Spring Turkey Season Begins May 1st For Licensed Turkey Hunters

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says the Spring turkey season will begin on May 1st for all licensed turkey hunters in Upstate New York and in Suffolk County.

“Engaging youth hunters and their adult mentors is an opportunity to instill safety, responsibility, ethics, and an appreciation for the outdoors in the next generation of hunters,” Acting DEC Commissioner Lefton said. “Guided by experienced mentors, young hunters can gain hands-on skills while enjoying the challenge and excitement that turkey hunting offers.”

During the spring turkey hunting season, the DEC says the state averages between 16,000 and 18,000 birds, based on participation and turkey productivity from previous breeding seasons. The agency added they expect an increase in turkey harvest for the spring due to improved poultry production in past years. Since hunters primarily target toms (2+ year-old birds), turkey harvest often reflects productivity trends from two years prior, according to the DEC.

The turkey population continues to rebound since peaking in the early 2000s; the DEC says populations are generally stable statewide, but continues to monitor population growth. Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their hunting license.

Other important details include:

• Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day;
• Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day and no more than one bird per season in Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County);
• Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 9, or with a bow or crossbow (except crossbows may not be used in Westchester or Suffolk counties);
• Successful hunters must fill out the tag that comes with their turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested;
• Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report harvest online at DEC’s Game Harvest Reporting website