PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Its November which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner and if you dont want to head to the grocery store – good news, especially if youre a hunter, Pennsylvanias fall turkey hunting season kicks off today!
Hunters who have purchased a hunting license get one fall turkey hunting tag as well as a spring hunting tag. The Pennsylvania Game Commission says that any turkey can be harvested and female turkeys account for more than 50 percent of the fall harvest.
“Fall seasons were lengthened in several units this year, and the 2024 summer sighting survey results showed above-average poult recruitment in general, with all WMUs [Wildlife Management Units] showing good numbers,” said Game Commission wild turkey biologist Mary Jo Casalena. “The fall 2024 turkey season is shaping up to be a good one.”
Pennsylvanias annual turkey sighting survey was conducted over the summer in July and August and the Game Commission said that the number of turkey sightings nearly doubled from 2023 with 30,286 being sighted.
“This annual summer survey allows us to estimate the number of turkey poults seen per hen throughout the state during July and August,” said Casalena. “It is an index of reproductive success over time. We use this in our turkey population model and to assess trends in populations and part of our fall turkey season recommendation process.”
Hunters are not required to wear fluorescent orange during turkey season, but the Game Commission does highly recommend it. They also remind hunters that no single-projectile firearms can be used during the fall turkey season. Hunters may use shotguns with fine shot and archery gear only.
Those who do bag a turkey must tag their bird according to the instructions on their harvest tags and then report it. That can be done either online at this link or over the phone at 1-800-838-4431. When hunters call the commission number, they will have to have their license and a copy of their harvest tag.
More information can be found on the Pennsylvania Game Commissions website about harvesting, reporting, and regulations related to fall turkey season.
For many hunters in Pennsylvania, pursuing wild turkeys in the fall is an exciting tradition. If you’re looking forward to fall turkey hunting this year, here’s a look at when the season starts and what to expect.
Overview of Fall Turkey Season Dates
In Pennsylvania, the fall turkey season typically opens in early November and runs through late November or mid December depending on your hunting zone.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission divides the state into Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) and sets season dates and bag limits based on turkey populations in each unit.
Here are the opening dates for fall turkey season in 2024
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Nov 2 – Most of state (WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E)
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Nov 27 – Part of western PA (WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F)
So the season opens on either November 2nd or November 27th depending on your location Specific season end dates also vary by WMU
Why Do Season Dates Vary?
Turkey populations are not evenly distributed across Pennsylvania. Some areas have robust numbers while others are more limited.
To properly manage turkey flocks, the Game Commission staggers season dates and lengths in each WMU based on the local biology.
This ensures hunting pressure is appropriate for the population size and allows flexibility from year to year.
What’s the Outlook for Fall 2024?
After a productive nesting and brood rearing season, biologists are expecting a good fall hunt in 2024.
The summer turkey survey showed high poult numbers statewide, with an average of 3.2 poults per hen. Mild winters and conservative fall harvests have also helped grow flocks.
Hunters should find birds readily available on both public and private lands this fall. Scouting to locate flocks feeding on acorns will be key.
License and Tag Requirements
To hunt turkeys in Pennsylvania, you’ll need a general hunting license plus a turkey tag for the appropriate season.
Each hunting license includes one fall turkey tag. Spring gobbler tags are issued through a separate pre-season application process.
Be sure to review the hunting regulations to know the specific season dates and bag limits in your WMU. Doing your scouting homework will also help you tag a bird this fall.
Safety Tips for Fall Turkey Hunting
Here are a few quick safety reminders for your fall turkey hunt:
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No rifles allowed – shotguns and archery only
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Blaze orange not required but highly recommended
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Stay quiet and still when birds are close
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Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it
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Use a tree stand or blind to stay concealed
Follow all rules and hunting ethics to have a safe and enjoyable fall turkey season in Pennsylvania!
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Ross Guidotti, a Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate , joined KDKA in 2001 as a general assignment reporter.
When does fall turkey season start in Pennsylvania? Here’s what you need to know
FAQ
What are the dates for turkey season in PA?
The spring season for turkey hunts typically runs in late April and May. For 2024, you can hunt for bearded birds (only) from May 4 through May 18 and again from May 20-31. So, if you don’t harvest a bird during the first part of May, re-gather your gear and head out again for the second Spring season.
What day does fall turkey season start?
The daily limit is one (bearded), and the season limit is three. The Fall 2024 hunting dates ran from November 9 through December 8. The daily bag limit is one per day (either sex) with a limit of two for the fall season.
Do you have to wear orange during fall turkey season in PA?
While fall turkey hunters no longer are required to wear fluorescent orange, the Game Commission highly recommends the use of orange, especially while moving. Everyone who purchases a hunting license receives one fall turkey tag, as well as one spring tag.
What is the best time to hunt turkeys in the fall?
The late morning starting at about 9 AM can also be a killer time to hunt. It’s in those later-morning hours that birds get up to start moving around again, and most avid turkey hunters will tell you that from 9 – noon is a great time to hunt.
When is Turkey season reopening in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Game Commission reopened Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 5A in parts of Franklin, Adams, York and Cumberland counties for a three-day fall turkey season. The season starts Saturday (Nov. 2) and continues Monday and Tuesday. The season is closed on Sunday.
When does fall turkey hunting start in Pennsylvania?
Fall turkey hunting season begins on Saturday in most parts of the state for both hens and gobblers. Pennsylvania hunter gets wide buck others called ‘The Elk.’
When is the fall turkey season?
The fall turkey season dates vary with the Wildlife Management Units. In WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C and 4E the season is Nov. 2-9. WMU 2A, 2F, 3B and 3C seasons are Nov. 2-16 and Nov. 27- 29. WMUs 5A and 5B has a three-day season Nov. 2-5. WMUs 5C and 5D are closed to fall turkey hunting.
When does fall turkey hunting start & end?
The season starts Saturday (Nov. 2) and continues Monday and Tuesday. The season is closed on Sunday. This is the first time fall turkey hunting has been permitted in this WMU since it was closed in 2022. The agency reports the population was trending below the goal range.
Is 2024 a good season for wild turkeys?
“Fall seasons were lengthened in several units this year, and the 2024 summer sighting survey results showed above-average poult recruitment in general, with all WMUs [Wildlife Management Units] showing good numbers,” said Game Commission wild turkey biologist Mary Jo Casalena. “The fall 2024 turkey season is shaping up to be a good one.”
Can you shoot turkeys in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is a shooting paradise for turkeys, offering various spring and autumn hunting options. There are many places for shooters to discover and put their abilities to the test, from the rocky topography of the Allegheny Mountains to the undulating plains of the Poconos.