Spring turkey hunting season to begin soon, here's when
The season kicks off with a one-day hunt for junior license holders and mentored youth on April 26. On that day, eligible hunters can be out hunting from one-half hour before sunrise until noon.
From there, the regular statewide season will go from May 3 to May 17 with hours from one-half hour before sunrise until noon. Then from May 19 to May 31, with hours from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
PA Game Commission finalizes 2025-26 seasons, bag limits
Hunters will be able to claim one gobbler with their general license, but if hunters purchase a second tag by May 2, they may claim a second. Although the Game Commission noted that they cannot hunt for more than one per day.
In 2024, hunters harvested 39,200 gobblers, more than the previous three-year average of 34,500. The PA Game Commission shared that while there are no requirements for hunters to wear fluorescent orange during the spring turkey season, it is recommended, especially while moving.
Other hunter safety tips:
Turkey hunters are advised not to wear clothing that contains black, like the color found on a turkey's body, or red, white or blue, like those on a turkey's head.
Positively identify your target. Before pulling the trigger, be absolutely certain it's a legal turkey and that there's nothing in your line of fire or beyond it.
If you shoot a bird, put your gun's safety on and approach the downed bird with your firearm pointed in a safe direction. Never run with it.
If you see another hunter, do not move, wave or make turkey sounds. Rather, remain still and speak in a loud, clear voice to announce your presence.
Leave an area if you suspect there's another hunter already working the same bird.
Handling turkeys safely:
Whilst wild turkeys have a lower risk of contracting the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), they can still get it.
Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after doing anything with wild turkeys.
Wash all tools and work surfaces with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10% household bleach solution. Allow to air dry or rinse after 10 minutes of contact time.
Change footwear and clothing before coming in contact with any domestic poultry or pet birds.
Dress harvested wild birds in the field.
Double bag any offal and feathers that will be removed from the field.
Do not handle or harvest wild birds that appear sick or are found dead.
More information about reporting harvests, licensing and regulations can be found on the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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