With wild turkey populations flourishing in many parts of California, reports the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, spring turkey season continues to be one of the most anticipated hunting opportunities of the year. California’s general spring turkey season opens statewide March 29 and runs through May 4.
CDFW will host a variety of special turkey hunts throughout the spring turkey hunting season. The season kicks off statewide with an exclusive junior weekend March 22 and 23 followed by the general hunt season that begins the following weekend on March 29. An additional junior season aligns with the archery-only season, trailing the general season from May 5 to 18.
Dozens of CDFW-managed wildlife areas will be open to wild turkey hunting on a walk-in basis throughout the season. The CDFW lands web page includes a list of participating wildlife areas and the recreational opportunities available at each location.
Those new to hunting or trying turkey hunting for the first time can consider signing up for CDFW’s advanced hunter education webinar entitled “Turkey Hunting Strategies” hosted online March 18 from 6 to 7 p.m. Previous AHE webinars are also available for viewing, entitled “Turkey Hunting 101,” “Turkey Calling and Turkey Talk,” “Turkey Hunting with A Junior or New Hunter” and “Archery Turkey Hunting.”
Shooting hours for spring turkeys are from one half-hour before sunrise to 5 p.m. Both a hunting license and upland game bird validation are required to hunt wild turkeys. An upland game bird validation is not required for junior hunting license holders.
Hunters are limited to one bearded turkey per day with a spring season limit of three birds. Nonlead shot is required when hunting with a firearm anywhere in the state. Crossbows may be used for the general turkey season but not during archery season without a disabled archer permit. More information on regulations is available on the CDFW hunting regulations web page.
Public land turkey hunters are advised to check with the local management of the individual property they are planning to hunt for specific entry procedures, details and other information. Regulations regarding turkey season can be found on the upland game bird hunting web page.
Those who need to purchase a 2024-25 California hunting license and upland game bird validation can visit CDFW’s online license sales and services web page to purchase online, find a license agent to buy in person or download the CDFW License App to purchase and display licenses and validations on a mobile phone.
Information provided by California Department of Fish and Wildlife