The 2023 spring turkey hunting season in Kentucky kicks off soon, with the youth-only window open April 1-2, and general hunting season beginning April 15 through May 7.
According to the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources, this season is structured to give turkeys ample time to breed before introducing hunting pressures — while giving hunters the opportunity to hear the gobblers.
Wild turkeys communicate through different vocalizations during the breeding season, and officials are expecting an “especially good” hunt this year.
Zak Danks, wild turkey program coordinator for KDFWR, forecasted this good year from 2-year gobblers based on the above-average turkey brood survival rate recorded in 2021. Brood surveys, which are conducted in July and August, help the department make season predictions.
Danks is encouraging beginners to try turkey hunting this season, because of the expected abundance of mature birds. They have encountered less hunting pressure than older gobblers, and as such could be susceptible to new calls.
Hunters seeking advice should also consider tuning in to Kentucky Afield TV’s upcoming segment, which will feature a guest panel of turkey hunting experts. The show will be a good chance for people new to turkey hunting to learn about using turkey calls. The show will go live on Kentucky Afield TV’s Facebook page at 6 p.m. March 27, and will also air on Kentucky Educational Television on April 1.
Topics will include turkey behavior, hunting gear, tactics and regulations, as well as submitted questions.
Danks notes the best days for spring turkey hunting generally include clear skies and calm winds. Wet and humid conditions are not as favorable for hunters.
Basic turkey hunting essentials include:
— A turkey call
— Full camouflage including face mask and gloves
— Annual resident or nonresident hunting license
— Spring or Youth Turkey Permit
— Harvest log and pen or pencil
— Range finders are not essential, but are popular handheld tools
Kentucky’s statewide spring harvest limit is two legal turkeys.
A legal turkey is defined as a wild turkey that is male or has a visible beard. But hunters should note a recent regulation change specifying that a hunter shall not take more than one legal turkey per Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in spring, meaning efforts must be spread.
This amendment is in accordance with the department’s ongoing wild turkey studies.
Danks urges caution with tactics relying upon imitating another gobbler, such as using a turkey tail fan to lure a gobbler into shotgun range. Other hunters could mistake a hunter for a turkey.
Hunters are not required to wear hunter orange clothing during the spring turkey seasons. However, wearing an article of hunter orange clothing while going to and from a setup location or while carrying a harvested turkey is a simple and effective way to help prevent hunting accidents.
Hunters who harvest a turkey must report the harvest using the department’s “Telecheck” big game check-in system, which can be done online (also through MyProfile) or via telephone at 800-245-4263 (800-CHK-GAME). Telecheck helps ensure lawful harvests and records important biological data for monitoring harvest trends.
Hunters who harvest a turkey wearing a metal leg-band also should report the information as directed on the band to the department. These reports assist Kentucky Fish and Wildlife’s research.
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