkey permit – valid for one turkey with a visible beard – in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6; Spring turkey permits for Unit 4 are available only by lottery draw. Non-resident hunters may obtain a spring turkey permit by lottery draw for Unit 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6. Non-resident permits are only valid in the Unit indicated. The application period ended Feb. 13. Any leftover non-resident spring turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis on a date set after the drawing is completed and the public is notified of the date. 

There will be no additional game tags (valid for a second turkey) available in 2026 for resident or non-resident hunters. 

WEBSITE/PHONE NUMBER: fw.ky.gov; (800) 858-1549 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 300,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 30,657 

SEASON DATES: April 18, 2026 – May 10, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Two per season, one per day, one per WMA 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset 

STATE STATUS: Recent research estimated sustainable gobbler harvest rates of approximately 28%. Recent surveys estimated better poult production and recruitment in the past two summers, largely due to 13- and 17-year periodical cicada emergences (western Kentucky in 2024, central and eastern Kentucky in 2025). Thus, spring harvests in 2026 and 2027 should be good if weather conditions are favorable for hunters. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/; (225) 765-2361 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 50,000-60,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: Estimated 8,400 

SEASON DATES: (see regulations for Area descriptions) Area A-Apr 3-May 3; Area B-Apr 3-Apr 26; Area C- Apr 6-Apr 19 

BAG LIMIT: two 

HUNTING HOURS: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset 

STATE STATUS: No regulation changes, consult hunting regulations for details. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://www.maine.gov/ifw/; (207) 287-8000 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 70,000 to 80,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 6,966 

SEASON DATES: Youth Day – May 2, 2026; Regular season – May 4 to June 6, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Two bearded wild turkeys; Wildlife Management Districts 7 and 9-29, two bearded wild turkeys; Wildlife Management Districts 1-6 and 8, one bearded wild turkey 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunset to half-hour after sunset 

STATE STATUS: Stable population 

WEBSITE/PHONE: dnr.maryland.gov; (410) 260-8540 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: ~45,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 4,851 

SEASON DATES: Regular season: April 18-May 23; Junior hunt days: April 11-12. Sunday hunting in certain counties only. 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded turkey per day, two per season 

HUNTING HOURS: April 18-May 9: half-hour before sunrise to noon; Junior hunt days and May 10-May 23: half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: No regulation changes for 2026. Statewide gobbler banding is being conducted – report bands using website or phone number on bands. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.mass.gov/masswildlife/; (508) 389-6300 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 35,000 

2025 HARVEST DATA: 2,689 regular season, 60 youth day harvest. 

SEASON DATES: Youth Day April 25, regular spring season April 27-May 23 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Two 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to noon 

STATE STATUS: No new changes for 2026. Expect similar harvest to recent years. Nearly all zones have quality hunting opportunities with stable harvest stats over the last several years. 

WEBSITE/PHONE NUMBER: www.michigan.gov/dnr/; (517)-284-945 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a; population stable 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: In 2025, we estimate about 76,500 hunters harvested about 36,300 birds. The statewide success rate was about 47%, although success rates in different Turkey Management Units and seasons varied. 

SEASON DATES: Varies depending on Unit/Hunt Period, check regulations. April 18 – May 31 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded turkey 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to half-hour before sunset 

STATE STATUS: Major changes have occurred to Michigan’s spring harvest regulations. Management Units have been reduced in number and increased in size. Season lengths have been made more standard and, in some cases, lengthened. The popular “301” southern Michigan private land hunt licenses will be available over the counter with no quota. Resident and non-resident hunters are encouraged to check the regulation summary handbook online before beginning the application (ended Feb. 1) or purchase process. Harvest reporting is now required for turkey hunters. Hunters may complete harvest reporting online or on the Michigan Hunt/Fish app. Visit the website for more information. Michigan will begin research on hen and brood survival, nesting success and other factors related to reproductive success. The project will also explore tom harvest rates and will assess urban/suburban turkey biology including habitat use, hen brood and nest survival and other factors. 

