Nobody wants to eat steak every single day — although that might not be the worst thing in the world. Does anybody really want to just chase whitetails in the fall? Some hunters do it, but they fall into one of three categories: 1) They either don’t have a vehicle; 2) They have an unhealthy obsession with calcium and phosphorous skull plate growth; or 3) They are the steak-only folks. Again, not the definition of a terrible human being, but pork and fish are good, too. Time to branch out.
And did we mention turkey? Tasty and readily available in the fall — just in time for Thanksgiving in some states. So you spent your spring in stealth mode calling in longbeards to your location while trying to avoid getting busted. Well, it’s time to flip the script and bust up a flock of birds. There’s nothing wrong with bumping a bird or 20 this time of year and using a kee-kee run or raspy hen yelp to reunite the family flock. If you like seeing dogs work — and who doesn’t? — it’s time to find a turkey dog and break up the crowd.
Use our Fall Hunt Guide on the following pages to get specifics on the 42 states that offer a fall season, and discover which states allow turkey dogging. If your state doesn’t allow it, gas prices are 50 cent per gallon cheaper than they were a year ago. Nothing beats buck fever like a fall turkey hunting road trip.
We made every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information provided in the Fall Hunt Guide, but it is your responsibility to check the hunting regulations in the state you will be hunting to ensure you have a pleasant experience with any conservation officer you may meet. — Eds.
ALABAMA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.outdooralabama.com
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (334) 242-3469
TURKEY POPULATION: 400,000 to 450,000
SEASON DATES: November 19-30 and December 17 to January 1
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset (varies on WMAs)
BAG LIMIT: Five (combined fall and spring seasons)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 272-4263
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
ARIZONA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.azgfd.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (602) 942-3000
TURKEY POPULATION: Merriam’s – 30,000 / Gould’s – 1,200 / Rio Grande – 200 / Hybrid – 200
SEASON DATES: August 19 to September 8 (archery) / September 30 to October 6 (regular)
HOURS: Daylight hours
BAG LIMIT: One turkey per calendar year
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 352-0700
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
CALIFORNIA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.wildlife.ca.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (916) 445-0411
SEASON DATES: November 12 to December 11 (general)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: Two (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (888) DFG-CALTIP
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
COLORADO
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: cpw.state.co.us
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (303) 297-1192
TURKEY POPULATION: Merriam’s – 27,000 / Rio Grande – 3,500
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: One either-sex turkey (fall season) / two beardless turkeys (late season)
POACHER HOTLINE: (877) COLO-OGT
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
CONNECTICUT
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.ct.gov/deep/hunting
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (860) 418-5957
TURKEY POPULATION: 35,000
SEASON DATES: October 1-31(shotgun); Archery varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 842-4357
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? During the fall firearms season on private lands only
FLORIDA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: myfwc.com/hunting
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (850) 488-4676
TURKEY POPULATION: Osceola – 114,649 / Eastern – 37,885
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset on private land (public land varies)
BAG LIMIT: Two
POACHER HOTLINE: (888) 404-3922
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
HAWAII
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: dlnr.hawaii.gov/recreation/hunting
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (808) 587-0166
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (808) 643-DLNR
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Varies (check regulations)
IDAHO
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: idfg.idaho.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (800) 632-5999
TURKEY POPULATION: 30,000
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 392-1111
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
ILLINOIS
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.dnr.illinois.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (217) 782-6384
TURKEY POPULATION: 103,153
SEASON DATES: Shotgun, October 24-30 (only in designated counties); Archery, October 1 to January 15 (closed first and second firearms deer seasons)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset (shotgun); half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset (archery)
BAG LIMIT: One either-sex bird per permit (maximum of two shotgun and two archery permits)
POACHER HOTLINE: (877) 236-7529
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
INDIANA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.in.gov/dnr/fishwild
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (317) 232-4070
TURKEY POPULATION: 110,000
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 847-4367
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
IOWA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.iowadnr.com
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (614) 774-2958
TURKEY POPULATION: 150,000
SEASON DATES: October 10 to December 2 (gun/bow); October 1 to December 2 and December 19 to January 10 (archery only)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset (shotgun); half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset (archery)
