When to Hunt Wild Turkey in Kentucky

For turkey hunting enthusiasts in Kentucky springtime brings exciting opportunities to pursue wild gobblers. Kentucky offers both youth and general statewide turkey seasons each year. If you want to bag a longbeard, it’s key to know the dates for legal turkey hunting in the state.

In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Kentucky’s annual spring turkey hunting seasons, regulations, and other key details.

Kentucky’s Youth Turkey Season

Kentucky hosts a special youth-only turkey hunting weekend aimed at giving young hunters a head start on the season.

• The youth turkey season takes place on the first Saturday and Sunday in April each year.

• In 2025, youth season will occur on April 5-6.

• Legal shooting hours are a half hour before sunrise until a half hour after sunset

• Youth hunters 15 years and under can participate. Those using firearms must be accompanied by an adult.

• The youth weekend allows each youth hunter to harvest one bearded turkey, which counts toward their overall spring limit.

• Youths must have a valid hunting license and turkey permit, unless exempt.

Giving young hunters their own weekend helps ensure a safe, productive, and fun introduction to this hunting tradition.

When is the General Turkey Season in Kentucky?

Kentucky’s regular spring turkey season takes place soon after the youth weekend.

• The general season is 23 consecutive days starting on the Saturday closest to April 15 each year.

• In 2025, the general season will run April 12 – May 4.

• Shooting hours are the same as the youth season – a half hour before sunrise to a half hour after sunset.

• Hunters must have a valid hunting license and spring turkey permit to participate.

• The bag limit is two bearded turkeys for the entire spring season. Only one turkey may be taken per day.

This 3 week window gives hunters plenty of time to scout and match wits with wild Kentucky turkeys on both public and private lands.

Fall Turkey Hunting in Kentucky

While less popular than spring, Kentucky also provides limited fall turkey hunting opportunities.

• The fall turkey season is only open in certain counties.

• The season is typically around the end of October. In 2024, it ran October 15 – November 6.

• Only archery equipment like bows can be used. No firearms are permitted.

• The fall turkey bag limit is one bird of either sex per hunter.

Consult Kentucky fishing and wildlife resources to verify legal counties and season dates each year. Fall turkey hunting can provide a great bowhunting challenge.

Turkey Hunting on Public Lands

Kentucky has many public land options managed by state and federal agencies. The two largest are Daniel Boone National Forest and Land Between the Lakes.

• Public lands have the same spring season dates and bag limits.

• Some public areas require a free permit or usage pass. Check area regulations.

• Scouting is essential on public lands to locate birds and good hunting spots.

• Be sure to respect other hunters and recreate ethically.

With ample public hunting land, Kentucky makes spring gobbler hunting accessible whether you own private acreage or not.

Understanding Turkey Hunting Regulations

It’s critical to know the rules and legal hunting methods for turkeys.

• Legal firearms include shotguns 10 gauge or smaller loaded with #4 shot or smaller.

• Bows, crossbows, and air guns are also permitted during the seasons.

• Electronic calls and live decoys are prohibited.

• Hens are off limits – only bearded turkeys may be harvested.

• All harvested turkeys must be reported through the Game Check system.

Following hunting laws and ethical practices keeps the sport fair and sustainable.

Are There Special Licenses for Landowners?

Kentucky has some exemptions from hunting license and permit requirements for resident landowners and their families.

• Resident landowners and their dependent children can hunt on their own property without a license or permit.

• Landowner spouses hunting their own property are also exempt.

• Tenants and their families are exempt on land where they live and work.

Check regulations for exceptions like deer tags. And non-residents can’t hunt without proper licenses.

Can You Get Spring Turkey Permits Online?

Absolutely! Kentucky offers digital licenses and permits for convenient online purchase.

• Buy hunting licenses, turkey permits, and more at fw.ky.gov through the KDREW licensing system.

• Digital licenses can be saved on your phone or printed at home.

• Licenses can also be purchased at local retailers. But online is quick and easy.

Take advantage of online licensing to get set up for spring gobbler success.

Spring Turkey Seasons Offer Exciting Hunting

From youth weekends to the peak of breeding season, Kentucky’s spring turkey hunting seasons provide prime times to bag a longbeard. Mark your calendar with the season dates and brush up on regulations. With preparation and scouting, you’ll be ready to hunt wild turkeys across Kentucky. Good luck this spring!