WEBSITE/PHONE NUMBER: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/; (218) 203-4311 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: Unknown. Thought to be stable or increasing across most of the state. 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 16,903 

SEASON DATES: A season: April 15-21; B season: April 22-28; C season: April 29-May 5; D season: May 6-12; E season: May 13-19; F season: May 20-31 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded bird per hunter 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: The 2025 number of hunter permits increased by 3.8% over 2024 with a total of 61,834 hunters in 2025. Harvest was also up slightly by 1.1% with a 2025 harvest of 16,903 birds harvested in the spring season. Overall, the turkey population is thought to be stable or increasing across the state with a potential slight decline in the Southeast. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.mdwfp.com; (601) 432-2199 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 311,578 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 32,142 

SEASON DATES: Youth Season – March 7-13; Regular Spring Season – March 14 – May 1 

BAG LIMIT: One adult gobbler (6-inch beard restriction) per day, three total for the spring season. Hunters 15 years of age and younger may harvest one gobbler regardless of beard length per day, three per spring season. 

HUNTING HOURS: One half-hour before sunrise to one half-hour after sunset 

STATE STATUS: The total harvest for 2025 declined by 11% from the 2024 harvest (36,337) but was still 15% above the mean of the previous decade (27,853). New for 2026: Anyone 16 years or older (unless exempt) must have the Wild Turkey Stamp before hunting wild turkeys on both public and private lands in Mississippi. This electronic-only stamp provides dedicated funding for turkey conservation, management, research and habitat work across the state. Along with the purchase of the Wild Turkey Stamp, hunters will be issued three unique harvest identifiers that will be used within the Game Check system at the time of harvesting your bird. Your three digital Game Checks will be automatically issued once your stamp is purchased and should appear on your license profile within 48 hours of purchasing your stamp. Exempt hunters will be required to acquire the Exempt Turkey Game Check privilege (for no cost) to receive your three digital Game Checks. Physical tags are available when purchasing your stamp in person at any MDWFP license vendor location. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://mdc.mo.gov/huntingtrapping/species/turkey 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 400,000+ 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 51,010 

SEASON DATES: Youth dates April 11-12, 2026; Regular season April 20-May 10, 2026;

HUNTING HOURS: See regulations. Half-hour before sunrise to sunset on private land, half-hour before sunrise 

to 1 p.m. on all public land 

BAG LIMIT: Resident – bag limit two (only one  during first week of season and then only one per day after); Resident youth – bag limit two (youth hunters may harvest a bird the first week of the season even if they are successful during the youth season); Nonresident – bag limit one; Nonresident landowners – same regulations as resident hunters. 

STATE STATUS: The primary update as it relates to regulations is the reduction in nonresident bag limit from two to one (with an exception for nonresident landowners) and the change to allow youth hunters to harvest a second bird during the first week of the season if the first bird harvested was done so during the youth season. Overall, this should be another good year for turkey hunters. Good carryover from the cohort that hatched in 2023 and average production in 2024 should mean that the final harvest is in the neighborhood of the 2025 season. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://fwp.mt.gov/; (406) 444-2535, https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations/turkey 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 130,000 

2024 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 6,555 

SEASON DATES: April 15 – May 31, April 25-May 31 for nonresidents 

BAG LIMIT: Five in spring 

STATE STATUS: Turkey populations are doing well, even becoming a nuisance in some municipalities. Legislative changes last year resulted in most upland game bird seasons, including turkeys, beginning 10 days later for  nonresidents than for residents. 

WEBSITE/PHONE NUMBER: https://outdoornebraska.gov/, csaline@nwtf.net, 402-480-4927 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 9,864 harvests reported to Telecheck; 26,691 permits sold; overall per-permit success 37%. Actual success is estimated to be higher due to noncompliance. 

SEASON DATES: Adult and youth archery begins March 25, 2026. Youth shotgun begins April 11. Adult shotgun begins April 18. The season closes May 31st. 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded bird per permit, no more than two permits per person; nonresident permits capped at 10,000 (sold out). 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: Spring permit sales, harvests, and success are increasing after regulation changes in 2023. Reporting harvest via Telecheck is required; participation in the hunter email survey is optional. NGPC surveys yielded a poult-per-hen ratio of 2.1, and increased sightings along historical routes in four out of six regions contributed to an increased statewide average of sightings. NGPC, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the University of Georgia concluded three years of field work last summer and are analyzing a wealth of data, the findings of which will inform management decisions. NWTF assisted in funding the project. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.ndow.org; 775-688-1523 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: Of the 139 tags that were issued during the spring 2025 season, 124 (89%) returned their mandatory questionnaire. Twelve of those hunters reported that they did not hunt and of the 112 that did, 83 reported that they were successful in harvesting either a tom or a jake. The 74% success rate represented a 28% increase over the previous spring’s success rate. 

