When is Youth Turkey Season in Ohio?

Turkey hunting is a popular pastime in Ohio that allows hunters of all ages to get outside and enjoy nature One of the most exciting times for young hunters is the youth turkey season, which takes place each spring before the regular season opens. But when exactly is youth turkey season in Ohio? Let’s take a closer look

An Overview of Youth Turkey Season

The youth turkey season is a special weekend set aside just for young hunters ages 17 and under. It takes place on the weekend before the south zone opening day. During these two days, only hunters age 17 and younger may hunt wild turkeys. All other spring season rules and regulations apply.

The purpose of the youth season is to give young hunters an opportunity to go out before the regular crowds and pressure from adult hunters. It allows them to learn and gain experience hunting turkeys in a safe, mentored environment. An adult must accompany youth hunters to provide guidance.

When is Youth Turkey Season in 2025?

For 2025, Ohio’s youth turkey season will take place on April 12-13. Here are the key details

• Dates: April 12-13, 2025
• Youth 17 years of age and younger may participate.
• All spring turkey hunting rules and regulations apply.
• Adult mentor must accompany the young hunter.
• Only turkeys with visible beards may be harvested.
• Bag limit is one bearded turkey per day, two bearded turkeys total.

So mark your calendars for April 12-13, 2025 if you want to take a young hunter out for their special weekend this spring!

Why Go Hunting During Youth Turkey Season?

There are several great reasons to take advantage of Ohio’s youth turkey season:

• It’s a chance for young hunters to go out before the regular crowds and avoid adult pressure. Less competition can mean better success rates.

• Youth can learn valuable skills like scouting, setting up, calling, and safe shooting. A mentored hunt is the perfect environment for gaining hands-on experience.

• Harvesting a turkey is a huge accomplishment for a young hunter and great for their confidence.

• Spending time outdoors together makes for priceless family memories.

• Participation in hunting keeps tradition alive and introduces youth to a lifelong pastime.

So don’t just wait for the regular opening day. Take your kid, grandkid, neighbor or family friend out during youth season and make some spring memories!

Youth Turkey Hunting Rules and Regulations

If you plan on taking a young hunter out during the special youth weekend, make sure you know the rules and regulations:

• Youth hunters must be age 17 or younger.

• They must be accompanied by a non-hunting adult mentor. The mentor must remain in close enough proximity to provide direct supervision.

• Only shotguns using shot and archery equipment like bows are legal for spring turkey hunting. No other firearms may be used.

• Shooting hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.

• Only bearded turkeys may be harvested. Hens are off limits.

• The bag limit is one bearded turkey per day, with a total of two bearded turkeys for the youth season weekend.

• All turkeys harvested must be tagged and checked according to regulations.

• Hunting over bait and electronic calling devices are prohibited.

Make sure young hunters are aware of all rules and hunting safely. Purchase their youth hunting license and turkey permit ahead of time so they’ll be ready to go on youth season weekend.

Ohio’s Regular Spring Turkey Season

While the special youth weekend provides early opportunities, don’t forget about Ohio’s regular spring turkey season for hunters of all ages:

• Northeast Zone: May 3 – June 1, 2025

• South Zone: April 19 – May 18, 2025

The northeast zone includes Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties. The south zone covers the remaining 83 counties. Specific dates for shooting hours and weekends vary between the zones, so consult the regulations.

Adult hunters and mentors can look forward to heading back out into the spring woods after the youth weekend is over. The broader spring season gives many more chances to call in that trophy tom or help a newcomer bag their first bearded bird.

Get Ready for Spring Turkey Hunting

Ohio offers excellent turkey hunting opportunities across the state. Don’t let the youth weekend pass you by without taking a young hunter out to enjoy their special days. Spending time focused on the next generation of sportsmen and women is incredibly rewarding.

Be sure to brush up on rules, scouting tips and calling techniques ahead of time. Acquire your permits and licenses, pattern your shotgun, assemble your gear, and tune up your calls. If you plan and prepare properly, you and your hunting buddy could have a spring season to remember!