Spring turkey season opens May 1, in all counties north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary. A change that went into effect last fall allows shot sizes as small as Number 9 for turkey hunting. This regulatory change affects both the spring and fall seasons statewide. The change was made to modernize regulations as technology has advanced to increase the down-range effectiveness of smaller shot sizes.
This spring, improved turkey harvest is expected compared to last year. Hunters prefer to take toms (2+ year-old birds) typically producing a two-year lag between summer productivity and spring take.
Overall, turkey populations are lower now than a few years ago due to below-average reproductive success two of the last four years. However, improved turkey productivity in 2020 and 2022 means a greater proportion of toms.
Other important details for the spring turkey season, May 1-31:
• Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state except New York City and Nassau County;
• Hunters 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 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 Number 2 or smaller than Number 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 the harvest online at DEC’s Game Harvest Reporting webpage; and
Buy sporting licenses online
Sporting licenses may be purchased online at any time and anglers may use their privileges immediately by simply carrying their transaction number (DEC-LS#) with them while afield. Visit dec.ny.gov for more information about sporting licenses.