SEASON DATES: March 21 to May 3, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded wild turkey by tag only 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.wildnh.com; (603) 271-2461 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 45,000 – 50,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 4,845 

SEASON DATES: Youth Weekend April 25-26, 2026; Spring Season May 1-31, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Spring season limit is two male or bearded birds – one may be taken statewide, the other may only be taken in designated Wildlife Management Units (H1, H2, I1, J2, K, L or M). 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to noon 

STATE STATUS: Stable harvest over the last 10 years. A multi-year banding study is underway across the state to measure regional harvest rates and annual gobbler survival. Bands from harvested birds are to be reported on the harvest registration form. Recovered bands may also be reported via the web link or phone number printed on the band. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.NJFishandWildlife.com; (609) 292-2965 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 20,000 – 23,000 

2025 HARVEST DATA: 2,468; Spring 2025 Turkey Harvest by Period: A-906; B-442; C-232; D-290; E-415; Y-143; Youth Turkey Hunting Day-83 

SEASON DATES: Youth Turkey Hunting Day April 18, 2026; Regular season Period Y (all season permit, ages 10-16): April 18-May 22, 2026; Period A (M-F): April 20-24, 2026; Period B (M-F): April 27-May 1, 2026; Period C (M-F): May 4-8, 2026; Period D (M-F): May 11-15 and May 18-22, 2026; Period E (Saturdays): April 25, May 2, 9, 16, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One male turkey per permit per day 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to noon (April 18 – May 9, 2026); half-hour before sunrise to sunset (May 11-22, 2026) 

STATE STATUS: Fall Season Closure – In March 2025, the NJ Fish and Game Council voted to close the fall “either-sex” wild turkey hunting season, effective fall 2025, to increase hen survival and reproduction. New Jersey is participating in a multi-state study with Pennsylvania, Maryland, West Virginia, and Ohio to investigate factors affecting turkey populations, including reproduction, survival, disease and habitat use. Spring 2026 Turkey Permits: The application period closed Feb. 22. Unclaimed awarded permits will be redistributed during over-the-counter sales. Over-the-counter sale of leftover permits: 10 a.m. Monday, March 23, 2026, until permits sell out or the season ends, whichever occurs first. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: http://www.wildlife.state.nm.us/; (505) 476-8000 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 23,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: n/a; 2024: 2,232 reported harvest (24% success rate), 3,037 estimated harvest 

SEASON DATES: April 15 – May 15, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Two bearded turkeys only 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to halfhour after sunset 

STATE STATUS: The turkey rule is opening in January 2026 for potential changes to the 2027-2030 seasons. There is research in progress on Merriam’s hen habitat use, survival, and reproductive success. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: dec.ny.gov/things-to-do/hunting/turkey/seasons; (518) 402-8883 / (866) 933-2257 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 180,000-200,000 

2025 HARVEST DATA: Estimated harvest was just under 19,000 turkeys in spring 2025, down slightly from 2024 

SEASON DATES: Youth season: April 25-26, 2026; Regular season May 1– May 31, 2026 in all open areas 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to noon

BAG LIMIT: Two bearded birds (no more than one per day), and no more than one bearded bird on Long Island. One bearded bird during the youth turkey season. 

STATE STATUS: With high productivity observed during the summer of 2024, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation expects an increased availability of 2-year old toms during the spring 2026 season. Hunters can now e-tag harvested turkeys – turkeys no longer need to be physically tagged if e-tagged. Additionally, harvested turkeys must now be reported within 48 hours of take. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.ncwildlife.org; (888) 248-6834 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 270,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 22,736 turkeys 

SEASON DATES: Youth Season – April 4-5, 2026; Spring Turkey – April 11 – May 9, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Two per season, daily limit of one, only one bird during youth season 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to halfhour after sunset 

STATE STATUS: Effective August 2026, youth season was reduced from a seven-day season to a two-day season, with youth being defined as under 16. Spring turkey season will start the Saturday on or after April 11. In 2023, North Carolina began a research project to examine the possible indirect effects of disease on wild turkey survival and reproduction. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://gf.nd.gov/; (701) 328-6300 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 3,543 

SEASON DATES: See regulations 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded turkey 

STATE STATUS: Stable 

WEBSITE/PHONE: wildohio.gov; (800) WILDLIFE 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: Ohio hunters reported 16,010 wild turkeys harvested during the 2025 spring season. 

