It's turkey hunting season

Dozens of CDFW-managed wildlife areas will be open to wild turkey hunting on a walk-in basis throughout the season. Visit the CDFW Lands web page for a list of participating wildlife areas and the recreational opportunities available at each location.

Shooting hours for spring turkeys are from one half-hour before sunrise to 5 p.m. Both a hunting license and Upland Game Bird Validation are required to hunt wild turkeys. An Upland Game Bird Validation is not required for junior hunting license holders.

Hunters are limited to one bearded turkey per day with a spring season limit of three birds. Non-lead shot is required when hunting with a firearm anywhere in the state. Crossbows may be used for the general turkey season but not during archery season without a disabled archer permit. For more information on regulations, visit the CDFW Hunting Regulations web page.

Public land turkey hunters are advised to check with the local management of the individual property they are planning to hunt for specific entry procedures, details and other information. Regulations regarding turkey season can be found on the Upland Game Bird Hunting web page.

Need to purchase a 2024-25 California Hunting License and Upland Game Bird Validation to go turkey hunting this spring? Head over to CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services web page to purchase online, find a license agent to buy in person, or download the CDFW License App to purchase and display your licenses and validations on your mobile phone.