The turkey hunter's year: flocks break up in late winter, spring seasons from March into May, scouting in summer and fall seasons in many states

How Spring Turkey Seasons Are Timed

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Spring turkey seasons are a balance between hunters hearing gobbles and hens getting a safe start on their nests.

The turkey hunter's year: flocks break up in late winter, spring seasons from March into May, scouting in summer and fall seasons in many states
The turkey hunter’s year

Two gobbling peaks

Many studies describe a first gobbling peak when winter flocks break up, and a second as hens begin incubating. Most seasons open after that first peak so hens can breed before gobblers are taken.

Protecting hens

A review of southeastern states suggested opening spring seasons near the peak of nest initiation, around April 9 to 22 in that region. Pennsylvania opens its season around the peak of incubation, when more than half of hens are already sitting on eggs.

What it means for hunters

  • Early in a season, toms are often with hens.
  • Mid and late season, lonely toms come to calls more readily.
  • Mid-morning can be the best time of day once hens are on nests.

Sources