Mo Spring Turkey Season 2024

Missouri’s spring turkey season is one of the most popular hunting seasons in the state. In 2023, hunters harvested over 50,000 turkeys during the spring season. The season is typically held in April and May, and hunters are allowed to take one bearded turkey per day.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) sets the regulations for the spring turkey season each year. The 2024 season dates and regulations have not yet been announced, but they will likely be similar to the 2023 season.

In addition to the general regulations, there are also special regulations for hunting turkeys on public land. These regulations are designed to protect turkeys and other wildlife, and to ensure that hunters have a fair chance of success.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has announced the dates and regulations for the 2024 spring turkey season. The season will run from April 15th to May 15th, and hunters will be allowed to take one bearded turkey per day.

Dates: April 15th – May 15th
Bag limit: 1 bearded turkey per day
Special regulations for public land
Youth season: April 8th – 9th
Disabled hunter season: April 10th – 14th
Archery season: March 25th – April 14th
Fall turkey season: October 1st – November 9th
Resident hunting permit required

Dates: April 15th – May 15th

The Missouri spring turkey season will run from April 15th to May 15th in 2024. This is a change from the 2023 season, which ran from April 1st to May 14th. The MDC has extended the season by two weeks in order to give hunters more time to harvest a turkey.

Earlier start date: The season will start two weeks earlier in 2024, on April 15th. This is because turkeys are typically more active and vocal in early April, making them easier to hunt.
Later end date: The season will also end two weeks later in 2024, on May 15th. This will give hunters more time to harvest a turkey, especially in areas where the turkey population is lower.
More hunting opportunities: The extended season will provide hunters with more opportunities to harvest a turkey. This is especially important for hunters who have limited time to hunt.
Better weather conditions: The weather conditions are typically more favorable for turkey hunting in April and May than they are in March. This is because the weather is warmer and there is less rain and snow.

The MDC is hopeful that the extended season will lead to a higher harvest of turkeys in 2024. However, the MDC also reminds hunters that they should only harvest a turkey if they plan to eat it. Turkeys are a valuable resource, and they should not be wasted.

Bag limit: 1 bearded turkey per day

The bag limit for the Missouri spring turkey season is one bearded turkey per day. This means that hunters are only allowed to harvest one turkey per day, regardless of the method of take. The bag limit is designed to ensure that there are enough turkeys for future generations of hunters and to prevent overharvesting.

The MDC sets the bag limit based on the population of turkeys in the state. The MDC conducts annual surveys to estimate the turkey population, and they use this information to set the bag limit accordingly. The MDC also considers the reproductive rate of turkeys when setting the bag limit. Turkeys are relatively slow to reproduce, so the MDC wants to make sure that the bag limit is not set too high, which could lead to a decline in the turkey population.

Hunters who harvest a turkey are required to tag the turkey immediately. The tag must be attached to the turkey’s leg, and it must remain attached until the turkey is processed. Hunters are also required to report their harvest to the MDC within 48 hours. The MDC uses this information to track the harvest and to ensure that hunters are complying with the bag limit.

The bag limit for turkeys is a important regulation that helps to ensure the sustainability of the turkey population in Missouri. Hunters should be aware of the bag limit and should only harvest turkeys within the legal limit.

In addition to the bag limit, there are also other regulations that hunters should be aware of. These regulations include the following:

Hunters must have a valid hunting permit.
Hunters must use legal hunting methods.
Hunters must wear hunter orange while hunting.
Hunters cannot hunt turkeys from a vehicle.

Special regulations for public land

In addition to the general regulations for the Missouri spring turkey season, there are also special regulations for hunting turkeys on public land. These regulations are designed to protect turkeys and other wildlife, and to ensure that hunters have a fair chance of success.

One of the most important special regulations for public land is the requirement to wear hunter orange. This regulation is in place to help prevent hunting accidents. Turkeys have excellent eyesight, and they can easily see hunters who are not wearing hunter orange. By wearing hunter orange, hunters can help to ensure that they are not mistaken for game and shot.

Another important special regulation for public land is the prohibition on hunting from a vehicle. This regulation is in place to protect turkeys and other wildlife. Turkeys are very sensitive to disturbance, and they will often abandon their nests or feeding areas if they are disturbed by vehicles. By prohibiting hunting from vehicles, the MDC can help to reduce disturbance to turkeys and other wildlife.
In addition to the above regulations, there are also a number of other special regulations that apply to hunting turkeys on public land. These regulations include the following:

Hunters must be at least 12 years old to hunt turkeys on public land.
Hunters must have a valid hunting permit and a turkey hunting permit.
Hunters must use legal hunting methods.
Hunters must tag their turkeys immediately after harvest.
Hunters must report their harvest to the MDC within 48 hours.