SEASON DATES: Youth Spring Wild Turkey: South Zone April 18-19, 2026; Youth Spring Wild Turkey: Northeast Zone April 25-26, 2026; Spring Wild Turkey: South Zone April 25 - May 24, 2026; Spring Wild Turkey: Northeast Zone May 2 – May 31, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded turkey only 

HUNTING HOURS: South Zone wild turkey hunting hours from April 25 - May 3, 2026 are half-hour before sunrise to noon; South Zone wild turkey hunting hours from May 4 - May 24, 2026 are halfhour before sunrise to sunset; Northeast Zone wild turkey hunting hours from May 2 - May 10, 2026 are half-hour before sunrise to sunset; Northeast Zone wild turkey hunting hours from May 11 - May 31, 2026 are half-hour before sunrise to sunset. 

STATE STATUS: In 2024, Ohio’s poult indices were above average in all regions except the southwest, which had below average poult numbers. Hunters should therefore encounter good numbers of 2-year-old gobblers across much of the state during the 2026 spring season. Poult numbers spiked in southwest Ohio in 2025, suggesting hunters in this region will encounter an abundance of jakes in 2026. ODNR is working with researchers from the Ohio State University on an ongoing hen GPS telemetry study. Preliminary estimates of hen survival and nest success suggest Ohio’s wild turkey population has been relatively stable in recent years. Ohio’s youth spring wild turkey season, which has historically been open on the same weekend statewide, will occur on separate weekends in the south zone and northeast zone in 2026. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.wildlifedepartment.com; (405) 521-2730 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 88,000 Rio Grande, 6,000 Eastern 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 8,602 (total number e-checked online) 

SEASON DATES: Regular season - April 16 - May 16, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One tom turkey limit statewide 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before official sunrise to official sunset. Roost shooting is prohibited. 

STATE STATUS: Cost for hunting licenses in Oklahoma changed during 2024. See website/ regulations for details. Creation of a single “youth super license” will take the place of about 15 different types of youth hunting licenses. The youth super license is to help make youth hunting more economically affordable and simplify the regulations. Research is ongoing to study vital rates of wild turkey in the southeast and southwest portions of Oklahoma. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.myodfw.com / 1-866-947-ODFW (6339) 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 45,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 5,948 (in 2024) 

SEASON DATES: April 15 – May 31, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One male turkey or turkey with a visible beard per day. Up to three wild turkeys may be taken during the season (one per tag). 

HUNTING HOURS: half hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: Populations steady to increasing. Review electronic tagging requirements in the Oregon Game Bird Hunting regulations. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: pgc.pa.gov; (833) 742-4868 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: Spring turkey hunter survey data and hunt reports indicate that hunters harvested 42,543 (± 8,080) bearded turkeys statewide during the 2025 season. 

SEASON DATES: Junior/Mentored Season: April 25, 2026, bag limit 1, bearded bird only, hunting hours end at noon. Regular Season: May 2 - May 30, 2026. No Sunday hunting. 

HUNTING HOURS: May 2 - May 16, 2026; May be hunted half-hour before sunrise to noon. May 18 - May 30, 2026; May be hunted half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset. 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded turkey. A second tag may be purchased up to and including the day prior to the statewide opening day (up to and including May 1, 2026.) 

STATE STATUS: Opening day of the regular season is the Saturday closest to May 1; therefore, the date changes annually depending on the calendar. While Sunday hunting opportunities were expanded during the 2025-26 hunting season, Sunday hunting remains prohibited during the 2026 spring turkey season. Long term (2005-2025) abundance trends indicate that turkey populations are stable in most (14) Wildlife Management Units, increasing in five WMUs and declining in three WMUs within Pennsylvania. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: dem.ri.gov/programs/fishwildlife; (401) 789-0281 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 368 bearded wild turkeys harvested 

SEASON DATES: Regular season April 30 – May 24, 2026; Youth Turkey Hunt April 20 – April 26, 2026; Paraplegic Turkey Hunt April 25 – April 26, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Two bearded birds, only one on state lands 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until 1 p.m. 

STATE STATUS: Population indices and brood surveys indicate stable 10-year trends, and we anticipate the 2026 turkey harvest to be similar to the 2019-25 spring seasons. The 2025 spring turkey season was the highest on record. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.dnr.sc.gov; (803) 734-3886 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 90,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 10,419 

SEASON DATES: April 3 to May 3 statewide on private and public (WMA) land. No Sunday hunting on public (WMA) land (WMA season ends on May 2). 

