Optics Mag is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Read more.

When Can You Hunt Turkey in Pennsylvania?

Last Updated on

turkey in the grass

There are spring and fall hunting seasons for turkey in Pennsylvania. The spring season has already passed, and it is generally from the end of April to the end of May. The fall season ranges from the end of October to the end of November. You can hunt Wild Turkey during these times.

Although it’s important to know the Turkey hunting season in Pennsylvania, there are a lot more things to know, including what Turkeys you can hunt, what weapons you can use, and more. Keep reading for a complete guide about when and how to hunt Turkey in Pennsylvania.

scope crosshairs divider 1

When You Can Hunt Turkey in Pennsylvania – 2024

Every year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission¹ releases official season dates for their Wild Turkey hunting. Here were the exact dates for when you can hunt Turkey and Pennsylvania for the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Note that the exact days may be different for the 2023 season and beyond, but the season will generally be around the same time in the year.

turkey in the field
Image Credit: elljay, Pixabay

Spring Turkeys

Spring gobblers can be hunted as long as they are bearded. On April 23rd, junior hunters can obtain a required license and hunt one spring gobbler with the help of a mentor. The hunting hours end at noon.

The regular season is open between April 30th and May 31st. There is a limit of one bearded bird, but there is a season limit of two birds if the hunter obtains a special license. Between April 30th and May 14th, the legal hunting hours are between 30 minutes before sunrise and noon. Between May 16th and May 31st, the hours are 30 minutes before sunrise and 30 minutes after sunset.

Fall Turkeys

Most people prefer to hunt Wild Turkey in the fall. The fall hunting season is more extensive. The hunting season is determined by your weapon. Here are the hunting seasons based on weapon type:

  • WMU 2B Shotgun and Bow and Arrow: October 30–November 19
  • WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D, and 4E: October 30–November 6
  • WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4C: October 30–November 13
  • WMUs 2C, 2D, and 2E: October 30 – November 13; November 24–26
  • WMU 5B Shotgun and Bow and Arrow: November 2–4
  • WMUs 5A, 5C, and 5D: Closed
hunter carrying a turkey
Image By: Beau Leyse, Shutterstock

Check Season Every Year

Once again, these dates were for the 2022 hunting season specifically. What this means is that the dates may be different for 2023, 2024, or any hunting season later than 2022. As a result, it’s imperative to check with the Pennsylvania Game Commission every year to learn about the specifics of that year’s Turkey hunting season.

Though the timing and regulations will be similar to the ones above, there may be some notable differences, such as the exact days and stipulations about hunting.

scope crosshairs divider 2

Conclusion

It is legal to hunt Wild Turkey in Pennsylvania both in the spring and the fall. Spring hunting has more stipulations, which is why most people prefer fall hunting. When you hunt for Turkeys in the fall is largely dependent on your weapon of choice.

Still, the spring season is generally between April and May, whereas the fall season is between October and November. Make sure to check with the Pennsylvania Game Commission before every hunting season to make sure you’re following the most up-to-date laws and stipulations for the state.


Featured Image Credit: create219, Pixabay

About the Author Robert Sparks

Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.