When Does Turkey Season Start in Virginia? A Complete Guide

As an avid turkey hunter, I always look forward to spring in Virginia. That’s because it means turkey season is right around the corner! Virginia provides excellent turkey hunting opportunities across the state. With proper preparation and timing, you can have an extremely successful turkey season in the Old Dominion. In this article, I’ll provide a complete guide on when the 2024 turkey season starts in Virginia along with some helpful tips to fill your tag.

Overview of Virginia Turkey Season Dates

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) regulates the turkey hunting seasons and rules in the state Here is an overview of the different turkey seasons and dates for 2024

• Youth and Apprentice Spring Turkey Weekend – April 6-7, 2024 This weekend is open to youth under 15 and apprentice license holders only

• Spring Turkey Season – April 13 – May 18, 2024. This is the main spring season open to all licensed turkey hunters.

  • April 13 – April 28: 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12 noon daily

  • April 29 – May 18: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset daily

• Archery Turkey Season – October 9 – November 19, 2024. Open for archery tackle only.

• Fall Turkey Season – Varies by county, runs October 25 – January 25, 2024. Check regulations for your county.

• Youth and Apprentice Fall Turkey Weekend – October 14-15, 2024. Weekend for youth and apprentice license holders only.

As you can see, there are ample seasons and opportunities to hunt turkeys in Virginia in both the spring and the fall. The opening and closing dates vary depending on the type of season.

When to Start Hunting in Spring Turkey Season

The main spring turkey season in Virginia runs from April 13 – May 18, 2024. During the first part of the season from April 13-28, hunting hours are limited to 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12 noon daily. The second part of the season from April 29 – May 18 expands the hours to 1/2 before sunrise to sunset.

You may be wondering when the optimal time is to start hunting during the spring season. Here are some tips:

• Opening weekend – Hunt opening weekend (April 13-14) if you can. This is when gobbler activity will be high as they are fired up for the start of breeding season. Pressure will be high too though.

• First 2 weeks – Target the first two weeks of the season from April 13-28. Gobblers are still very active this time of year.

• Later season – Don’t overlook late season after May 1st. Less hunters are out and gobblers are still responsive as hens are sitting on nests.

• Weather patterns – Hunt when conditions areoptimal. Warm, sunny days are ideal. Gobblers vocalize more when the weather improves after cold snaps.

No matter what part of the season you hunt, scout pre-season and be flexible to capitalize on peak gobbler activity.

Fall Turkey Season Dates

Virginia also provides outstanding fall turkey hunting opportunities. The fall season dates in Virginia vary by county and zone. Generally the season runs from October 25 – January 25. I would recommend checking the DWR hunting regulations for your specific county.

Some key points about the Virginia fall turkey season:

• Archery tackle only in certain counties.

• Generally opens October 25 statewide.

• Youth and apprentice weekend is October 14-15.

• Most counties are open Nov 25 – Jan 25 as well.

• Limits and rules differ from spring season.

Fall is a fantastic time to hunt turkeys in Virginia. The weather is mild, foliage is changing, and there is less hunting pressure. Make sure to take advantage of the full fall season to scout and harvest a turkey.

3 Tips for Hunting the Opening Weekend

The opening weekend of Virginia’s spring turkey season (April 13-14 in 2024) is an exciting time! Here are three tips to help you be successful during the opening weekend:

1. Scout pre-season – Scouting pre-season is critical to locate active gobblers and have a game plan for opening day. Look for signs like tracks, scratching, and droppings in known roosting areas.

2. Use locators calls sparingly – Limit your calling the first few days to not overcall and educate the birds in your hunting area. Focus on roosted birds and call softly.

3. Be mobile – Don’t get stuck sitting in one spot opening weekend. Be prepared to move around until you locate a hot gobbler willing to commit. Stay mobile.

Follow these tips and hunt safely on opening weekend. With some pre-planning, you can bag a gobbler on the first day in Virginia!

License and Permits Required

To hunt turkeys in Virginia, you will need the proper licenses and permits. Here are the requirements:

• Hunting license – Appropriate Virginia resident or non-resident general hunting license.

• Turkey license – All hunters need a special turkey license or turkey license stamp.

• Harvest permit – Needed to check in any turkeys harversted. Report within 24 hours.

• Hunter safety card – Proof of completing an approved hunter education course.

Make sure you meet Virginia’s license and permit requirements before heading out to hunt turkeys. Purchases can be made on the DWR website or a license agent. Fines for hunting without the proper licenses are very expensive.

Bag Limits for Virginia Turkeys

Virginia has generous turkey bag limits that allow you to harvest up to three birds per license year. However, there are some specifics you need to know about the bag limits:

• Daily limit: 1 turkey per day during the spring and fall seasons

• Spring season – 1 bearded turkey only per day

• Fall season – Either sex turkeys allowed

• License year limit – 3 turkeys total, no more than 2 in the fall season

As you can see, you can harvest up to three birds total if you hunt both the spring and fall seasons in Virginia. Follow all tagging and reporting requirements.

Safety Tips for Turkey Hunting

Hunting wild turkeys can be an extremely rewarding experience. However, safety should always be your top priority:

• Treat every gun as if it’s loaded – don’t rely on “safety” mechanisms. Handle firearms safely.

• Be sure of your target and what is beyond it – know the backdrop when you pull the trigger.

• Use a facemask and camo clothing when setting up. Turkeys have incredible eyesight.

• Sit still and don’t move once birds are nearby – the slightest movement can spook turkeys.

• Never stalk a turkey for a shot attempt – only take shots at birds that approach your setup.

Follow these tips, hunt ethically, and promote safe turkey hunting for all.

Consider Hiring an Outfitter

For non-resident hunters traveling to Virginia, hiring an outfitter for your hunt can be beneficial. Outfitters provide guided hunts, access to private land you otherwise couldn’t hunt, and lodging/meals.

Although more expensive than DIY public land hunting, a guided turkey hunt in Virginia improves your odds by hunting pressured birds on private property. Outfitters also provide shotgun rentals, calls, decoys, and other gear so you can travel light.

Do your research to find a reputable guide service that offers spring and/or fall turkey hunts on their properties. This is a great option to ensure you’ll be hunting when the season opens.

In Closing

Spring turkey hunting in the state of Virginia is an amazing experience every hunter should try. With a long season from April to May, ample public land opportunities, and generous bag limits – you can expect fantastic turkey hunting.

Be sure to plan around the opening dates in early spring and obtain all required licenses and permits. Apply the tips in this article, and you’ll be sure to have a successful turkey season in Virginia. Wishing everyone the best of luck this spring gobbler season. Be safe and make great memories out there!