Turkey Hunting Seasons

Overview
The sound of a gobbling tom can make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Fortunately for the turkey hunter, turkey seasons occur in the spring and fall and have extended hunting seasons to counteract the increasing number of birds.
Function
Turkey seasons have been introduced in most states as a way to manage the flocks and harvest an appropriate number of birds, allowing the birds to stay healthy with an adequate amount of food.
Types
Most states offer two spring seasons, archery and shotgun, and a fall season. Spring seasons typically only allow male turkeys, while some states allow any turkey in the fall.
Geography
Look for turkeys as they feed in open pastures. Success will be highest in river bottoms and wooded areas. During the spring, mature toms will move into open grass pastures and fields to strut.
Considerations
With the widespread population of turkeys throughout the United States, consider hunting several states as the spring moves on. Southern states can open spring seasons in March, while states such as Missouri wait until April for opening day.
Fun Fact
Nebraska is the only state where you can harvest three different subspecies. The Merriam's, Eastern and Rio Grande are spread throughout the state.