BAG LIMIT: Two gobblers per season, no more than one per day, no more than one prior to April 10. Harvest of jakes (juveniles) is prohibited. 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before official sunrise to half-hour after official sunset 

STATE STATUS: The harvest of 10,419 turkeys in 2025 was a 16% decline from 2024 representing an ongoing declining trend. Recent harvest figures remain well below levels of the past. The season framework in 2025 was new and represented the third framework change since 2015. This new framework started the season later, reduced season length, reduced the bag limit from three to two birds, prohibited the harvest of juveniles (jakes), and prohibited the practice of reaping on private land. Current research involves a cooperative study between SCDNR, the University of Georgia, Louisiana State University, and the US Forest Service-Southern Research Station at Savannah River Site which is investigating the reproductive ecology of wild turkeys in an unhunted setting. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://gfp.sd.gov; (605) 223-7660 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 HARVEST DATA: Overall, in prairie units there were 7,572 licenses available and overall tag sales totaled 8,382 (some units had double tags). The reported overall harvest success rate was 54% and the projected harvest was 4,556 turkeys. In the Black Hills unit there were 5,079 licenses issued (2,883 residents, 2,196 nonresidents). All licenses consisted of single tags for male turkeys only. The reported overall harvest success rate was 42% and the projected harvest was 2,155 turkeys. 

SEASON DATES: It is important to note that start dates of hunting seasons vary according to unit. In prairie units the season dates occur from April 11- May 31, 2026 in most units. In the Black Hills, units open later and occur from April 25-May 31, 2026. Archery and mentored seasons open at the same time as general shotgun season dates. For example, an archer or mentored hunter would need to wait until April 25, 2026 to start hunting in the Black Hills unit. 

BAG LIMIT: Check regulations, typically one bird per license (some units do have double tags on the prairie) 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: A big change that spring turkey hunters need to be aware of is the Black Hills unit will no longer be unlimited for nonresidents in 2026. The SDGFP Commission created a cap of 2,225 one-tag male turkey licenses for nonresidents in the Black Hills Turkey unit. Nonresidents must apply ahead of the season to draw a license to hunt the Black Hills unit. There was a research study occurring in Gregory County South Dakota from 2023-24 where radiomarked hens were being studied for survival and reproduction. Vital rate data will inform population models that will be used for management, and publications continue to be produced from this research study. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: http://tnwildlife.org/; (615) 781-6500 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 29,037 

SEASON DATES: Young Sportsman Hunt: April 4–5, 2026; Regular Spring Season (Shotgun/Archery): April 11 – May 24, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded turkey per day, not to exceed two for the season, only one of which may be a jake. All hens (including bearded hens) are illegal to harvest. 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: With strong reproduction statewide two years ago (2024), expect to have a pretty good season across the state with a good number of 2-year-old birds available for harvest. Gobbler banding to track harvest rates continues; please report it as directed on the leg band. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://tpwd.texas.gov/; (512) 389-4800 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 500,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: n/a 

SEASON DATES: Youth – South Zone March 7-8, 2026 and May 2-3, 2026; North Zone March 21-22, 2026 and May 16-17, 2026; General Season - South Zone March 14 – April 26, 2026; North Zone March 28 – May 10, 2026; One-Gobbler Counties April 1-30, 2026; East Zone April 22 – May 14, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Four gobblers or bearded hens statewide all seasons (spring and fall combined) annual bag limit. Some counties have a onegobbler, spring-only season. Some counties are not open to turkey hunting. See regulations for the county you plan to hunt. https://tpwd.texas. gov/regulations/outdoor-annual/hunting/seasons/ county-listing/ 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to halfhour after sunset 

STATE STATUS: Mandatory harvest reporting statewide. All harvested birds must be reported within 24 hours of harvest. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.wildlife.utah.gov; (801) 538-4700 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 35,000-38,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: Limited entry harvest: 956; OTC harvest: 2,920; Youth LE: 54; Youth OTC: 378 

SEASON DATES: Limited Entry – April 11-30, 2026; Over the Counter May 4-31, 2026; Youth hunt May 1-3, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before official sunrise to half-hour after official sunset 

STATE STATUS: After the harsh winter in 2022-23, we have seen an increase in turkey populations in most of the state as desirable brood-rearing conditions have resulted in higher recruitment rates compared to the last few years; however, dry conditions last year resulted in lower production in 2023-24, and this winter has also been dry. We are hoping for more moisture to produce brood-rearing habitat. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: www.vtfishandwildlife.com; (802) 828-1000 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 45,000 – 55,000 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 16,820 turkey tags sold (4% drop from 2024), 4,743 spring turkeys taken (5% drop from 2024) 

