When is Turkey Hunting Season in NY?
Turkey hunting is a popular sport in New York, and understanding the hunting seasons is crucial for successful hunts. In this article, we’ll cover the answer to the question "When is turkey hunting season in NY?" and provide detailed information on the hunting regulations, permits, and bag limits.
Hunting Seasons in NY
Before we dive into the specific turkey hunting season, let’s take a look at the overall hunting seasons in New York.
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Spring Turkey | Early season: April 28 – May 15, 2023 Late season: May 16 – May 31, 2023 |
| Fall Turkey | September 26 – November 28, 2023 |
When is Turkey Hunting Season in NY?
As mentioned above, the spring turkey hunting season in New York has two parts:
- Early season: April 28 – May 15, 2023 (Monday – Friday, 30-minute shotgun season only)
- Late season: May 16 – May 31, 2023 (7 days, shotgun season only)
The fall turkey hunting season is from September 26 to November 28, 2023, and is a 6-week season with daily bag limits.
Turkey Hunting Permits in NY
To hunt turkeys in New York, you’ll need to obtain a turkey permit. There are two types of permits:
- Resident: For residents of New York State who have a valid New York State hunting license.
- Non-Resident: For non-residents who have a valid non-resident New York State hunting license.
You can apply for turkey permits through the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) online permitting system. The application period usually begins in March, and the deadline is in April.
Bag Limits and Species
The daily bag limit for turkeys in New York is one bearded turkey per permit. For the fall season, you can also take a juvenile turkey (with a minimum of 16 inches beard length).
| Species | Bag Limit |
|---|---|
| Bearded Turkey | 1 per permit |
| Juvenile Turkey | 1 per permit (fall season only) |
Important Regulations
Before you head out on your turkey hunting trip, make sure to familiarize yourself with these important regulations:
- Shotgun Only: For both spring and fall seasons, only shotguns and archery equipment are permitted.
- Hunter Orange: Wearing hunter orange is required during both seasons.
- License: You must have a valid New York State hunting license and turkey permit to hunt turkeys.
- Check Stations: After harvest, you’ll need to check in with a designated check station or report your harvest online.
- Harvested Turkey Regulations: You’ll need to follow specific regulations for harvesting and handling turkey carcasses.
Additional Tips
Here are some additional tips to help you succeed in your turkey hunt:
- Study Game Trails: Familiarize yourself with turkey movement patterns and preferred habitats.
- Dress Camouflage: Wear camouflage clothing and patterns that blend in with your surroundings.
- Call Experience: Practice using turkey calls to improve your chances of attracting a turkey.
- Patience: Be prepared to wait for long periods, as turkeys can be difficult to hunt.
Conclusion
Turkeys are an exciting species to hunt in New York, and with the right knowledge and permits, you can enjoy a successful hunt. Remember to follow regulations, respect other hunters and wildlife, and practice ethical hunting techniques to ensure the long-term health of our turkey populations.
By understanding the hunting seasons, permits, and regulations, you’ll be better equipped to plan and execute a successful turkey hunt in New York. Happy hunting!