BAG LIMIT: One bird per license with up to two licenses (Iowa residents only)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 532-2020
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
KANSAS
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: ksoutdoors.com
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (620) 672-5911
TURKEY POPULATION: Rio Grande – 175,000 / Eastern – 87,500 / Hybrid – 87,500
SEASON DATES: October 1 to November 29 and December 12 to January 31
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (877) 426-3843
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
KENTUCKY
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.fw.ky.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (800) 858-1549
TURKEY POPULATION: 220,000
SEASON DATES: September 3 to January 16 (archery); October 1-16, November 12 to December 31 (crossbow); October 22-28, December 3-9 (shotgun)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 25-ALERT
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes (check WMAs for restrictions)
MAINE
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.maine.gov/ifw
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (207) 287-8000
TURKEY POPULATION: 50,000 to 60,000
SEASON DATES: October 1 to November 7
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 287-7887
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
MARYLAND
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.dnr.maryland.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (410) 260-8540
TURKEY POPULATION: 33,000
SEASON DATES: October 29 to November 5
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 635-6124
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
MASSACHUSETTS
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (508) 389-6300
TURKEY POPULATION: 30,000
SEASON DATES: October 24 to November 5
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour before sunset (varies on WMAs)
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 632-8075
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
MICHIGAN
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.michigan.gov/dnr
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (517) 284-9453
TURKEY POPULATION: 200,000
SEASON DATES: September 15 to November 14
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour before sunset
BAG LIMIT: One per license (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 292-7800
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
MINNESOTA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.dnr.state.mn.us
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (888) 646-6367
TURKEY POPULATION: 85,000
SEASON DATES: October 1-30
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 652-9093
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
MISSISSIPPI
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.mdwfp.com
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (601) 432-2400
TURKEY POPULATION: 225,000 to 275,000
SEASON DATES: October 15 to November 15 (in select areas, check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: Two (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) BE-SMART
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
MISSOURI
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: mdc.mo.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (573) 751-4115
TURKEY POPULATION: 317,000
SEASON DATES: October 1-31 (shotgun) / September 15 to November 11 and November 23 to January 15 (archery)
HOURS: Half-before sunrise until sunset (shotgun); half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset (archery)
BAG LIMIT: Two (either sex) with shotgun; two (either sex) with archery
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 392-1111
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
MONTANA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: fwp.mt.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (406) 444-2535
TURKEY POPULATION: 120,000
SEASON DATES: September 1 to January 1
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 847-6668
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
NEBRASKA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: outdoornebraska.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (402) 471-0641
TURKEY POPULATION: 144,733
SEASON DATES: September 15 to January 31
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: Two per permit (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 742-7627
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
NEW HAMPSHIRE
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.wildlife.state.nh.us
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (603) 271-3421
TURKEY POPULATION: 35,000
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 344-4262
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes (for scattering flocks only)
NEW JERSEY
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.njfishandwildlife.com
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (908) 735-8793
TURKEY POPULATION: 23,000
SEASON DATES: October 29 to November 5 (no Sunday hunting)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: One per permit (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (855) 648-8477
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
NEW MEXICO
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.wildlife.state.nm.us
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (505) 476-8000; (888) 248-6866
TURKEY POPULATION: Merriam’s – 14,458 / Rio Grande, Gould’s, Hybrid – n/a
SEASON DATES: September 1-30 (archery) / November 1-30 (archery/shotgun)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 432-4263
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
NEW YORK
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.dec.ny.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (518) 402-8883
TURKEY POPULATION: 180,000
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (844) 332-3267
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
NORTH DAKOTA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: gf.nd.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (701) 328-6300
TURKEY POPULATION: Hybrid – 22,588 / Merriam’s, Eastern – n/a
