Spring Turkey Hunting Season Starts May 1

Spring Turkey Season Starts May 1

Spring turkey season opens May 1 in all of upstate New York north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary.

Hunters are reminded that they must have a turkey hunting permit, in addition to their hunting license. 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. Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report on line at www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor

Poor reproductive success in summer 2017 may mean that hunters see fewer adult gobblers this spring compared to last year, but this may be offset by opportunities for jakes (a young male turkey) resulting from improved reproductive success in 2018 and good overwinter survival. The estimated turkey harvest for spring 2018 was about 19,000 birds.

When you head afield, be sure to follow the cardinal rules of hunting safety: assume every gun is loaded, control the muzzle, keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot, be absolutely sure of your target and what may be beyond it, and don’t stalk. Set up with your back against a large tree and call birds to you.