Spring Turkey Season Outlook

The regular spring turkey season opens May 1. Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their hunting license. The season bag limit is two bearded turkeys, and hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.

Favorable weather conditions during the summer of 2024 led to increased turkey poult production. Accordingly, the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation expects an increased availability of toms during the spring 2026 season. Remember to explore the interactive New York turkey dashboards to learn more about turkey harvest and productivity trends across the state. For more information or to explore the data, visit DEC’s website.

Safety

Here are some safety tips for hunters and non-hunters sharing the woods during the month of May.    

• Hunters and non-hunters should not wear red, white, or blue clothing, hats, or packs, to avoid being mistaken for a turkey.
• Hikers, bird watchers, and other non-hunters should wear fluorescent orange.
• Hunters should wear fluorescent orange while moving to and from their hunting area and should put fluorescent orange on a nearby tree when sitting still waiting for a turkey.  
• Never stalk turkey sounds. It could be another hunter.  
• Be sure of your target, what is in front of it, and what is beyond it.   
• Do not shoot at movement or sound. If you see another vehicle or suspect another hunter is working the area, move to another area to avoid interaction with other hunters.
• Always assume any call or sounds you hear are from another hunter.Don’t shoot until you clearly see the whole turkey and can identify the sex of the bird.  
• If you see another hunter, remain still and speak up clearly. Never wave or use a turkey call to alert another hunter.
• When calling, sit still with your back against a big tree or rock, to hide you from turkeys and other hunters.
• If you take a turkey or carry a decoy, wrap it in fluorescent orange or put in in an orange bag.   

Turkey Hunter Grouse Drumming Surveys

Throughout the spring turkey season hunters can record the number of ruffed grouse they hear drumming while afield. These data help DEC track the distribution and abundance of this charismatic game bird. Results from previous years can be found on the New York State Ruffed Grouse Dashboard. To get a survey form, go to DEC’s website or call (518) 402-8883. To learn more about this opportunity and others, visit the “Citizen Science” page of DEC’s website.