With wild turkey populations flourishing in many parts of California, spring turkey season continues to be one of the most anticipated hunting opportunities of the year. California’s general spring turkey season opened statewide on Saturday, March 29 and runs through Sunday, May 4.
An additional junior season aligns with the archery-only season, trailing the general season from May 5 through 18.
Dozens of CDFW-managed wildlife areas will be open to wild turkey hunting on a walk-in basis throughout the season. Visit the CDFW Lands web page for a list of participating wildlife areas and the recreational opportunities available at each location.
For those new to hunting or trying turkey hunting for the first time, consider checking out Advanced Hunter Education (AHE) online webinars on: 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. For more information on regulations, visit 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.
If you need to purchase a 2024-25 California Hunting License and Upland Game Bird Validation to go turkey hunting this spring, head over to CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services web page to purchase online, find a license agent near you to buy in person, or download the CDFW License App to purchase and display your licenses and validations on your mobile phone.
