Turkey

Turkey Hunting License: Cost, Season Dates & Best States (2026)

Compare turkey hunting license costs, extra permits, and season dates across 44 states.

States 44 Allow turkey hunting
Avg. Resident Tag $12 Average across states
Avg. Non-Resident Tag $46 Average across states
Draw Required 1 States Lottery/draw required
TAG COST ANSWER

Turkey Hunting Tag Cost: Quick Answer

Use this before the full state table when you need the likely turkey license, tag, draw, or permit budget.

Average Resident Cost $22

Across 24 states with paid turkey resident tag or permit pricing.

Average Non-Resident Cost $85

Use this as the first filter before comparing state-specific license and tag totals.

Lowest Listed Non-Resident Cost $25.51

California has the lowest paid non-resident turkey entry in this table.

Highest Listed Non-Resident Cost $135

Missouri is the highest paid non-resident turkey entry in this table.

Turkey non-resident tag or permit costs start around $25.51 in California and reach $135 in Missouri. 20 states require checking state notes because a zero-dollar table entry can mean bundled privileges, no separate listed charge, or a license package rather than a free standalone tag. 1 states require a draw or lottery step, so budget planning should start before the season opens.

Compare State Costs Calculate Total License Cost Non-Resident Guide Draw & Tag Guide
OVERVIEW

Turkey Hunting in the United States

Turkey hunting is one of America's fastest-growing outdoor pursuits, with over 2.5 million hunters taking to the field each spring and fall. The wild turkey — once nearly extinct with fewer than 30,000 birds in the 1930s — now thrives across 49 states with a population exceeding 6 million, one of the most successful conservation comebacks in wildlife history. Four huntable subspecies exist: Eastern (most widespread, found in 38+ states), Rio Grande (TX, OK, KS, and the Great Plains), Merriam's (western mountains — MT, SD, NE, WY, NM), and Osceola (found only in central/south Florida). Spring season (targeting bearded gobblers) is the most popular, while fall seasons allow either-sex harvest in 40 states as of 2025. Most states require a separate turkey tag ($15–$135), while some southeastern and eastern states list no separate turkey tag price because turkey privileges are handled through the base, all-game, or big-game license layer. Shotguns with #4–#6 shot or archery equipment are standard — rifles are prohibited in nearly all states. The pursuit of turkey hunting's 'Grand Slam' (harvesting all four subspecies) is a bucket-list goal among dedicated hunters.

REQUIREMENTS

What Turkey Hunters Need Beyond the Base License

Tags, extra permits, stamps, and draw rules that commonly apply.

Turkey hunting in most states requires a valid hunting license plus either a separate turkey tag or a turkey privilege handled inside the base, all-game, or big-game license layer. When this table shows no separate turkey tag price, that does not mean no purchase is needed: hunters still need the qualifying license, any harvest record, endorsements, season authorization, or public-land permit that applies. Spring seasons target bearded gobblers only, while fall seasons may allow either-sex harvest. Shotgun or archery equipment is the common spring setup, but weapon and call rules vary enough that hunters should check the current state regulation before assuming rifles, crossbows, decoys, electronic calls, or orange requirements. Maximum shot size is typically #4, with most hunters using #5 or #6 turkey loads. Some states divide spring into multiple periods with specific tags for each.

Plan the Full Purchase

Start with the base hunting license, then layer in the species tag, migratory bird permit, draw application, or season-specific stamp that applies to your turkey hunt.

COST COMPARISON

Turkey Hunting License Cost by State

Compare turkey tag and permit fees across 44 states for the 2026 season.

State Resident Tag Non-Resident Tag Season Draw?
Alabama See notes See notes Mar 15 – Apr 30 OTC Arkansas See notes See notes Apr 14 – May 4 OTC California $25.51 $25.51 Mar 29 – May 4 OTC Colorado $26 $101 Apr 12 – May 25 OTC Connecticut See notes See notes Apr 23 – May 31 OTC Delaware See notes See notes Apr 12 – May 31 OTC Florida $10 $125 Mar 1 – Apr 27 OTC Georgia See notes See notes Mar 22 – May 15 OTC Idaho $22.75 $96.25 Apr 15 – May 25 OTC Illinois $15 $56.25 Apr 14 – May 8 OTC Indiana $23 $90 Apr 23 – May 11 OTC Iowa $28.50 $109 Apr 14 – May 18 OTC Kansas $27.50 $77.50 Apr 1 – May 31 OTC Kentucky $30 $70 Apr 12 – May 4 OTC Louisiana See notes See notes Mar 22 – Apr 20 OTC Maine See notes See notes May 5 – Jun 7 OTC Maryland See notes See notes Apr 19 – May 24 OTC Massachusetts See notes See notes Apr 28 – May 24 OTC Michigan $15 $35 Apr 21 – Jun 7 OTC Minnesota $26 $81 Apr 16 – May 31 OTC Mississippi See notes See notes Mar 15 – May 1 OTC Missouri $17 $135 Apr 21 – May 5 OTC Montana $14 $121 Apr 12 – May 17 OTC Nebraska $24 $99 Apr 12 – May 31 OTC New Hampshire See notes See notes May 1 – May 31 OTC New Mexico $20 $100 Apr 15 – May 15 OTC New York See notes See notes May 1 – May 31 OTC North Carolina See notes See notes Apr 12 – May 10 OTC North Dakota $20 $80 Apr 12 – May 18 OTC Ohio $24 $39 Apr 21 – May 18 OTC Oklahoma See notes See notes Apr 7 – May 6 OTC Oregon $29 $85 Apr 15 – May 31 OTC Pennsylvania $21.97 $101.97 May 3 – May 31 OTC South Carolina See notes See notes Apr 1 – May 1 OTC South Dakota $25 $105 Apr 11 – May 31 OTC Tennessee See notes See notes Apr 5 – May 11 OTC Texas See notes See notes Mar 14 – May 14 OTC Utah $35 $65 Apr 12 – May 31 OTC Vermont See notes See notes May 1 – May 31 OTC Virginia See notes See notes Apr 12 – May 10 OTC Washington $20 $84 Apr 15 – May 31 OTC West Virginia See notes See notes Apr 20 – May 24 OTC Wisconsin $15 $60 Apr 16 – May 27 Draw Wyoming $18 $90 Apr 1 – May 31 OTC
TOP PICKS