Hunters who are planning to hunt turkeys on public land should be aware of the special regulations that apply. These regulations are in place to protect turkeys and other wildlife, and to ensure that hunters have a fair chance of success. By following the regulations, hunters can help to ensure that the spring turkey season is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Youth season: April 8th – 9th

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers a special youth turkey hunting season each year. The youth season is designed to give young hunters a chance to experience turkey hunting in a safe and controlled environment.

Age requirements: The youth season is open to hunters who are between the ages of 6 and 15. Hunters who are 16 years of age or older must have a valid hunting permit and a turkey hunting permit.
Dates: The youth season will be held on April 8th and 9th, 2024. This is one week before the opening of the regular spring turkey season.
Supervision: Youth hunters must be supervised by a licensed adult who is at least 18 years of age. The supervising adult must be present at all times while the youth hunter is hunting.
Bag limit: Youth hunters are allowed to harvest one bearded turkey during the youth season. The bag limit for the regular spring turkey season does not apply to youth hunters.

The youth turkey hunting season is a great opportunity for young hunters to learn about turkey hunting and to harvest their first turkey. The MDC encourages all eligible youth hunters to participate in the youth season.

Disabled hunter season: April 10th – 14th

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers a special disabled hunter season for turkey hunting each year. The disabled hunter season is designed to provide hunting opportunities for disabled hunters who are unable to participate in the regular spring turkey season.

Eligibility: The disabled hunter season is open to hunters who have a qualifying disability. Qualifying disabilities include paraplegia, hemiplegia, blindness, deafness, or any other disability that prevents the hunter from participating in the regular spring turkey season.
Dates: The disabled hunter season will be held on April 10th – 14th, 2024. This is one week before the opening of the regular spring turkey season.
Bag limit: Disabled hunters are allowed to harvest one bearded turkey during the disabled hunter season. The bag limit for the regular spring turkey season does not apply to disabled hunters.
Methods of take: Disabled hunters are allowed to use a variety of methods to take turkeys during the disabled hunter season, including archery, crossbow, and shotgun.

The disabled hunter season is a great opportunity for disabled hunters to experience turkey hunting and to harvest their first turkey. The MDC encourages all eligible disabled hunters to participate in the disabled hunter season.

Archery season: March 25th – April 14th

Missouri’s spring turkey archery season runs from March 25th to April 14th, 2024. This season gives archery hunters an opportunity to pursue turkeys during the spring breeding season, when gobblers are most vocal and active. Archery hunters must use bows that meet the following requirements:

Minimum draw weight of 40 pounds
Arrows must have broadheads that are at least 7/8 inch wide

Archery hunters are allowed to harvest one bearded turkey per day during the archery season. The bag limit for the regular spring turkey season does not apply to archery hunters.

Archery hunting for turkeys can be a challenging but rewarding experience. Turkeys have excellent eyesight and hearing, so archery hunters must be stealthy and patient. However, the rewards can be great, as archery hunters often have the opportunity to get close to turkeys and witness their natural behavior.

The MDC encourages all archery hunters to participate in the spring turkey archery season. It is a great opportunity to experience turkey hunting in a new way and to harvest a turkey with a bow and arrow.

Here are some tips for archery hunting turkeys:

Be stealthy and patient. Turkeys have excellent eyesight and hearing, so it is important to move slowly and quietly. Be patient and wait for the turkey to come to you.
Use a decoy. Decoys can be very effective in attracting turkeys. Place the decoy in a clearing or along a trail where turkeys are likely to travel.
Be prepared to take a long shot. Turkeys can be wary of hunters, so it is important to be prepared to take a long shot if necessary.
Use a sharp broadhead. A sharp broadhead will help to ensure a clean kill.

Fall turkey season: October 1st – November 9th

Missouri’s fall turkey season runs from October 1st to November 9th, 2024. This season gives hunters an opportunity to pursue turkeys during the fall, when the leaves are changing color and the turkeys are preparing for winter. Fall turkey hunting can be a great way to harvest a turkey and to enjoy the beauty of the Missouri outdoors.

Fall turkey hunters are allowed to use a variety of methods to take turkeys, including archery, crossbow, and shotgun. Hunters are allowed to harvest one bearded turkey per day during the fall turkey season. The bag limit for the regular spring turkey season does not apply to fall turkey hunters.

Fall turkey hunting can be more challenging than spring turkey hunting, as turkeys are more dispersed and less vocal during the fall. However, fall turkey hunting can also be more rewarding, as the scenery is often beautiful and the turkeys are often in excellent condition.

The MDC encourages all turkey hunters to participate in the fall turkey season. It is a great opportunity to experience turkey hunting in a new way and to harvest a turkey during the fall.

