How late can you turkey hunt

Domestic, or wild turkey are native to the forests of North America. In recent years the population of turkeys had been steadily declining, but thanks to large conservation efforts, the turkey population in America is flourishing once again. Due to their increasing numbers, turkeys are now one of the most hunted game in North America. These smart birds have learned how to adapt to their ever-changing environments and continue to find ways to survive despite shrinking habitats.

How late can you turkey hunt

Variables to Consider When Hunting Turkey

Location: Wild turkeys tend to nest in largely forested areas, however, due to large de-forestation over the last several decades, they've also learned to adapt and thrive in environments with very little wooded area. Some of the best states to hunt wild Turkey include New York, Wisconsin, Alabama, Missouri and Pennsylvania.

Solunar Calendar: According to a theory laid out by John Alden Knight in 1926, animal movement is affected by the position and fullness of the moon.  This theory was said to be used by hunters and fishermen long before Knight’s theory was published and is still widely accepted and adopted today.

Time of Year: Wild Turkey activity changes according to the time of year. The best time of year to hunt Turkey will also depend largely on what state you're hunting in, but generally falls between early spring and mid-to-late fall.

Time of Day: Since Turkeys make their nest in trees and on the ground in wooded areas, one of the best times of day to hunt is first thing in the morning. Get out to your blind early and listen for the yelps, cackles, and gobbles of turkeys as they start in search for breakfast.

Temperature: Temperature can play a role on the noise-level of wild turkeys. Because turkeys are most active during times of mild weather, it's been estimated that they are the most vocal in temperatures of 60-69 degrees Fahrenheit. Much like humans, too hot or too cold and their activity slows down.

Barometric Pressure: The average barometric pressure also affects gobbling activity. Higher pressure is often associated with higher vocal activity from the birds. According to research, turkeys are most active at 29.9 to 30.2 inches. 

General Weather Conditions: As a general rule of thumb, turkeys are most active during calm, clear days in morning and early afternoon hours. Turkey activity generally decreases with bad weather conditions including wind and rain. During extremely wet and rainy days, turkeys are neither vocal nor very active.

Wind:  Much like rainy days, turkeys tend to be quieter during days of moderate to strong wind conditions. Strong winds can also hinder hunter's ability to hear wild turkeys even if they are on the move.

Want To Find The Best Hunting Times For Turkey? 

Technology is often to blame for keeping people isolated and cooped up indoors. At Sportsman Tracker, we aim to provide digital tools that get our users off the couch and into the great outdoors. As the digital backbone to the hunting and fishing industry, Sportsman Tracker is dedicated to creating great hunting experiences for sportsmen across the country.

States Where You Can Hunt Turkey

Turkey can be found and hunted in all of the following states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire,New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

Everything You Need to Know About Turkey Hunting

How late can you turkey hunt

  • April 9, 2022 to April 10, 2022

Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Notes

Youth hunters who are age 6-15 on opening day may hunt.

Youth may also hunt during the regular Spring Turkey season.

One male turkey or turkey with visible beard
Youths who take a turkey during the youth season may not harvest a second bird until April 25. This is because the bird taken during the youth season counts as the first bird for the first week of the regular season.
 

  • April 18, 2022 to May 8, 2022

Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to 1 p.m.

Two male turkeys or turkeys with visible beard may be taken during the season, with the following restrictions:

  • You may take only one turkey during the first week
  • If you do not take one during the first week, then you may take two turkeys during the second and third week.
  • You may not take two turkeys on the same day.

  • September 15, 2022 to November 11, 2022
  • November 23, 2022 to January 15, 2023

Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset

Two turkeys of either sex, both may be taken on the same day

  • October 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022

Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

Notes

Fall firearms turkey hunting is not permitted in Dunklin, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Pemiscot, and Scott counties.

Two turkeys of either sex, both may be taken on the same day

  • September 15, 2022 to November 11, 2022
  • November 23, 2022 to January 15, 2023

Hours

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset

Two turkeys of either sex, both may be taken on the same day

What is the best time to hunt a turkey?

A turkey's peak breeding season is in the spring. Hunters are targeting male gobblers. This time frame is when the toms are strutting around and showing off to attract the hens, making spring the best time to hunt turkeys. April - May is prime turkey season for most states and states like Florida are as early as March.

Can you hunt turkeys all day in Ohio?

FALL WILD TURKEY SEASON The bag limit is one turkey. Fall wild turkey hunting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset. A harvested wild turkey must be checked by 11:30 p.m. on the day of kill. It is legal to use dogs to assist in taking wild turkeys during the fall season only.

When can you hunt turkey in PA?

2021-22 Seasons, Rules, and Regulations 24-26; WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D and 4E – Oct. 30-Nov. 6; WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4C – Oct. 30-Nov.

Can you turkey hunt all day in Illinois?

County permits are not valid for the Special Hunt areas. Hunting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise until 1 p.m. Roost: It is illegal to shoot a wild turkey while it is in a tree BEFORE 7 a.m.