SEASON DATES: Oct. 8 to n/a (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 472-2121
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
OHIO
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.ohiodnr.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (800) 945-3543
TURKEY POPULATION: 165,000
SEASON DATES: October 8 to November 27 (in select counties)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) POACHER
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
OKLAHOMA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.wildlifedepartment.com
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (405) 521-3851
TURKEY POPULATION: Rio Grande – 117,000 / Eastern – 19,000
SEASON DATES: October 1 to January 15 (archery); October 29 to November 18 (gun)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 522-8039
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
OREGON
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.dfw.state.or.us
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (503) 947-6000
TURKEY POPULATION: Rio Grande – 35,000 / Hybrid – 5,000
SEASON DATES: October 15 to December 31 (general); Controlled season varies by unit (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: General season – two (either sex); Controlled season – one (either sex); two total
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 452-7888
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
PENNSYLVANIA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.pgc.pa.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (717) 787-4250
TURKEY POPULATION: 210,235
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (855) 648-8477
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
RHODE ISLAND
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.dem.ri.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (401) 789-0281
TURKEY POPULATION: 3,000
SEASON DATES: October 1-14
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (401) 222-3070
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
SOUTH DAKOTA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: gfp.sd.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (605) 255-4515
TURKEY POPULATION: Merriam’s – 32,136 / Eastern – 13,126 / Rio Grande, Hybrid – n/a
SEASON DATES: November 1 to January 31
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (888) 683-7224
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
TENNESSEE
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.tnwildlife.org
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (615) 781-6610
TURKEY POPULATION: 248,748
SEASON DATES: September 24 to October 28, October 31 to November 4 (archery); October 15-28 (shotgun)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: West Tennessee – (800) 831-1173 / Middle Tennessee – (800) 255-8972 / Cumberland Plateau – (800) 241-0767 / East Tennessee – (800) 831-1174
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
TEXAS
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: tpwd.texas.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (800) 792-1112
TURKEY POPULATION: Rio Grande – 500,000 / Eastern – 8,000 / Merriam’s – 500
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 792-GAME
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
UTAH
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: wildlife.utah.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (801) 538-4700
TURKEY POPULATION: Rio Grande – 10,350 / Merriam’s – 7,590 / Hybrid – 5,060
SEASON DATES: November 2 to January 15
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 662-3337
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Varies (check regulations)
VERMONT
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.vtfishandwildlife.com
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (802) 828-1000
TURKEY POPULATION: 30,000 to 50,000
SEASON DATES: October 1-21 (archery); October 22-30 (shotgun/archery in select WMUs); October 22 to November 6 (shotgun/archery in select WMUs)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 752-5378
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
VIRGINIA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.dgif.virginia.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (866) 721-6911
TURKEY POPULATION: 175,000
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: Two (either sex; no more than three per license year)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 237-5712
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes (during firearms season only)
WASHINGTON
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: wdfw.wa.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (360) 902-2515
TURKEY POPULATION: Merriam’s – 19,847 / Rio Grande – 8,397 / Eastern – 229
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: Varies (check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (877) 933-9847
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? No
WEST VIRGINIA
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: www.wvdnr.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (304) 558-2771
TURKEY POPULATION: 90,000
SEASON DATES: Varies (check regulations)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (304) 558-2784
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
WISCONSIN
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: dnr.wi.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (888) 936-7463
TURKEY POPULATION: 350,000
SEASON DATES: September 17 to December 31 (Zones 1 through 5); September 17 to November 18 (Zones 6 and 7)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: One per permit (limited number in each zone, check regulations)
POACHER HOTLINE: (800) 847-9367
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes
WYOMING
GAME AGENCY WEBSITE: wgfd.wyo.gov
AGENCY CONTACT NUMBER: (307) 777-4600
TURKEY POPULATION: Merriam’s – 10,800 / Rio Grande – 2,700 / Hybrid – 1,500
SEASON DATES: November 1-30 (Hunt Area 1); October 1 to December 31 (Hunt Areas 2, 3, 4 and 5)
HOURS: Half-hour before sunrise until sunset
BAG LIMIT: One (either sex)
POACHER HOTLINE: (877) WGFD-TIP
IS HUNTING WITH TURKEY DOGS ALLOWED? Yes