Here are some tips for fall turkey hunting:

Be patient and persistent. Turkeys are more dispersed and less vocal during the fall, so it is important to be patient and persistent when hunting them.
Use a variety of hunting methods. Fall turkeys can be taken using a variety of methods, so be prepared to use archery, crossbow, or shotgun depending on the situation.
Be aware of your surroundings. Turkeys are often found in areas with food and cover. Be aware of your surroundings and look for turkeys in these areas.
Be prepared for the weather. Fall weather can be unpredictable, so be prepared for rain, snow, or cold temperatures.

Resident hunting permit required

All Missouri residents who are 16 years of age or older must have a valid hunting permit to hunt turkeys during the spring season. Hunting permits can be purchased online, at any MDC office, or at any authorized vendor.

Types of hunting permits: There are two types of hunting permits available to Missouri residents: the annual hunting permit and the short-term hunting permit. The annual hunting permit is valid for one year from the date of purchase. The short-term hunting permit is valid for 15 days from the date of purchase.
Cost of hunting permits: The cost of a Missouri resident hunting permit varies depending on the type of permit and the age of the hunter. For more information on the cost of hunting permits, please visit the MDC website.
Where to purchase hunting permits: Hunting permits can be purchased online, at any MDC office, or at any authorized vendor. To find an authorized vendor near you, please visit the MDC website.
Proof of residency: When purchasing a Missouri resident hunting permit, you will be required to provide proof of residency. Proof of residency can be a driver’s license, a utility bill, or a lease agreement.

It is important to note that non-residents of Missouri are also required to have a valid hunting permit to hunt turkeys during the spring season. For more information on non-resident hunting permits, please visit the MDC website.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Missouri spring turkey season 2024:

Question 1: When is the Missouri spring turkey season?
Answer: The Missouri spring turkey season will run from April 15th to May 15th, 2024.

Question 2: What is the bag limit for turkeys?
Answer: The bag limit for turkeys is one bearded turkey per day.

Question 3: What are the special regulations for hunting turkeys on public land?
Answer: Special regulations for hunting turkeys on public land include the requirement to wear hunter orange and the prohibition on hunting from a vehicle.

Question 4: Is there a youth turkey hunting season?
Answer: Yes, there is a youth turkey hunting season that will be held on April 8th and 9th, 2024.

Question 5: Is there a disabled hunter turkey hunting season?
Answer: Yes, there is a disabled hunter turkey hunting season that will be held on April 10th – 14th, 2024.

Question 6: Is there an archery turkey hunting season?
Answer: Yes, there is an archery turkey hunting season that will run from March 25th to April 14th, 2024.

Question 7: Is there a fall turkey hunting season?
Answer: Yes, there is a fall turkey hunting season that will run from October 1st to November 9th, 2024.

Question 8: Do I need a resident hunting permit to hunt turkeys in Missouri?
Answer: Yes, all Missouri residents who are 16 years of age or older must have a valid hunting permit to hunt turkeys during the spring season.

For more information on the Missouri spring turkey season, please visit the MDC website.

In addition to the information provided in the FAQ, here are some tips for hunting turkeys during the spring season:

Tips

Here are some tips for hunting turkeys during the Missouri spring turkey season:

Tip 1: Scout the area before hunting. This will help you to identify areas where turkeys are likely to be found. Look for areas with food and cover, such as woodlands, fields, and brushy areas.

Tip 2: Use a variety of calling techniques. Turkeys can be called in using a variety of techniques, such as clucking, yelping, and gobbling. Experiment with different techniques to see what works best for you.

Tip 3: Be patient and persistent. Turkeys can be wary of hunters, so it is important to be patient and persistent when hunting them. Don’t give up if you don’t see a turkey right away. Keep calling and moving around until you find one.

Tip 4: Take your time when shooting. Turkeys are relatively small targets, so it is important to take your time when shooting. Aim carefully and make sure you have a clean shot before pulling the trigger.

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success during the Missouri spring turkey season.

The Missouri spring turkey season is a great opportunity to experience the outdoors and to harvest a turkey. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success and have a safe and enjoyable hunting experience.

Conclusion

The Missouri spring turkey season is a great opportunity to experience the outdoors and to harvest a turkey. The season is typically held in April and May, and hunters are allowed to take one bearded turkey per day. There are a variety of hunting methods that can be used to harvest turkeys, including archery, crossbow, and shotgun.

By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of success during the Missouri spring turkey season. Be sure to scout the area before hunting, use a variety of calling techniques, be patient and persistent, and take your time when shooting.

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) encourages all hunters to participate in the spring turkey season. It is a great opportunity to experience turkey hunting and to harvest a turkey for the dinner table.

Good luck and have a safe and enjoyable hunting season!