SEASON DATES: May 1-31, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: Two bearded turkeys 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to noon 

STATE STATUS: In 2026, new fall archery season takes effect. Fall archery will now be Oct. 1-13 (the day before deer rifle season begins) statewide. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://dwr.virginia.gov/; (804) 367-1000 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 20,565 

SEASON DATES: Youth Season: April 4-5, 2026; Regular Season: April 11 – May 16 

BAG LIMIT: Three birds, one bird per day 

HUNTING HOURS: April 11 – April 26: half-hour before sunrise to noon; April 27 – May 16: half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: Current harvest remains high, although we have observed below average recruitment the past three years. Due to the reduced recruitment, we anticipate the harvest will dip slightly. The annual bag limit changed effective Feb. 1, 2026, to limit the bag to no more than one beardless turkey per license year (affects fall harvest only – non-bearded birds remain illegal in the spring season). The overall bag limit of three birds remains in effect. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://wdfw.wa.gov/; (360) 902-2515 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: Abundant 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: Unavailable; spring 2024 data: 12,503 hunters; 6,515 turkeys 

SEASON DATES: Youth: April 1-7; General: April 15 – May 31 

BAG LIMIT: Three turkeys statewide with some area restrictions 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: Turkeys continue to do well in Washington, especially the eastern part of the state. Hunter success rates are above 50% in both the spring and fall seasons. More than half of statewide harvests come from the northeast (Ferry, Stevens, Pend Oreille, Spokane, and Lincoln counties). 

WEBSITE/PHONE: wvdnr.gov/; (304)558-2771 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 106,940 (based on spring harvest) 

2025 HARVEST DATA: 10,694 

SEASON DATES: Youth Season April 18-19; Spring Gobbler April 20-May 24 

BAG LIMIT: Two bearded birds 

HUNTING HOURS: One half-hour before sunrise to 1 p.m. for the entire season 

STATE STATUS: In 2024 West Virginia began a fouryear research project looking at hen productivity and survival as well as the sociological aspects of West Virginia turkey hunters. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey/; (608) 212-7923 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 HARVEST: 2025 Spring harvest was 50,291 – fifth highest harvest on record right behind 2024. The 2025 spring drawing saw an increase of over 12,000 applicants compared to 2024. A total of 229,135 authorizations were issued in 2025 compared to 224,656 in 2024. 

SEASON DATES: Spring Youth Hunt April 11-12, 2026 

• Period A: April 15-21, 2026 

• Period B: April 22-28, 2026 

• Period C: April 29-May 5, 2026 

• Period D: May 6-12, 2026 

• Period E: May 13-19, 2026 

• Period F: May 20-26, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One bearded or male turkey per harvest authorization 

HUNTING HOURS: See regulations 

STATE STATUS: In 2024, Wisconsin DNR launched a field research project to assess the feasibility of using trail cameras to remotely index wild turkey productivity. Monitoring wild turkeys via trial cameras presents a novel approach to estimating annual recruitment metrics and population trends that are, in turn, independent of other commonly used monitoring methods that inform management objectives. 

WEBSITE/PHONE: https://wgfd.wyo.gov/; (307) 777-4600 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: Record spring harvest in 2025 (4,762) with a 62% statewide success rate 

SEASON DATES: General season April 20 – May 31; Limited Quota: April 1 – May 31, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One male or bearded wild turkey per license. Hunters may possess one General License (unlimited over the counter), and two Type 3 licenses (drawing only, or available as leftover if not sold out in the drawing). 

HUNTING HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise to sunset 

STATE STATUS: Merriam’s dominate, Rio Grande wild turkeys in lower numbers, and hybrid subspecies are location dependent. Above average poult production and survival the past five years. Populations are very respectable and expanding in most locations. Check regulations for Type 3 license restrictions (county specific). Hunter numbers have been increasing annually for the past four hunting seasons.  

WEBSITE/PHONE NUMBER: https://mffp.gouv.qc.ca/la-faune/plans-de-gestion/dindon-sauvage/ 

WILD TURKEY POPULATION: n/a 

2025 SPRING HARVEST DATA: 2025 harvest available mid-February; 2024 spring harvest was 10,163 

SEASON DATES: April 25 – May 19, 2026 

BAG LIMIT: One or two (expanding vs. established populations) 

HUNTING HOURS: From half an hour before sunrise until midday 

STATE STATUS: Stable or increasing population. No regulation changes for 2026. Recently completed research on wild turkey diseases and parasites prevalence in