Best States for Turkey Hunting

Expert-recommended destinations for turkey hunters.

#1

Kansas

Kansas has one of the highest turkey densities in the country with both Rio Grande and Eastern birds in an overlap zone. OTC spring tags are available at $77.50 NR, and the season is the longest in the US at two full months (Apr 1–May 31). Over 95% of the state holds turkeys. Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) provides excellent public-land opportunities without needing to lease private ground.

Longest spring season (2 months) + OTC tags + Rio Grande/Eastern overlap

#2

Missouri

Missouri consistently produces the highest Eastern turkey spring harvest in the nation. Over 1,000 MDC conservation areas provide excellent public-land access. The two-bird spring limit and concentrated Ozark gobbler populations make it a top destination. The NWTF was largely founded on Missouri turkey conservation success.

Top Eastern turkey harvest in the US with 1,000+ public conservation areas

#3

Texas

Texas opens spring turkey season in mid-March — among the earliest in the nation. Rio Grande turkey populations exceed 500,000 birds statewide. This table lists no separate turkey tag price for Texas, but hunters still need the correct hunting license and any applicable endorsements. Vast private-land opportunities and year-round feral hog hunting make it a versatile destination.

No separate turkey tag price listed + 4 gobbler limit + 500,000+ wild turkeys

#4

Alabama

Alabama is a proven Eastern turkey destination with spring seasons opening mid-March — among the earliest in the nation. Turkey access is handled through the All Game license rather than a separate turkey tag price in this table, and WMA lands plus national forests provide substantial public hunting. The long season (Mar 15-Apr 30) overlaps with pleasant weather conditions.

Among the earliest spring openers + 5 gobbler limit + license-layer turkey access

#5

Nebraska

Nebraska's Pine Ridge and Niobrara Valley offer scenic, low-pressure Merriam's and hybrid turkey hunting. OTC permits at $99 NR are easy to obtain. The season spans April 12 through May 31, crossbow use is allowed, and the Pine Ridge escarpment provides classic western mountain turkey hunting with far fewer hunters than neighboring states.

OTC Merriam's turkey at $99 NR + crossbow allowed + low hunting pressure

SEASONS

Turkey Hunting Season Dates by State

Season dates, weapon types, and regulations at a glance.

