For avid turkey hunters, knowing the upcoming season dates bag limits, and regulations is key to success. Here is a comprehensive overview of California’s 2024 turkey hunting seasons, including spring and fall season dates legal hunting methods, license requirements, and more.
Spring Turkey Season
California’s general statewide spring turkey season will run from March 29 to May 4, 2025
During this 5 week season, hunters can harvest up to 1 bearded turkey per day, with a possession limit of 3 bearded turkeys for the entire season. Only male turkeys with visible beards may be taken during the spring
Hunting hours run from a half hour before sunrise until 5pm each day.
There are also special junior turkey hunting days on March 22-23, 2025 and May 5-18, 2025. Junior license holders can hunt during the special weekends even if they have already harvested their yearly limit during the general season.
Archery-Only Spring Turkey
For archery enthusiasts, a special archery-only turkey hunt will take place from May 5-18 after the close of general spring turkey season.
Hunters using archery equipment like bows and crossbows can take bearded turkeys following the same daily and possession limits as the general season.
Fall Turkey Season
The fall turkey season focuses on either sex birds rather than just males. The statewide general fall turkey season runs from November 9 to December 8, 2024.
During the fall season, the daily bag limit is 1 turkey of either sex, with a possession limit of 2 turkeys for the entire season.
Fall turkey hunting regulations follow the same statewide hunting hours from a half hour before sunrise to 5pm each day.
Licensed Hunting Methods
When hunting turkeys in California, licensed hunters may use:
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Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller, with shotshells in #2 size or smaller shot.
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Bows and arrows or crossbows equipped with broadhead blades not smaller than 7/8 inch width.
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Air rifles .177 caliber or larger propelled by compressed air or gas.
Licensing Requirements
To hunt turkeys in California, you must have:
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A valid California hunting license. Annual resident license fee is $51.02.
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An upland game bird validation. For residents, this is $21.60.
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For junior hunters, a junior hunting license covers turkeys for $11.34.
Notable Regulations
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Non-lead ammunition is required when hunting with any firearm in California.
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Additional special hunt opportunities exist through California’s SHARE program on private lands.
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Transport and possession limits are 3 times the daily bag limit.
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Hunting wild turkeys over bait on public or private lands is prohibited.
Best Turkey Hunting Areas
Top counties for turkey harvests include El Dorado, Butte, Shasta, and Tehama counties in Northern California and San Luis Obispo County in the central region.
Key Safety Reminders
When turkey hunting this spring, be sure to:
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Properly identify your target before shooting as a legal bearded turkey.
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Use appropriate camouflage, blind setups, and calling techniques.
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Never stalk a turkey beyond comfortable and safe shooting range.
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Follow safe firearm handling procedures at all times.
Refer to the CDFW regulations for full details on 2024 turkey hunting season dates, bag limits, requirements and legal methods before going afield. Have a successful and enjoyable spring turkey hunt this year!
2024 – 2025 Seasons and Limits – Band-tailed Pigeon
| Season / Area (Zone Map (PDF)(opens in new tab)) | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| North | Sep 21 – 29 | 2per day | Triple the daily bag |
| South | Dec 21 – 29 |
2024 – 2025 Seasons and Limits – White-tailed Ptarmigan
| Season / Area | Season Dates | Daily Bag Limit | Possession Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| General & Archery / Statewide | Sep 14 – 22 | 2 per day | 2 per season |
| Falconry / Statewide | Aug 17 – Feb 28 |
Turkey Hunting in California General Information
FAQ
What are the dates of turkey season in California?
- Regular Season: March 30 – May 5, 2025.
- Youth Spring Turkey Hunt: March 23 – March 24 and May 6 – May 12, 2025.
- Archery Season: May 6 – May 19, 2025.
Where is the best place to hunt turkeys in California?
Near the town of Julian is an area of the Cleveland National Forest that is your best bet for turkey hunting in San Diego county. The area is near a private ranch called Eagle Peak Ranch. You follow Highway 79 to get there.
How many turkeys can you shoot in California?
| Season / Area | Possession Limit | |
|---|---|---|
| Fall | 2 per season | |
| Spring | General | 3 per season, combined |
| Archery Only | ||
| Additional Junior |
When is a turkey hunt in California?
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will host a variety of special turkey hunts throughout the spring turkey hunting season. This spring season kicked off with an exclusive junior weekend March 23-24, followed by the general season beginning this weekend.
When does spring turkey season start in California?
California’s general spring turkey season opens statewide March 30, and runs through May 5. With growing populations of wild turkeys in many parts of the state, spring turkey season has become one of the more anticipated opportunities on the hunting calendar.
Is California turkey hunting season safe?
By being informed and prepared, hunters can enjoy a safe and memorable California turkey hunting season. Note: always double-check the season dates on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife website before heading out on your hunt. Turkey hunting is a popular pastime for many outdoor enthusiasts, and California is no exception.
How do I plan a turkey hunt in California?
To make the most out of the California turkey hunting season, consider the following strategies: Scout in advance: By researching the area and scouting for turkey signs before the season begins, hunters increase their chances of success. Knowledge of the local terrain and turkey population can provide crucial information when planning a hunt.
Do you need a license to hunt turkeys in California?
Shooting hours for spring turkeys are from one half-hour before sunrise to 5 p.m. Both a valid California 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.
Where can you hunt a Turkey in California?
From the fresh, high-altitude air of the Sierra Nevadas to the relaxed coastal forests of Los Padres, Californian turkey hunting offers something for every type of turkey hunter. With the proper planning, hunters heading to the Golden State can hunt some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes and take home impressive birds.