State Season Type Dates Weapon
Alabama Spring Mar 15 – Apr 30 Shotgun, bow Arkansas Spring Apr 14 – May 4 Shotgun, bow California Spring Mar 29 – May 4 Shotgun, bow Colorado Spring Apr 12 – May 25 Shotgun, bow Connecticut Spring Apr 23 – May 31 Shotgun, bow Delaware Spring Apr 12 – May 31 Shotgun, bow Florida Spring Mar 1 – Apr 27 Shotgun, bow Georgia Spring Mar 22 – May 15 Shotgun, bow Idaho Spring Apr 15 – May 25 Shotgun, bow Illinois Spring Apr 14 – May 8 Shotgun, bow Indiana Spring Apr 23 – May 11 Shotgun, bow Iowa Spring Apr 14 – May 18 Shotgun, bow Kansas Spring Apr 1 – May 31 Shotgun, bow Kentucky Spring Apr 12 – May 4 Shotgun, bow Louisiana Spring Mar 22 – Apr 20 Shotgun, bow Maine Spring May 5 – Jun 7 Shotgun, bow Maryland Spring Apr 19 – May 24 Shotgun, bow Massachusetts Spring Apr 28 – May 24 Shotgun, bow Michigan Spring Apr 21 – Jun 7 Shotgun, bow Minnesota Spring Apr 16 – May 31 Shotgun, bow Mississippi Spring Mar 15 – May 1 Shotgun, bow Missouri Spring Apr 21 – May 5 Shotgun, bow Montana Spring Apr 12 – May 17 Shotgun, bow Nebraska Spring Apr 12 – May 31 Shotgun, bow, crossbow New Hampshire Spring May 1 – May 31 Shotgun, bow New Mexico Spring Apr 15 – May 15 Shotgun, bow New York Spring May 1 – May 31 Shotgun, bow North Carolina Spring Apr 12 – May 10 Shotgun, bow North Dakota Spring Apr 12 – May 18 Shotgun, bow Ohio Spring Apr 21 – May 18 Shotgun, bow Oklahoma Spring Apr 7 – May 6 Shotgun, bow Oregon Spring Apr 15 – May 31 Shotgun, bow Pennsylvania Spring May 3 – May 31 Shotgun, bow South Carolina Spring Apr 1 – May 1 Shotgun, bow South Dakota Spring Apr 11 – May 31 Shotgun, bow Tennessee Spring Apr 5 – May 11 Shotgun, bow Texas Spring Mar 14 – May 14 Shotgun, bow Utah Spring Apr 12 – May 31 Shotgun, bow Vermont Spring May 1 – May 31 Shotgun, bow Virginia Spring Apr 12 – May 10 Shotgun, bow Washington Spring Apr 15 – May 31 Shotgun, bow West Virginia Spring Apr 20 – May 24 Shotgun, bow Wisconsin Spring Apr 16 – May 27 Shotgun, bow Wyoming Spring Apr 1 – May 31 Shotgun, bow
FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Hunting Licenses

How much does a turkey hunting license cost?

Turkey tag costs range from no separate tag price listed in some license-layer states to $135 for non-residents in Missouri. Resident turkey tags typically cost $15-$30, while non-resident tags run $35-$135. You will also need the required base, all-game, or big-game hunting license and any state-specific harvest record, endorsement, or public-land permit.

When is spring turkey season?

Spring turkey seasons run from March through May or early June depending on the state. Florida opens earliest (Mar 1), followed by Texas and Alabama (mid-March). Most southern states open in late March or early April. Northern states like Maine, New York, and Vermont open in late April or May. The longest seasons run two full months (Kansas: Apr 1–May 31). Check your state's specific dates — many states divide spring into multiple hunt periods.

What are the four turkey subspecies?

The four huntable wild turkey subspecies in the US are: Eastern (most widespread, found in 38+ states across the eastern two-thirds of the country), Rio Grande (TX, OK, KS, and Great Plains grasslands), Merriam's (western mountains — MT, SD, NE, WY, NM, CO), and Osceola (found only in central and south Florida). Pursuing the 'Grand Slam' — harvesting all four subspecies — is a bucket-list achievement among dedicated turkey hunters.

Can I use a rifle for turkey hunting?

Usually no for spring turkey, but this is exactly the kind of rule that must be checked state by state. Many states restrict spring turkey to shotguns and archery equipment, while a small number allow limited rifle or rimfire use in specific fall or non-spring contexts. Nebraska is notable for allowing crossbows during spring turkey. Always check your state's current weapon regulations before hunting.

How many turkeys can I harvest per season?

Spring bag limits range from 1 to 5 bearded gobblers depending on the state. Alabama allows 5 gobblers (the most generous), Texas allows 4, and Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa allow 2. Many eastern states limit spring harvest to 1–2 birds. Annual combined limits (spring + fall) are usually 2–5 birds total.

Do I need a special turkey stamp or tag?

About half the states require a separate turkey permit or tag costing $10-$135. Other states handle turkey through the base, all-game, or big-game license layer instead of listing a separate turkey tag price. States requiring separate tags include Missouri ($17/$135), Pennsylvania ($22/$102), Michigan ($15/$35), and Colorado ($26/$101).

What is the Grand Slam in turkey hunting?

The Grand Slam means harvesting all four huntable wild turkey subspecies: Eastern, Rio Grande, Merriam's, and Osceola. Since the Osceola is found only in Florida, hunters must travel there to complete the Slam. The NWTF also recognizes the Royal Slam (adding Gould's turkey from Mexico or parts of Arizona/New Mexico) and the World Slam (all six subspecies worldwide). It's a premier achievement for serious turkey hunters.

What is the best state for turkey hunting?

Kansas is often ranked #1 for its 2-month season (the longest in the US), OTC tags, and high bird densities in a Rio Grande/Eastern overlap zone. Missouri leads in total Eastern turkey harvest with excellent public land. Texas offers the earliest seasons and no separate tag. Alabama and Mississippi are top Deep South destinations. For Merriam's subspecies, Nebraska, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming are premier destinations. Florida is the only option for the Osceola Grand Slam bird.

Plan Your Turkey Hunt Today

Compare turkey hunting license costs across all 44 states and find the best destination for your next hunt.

View All State Costs Non-Resident Guide

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Hunting License by Animal Hunting License Cost by State Hunting License Cost Calculator Non-Resident Hunting License Guide How to Get a Hunting License Hunting Seasons Calendar Kansas Hunting License Missouri Hunting License Texas Hunting License