When Does Fall Turkey Season Start in Pennsylvania?

Fall turkey season is an exciting time for hunters across Pennsylvania. As the leaves start to change color and the temperatures begin to drop, it signals that fall turkey season is right around the corner. But when exactly does fall turkey season start in Pennsylvania? Let’s take a closer look.

An Overview of Fall Turkey Season in PA

Fall turkey season generally runs from early November through late November across most of Pennsylvania However, season dates can vary slightly depending on the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) The Pennsylvania Game Commission divides the state into 22 WMUs to manage wildlife populations and set hunting seasons accordingly.

Most WMUs open fall turkey season on the first Saturday in November But a few WMUs in northcentral and northwestern Pennsylvania open a week earlier in late October Fall turkey season runs 2-3 weeks in most WMUs, Though a handful of WMUs in western Pennsylvania are open for fall turkey hunting for most of November into late December,

After Thanksgiving, fall turkey season reopens for a 3 day period (Wed-Fri) in select WMUs. This allows hunters another chance to bag a bird after the Thanksgiving holiday.

• October 29 – First day of fall turkey season in WMUs 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D
• November 5 – Opening day for most of the state
• November 23-25 – Thanksgiving 3 day reopening in certain WMUs
• November 26 – Fall turkey season closes for most of PA

Be sure to check the hunting regulations for your WMU to confirm the exact fall season dates. The Pennsylvania Game Commission provides an online map of WMU boundaries to make it easy to determine which unit you will be hunting in.

Why Hunt Fall Turkeys in Pennsylvania?

Many hunters get excited for fall turkey season because it offers a few advantages over the spring season.

One of the biggest perks of hunting fall turkeys is that you can harvest either sex. In the spring season, only bearded birds (usually males) can be taken. But in the fall, hens and jakes are fair game as well. This gives hunters more flexibility and opportunity to fill their tag.

Cooler fall temperatures also motivate turkey flocks to stay in food sources and cover This makes them more patternable as they establish daily routines traveling between roosting and feeding areas

In addition, vegetation is less dense in the fall compared to spring. This makes it easier to spot and stalk flocks of turkeys moving around.

The challenge of calling in warier flocks during the fall season also appeals to hunters looking to test their skills. Fall turkeys are not as apt to respond to calling compared to the spring breeding season. So successful calling takes more finesse and patience.

Overall, the fall season provides a nice change of pace for turkey hunters in Pennsylvania. The weather is crisp, the colors are vibrant, and turkeys offer a different hunt compared to the spring.

Fall Turkey Hunting Regulations in PA

Several important regulations apply for fall turkey hunting in Pennsylvania. Being familiar with these rules will ensure you have an ethical and legal hunt.

• Tagging – After harvesting a bird, hunters must immediately attach their turkey tag to the leg before moving the turkey. Tags are provided with hunting licenses.
• Reporting – All fall turkey harvests must be reported within 10 days to the PA Game Commission by phone, online, or by mail.
• No rifles – Only shotguns and archery tackle can be used to harvest fall turkeys. Rifles and other firearms are prohibited.
• No baiting – Baiting turkeys is illegal. But hunting over normal agricultural plantings is permitted.
• Fluorescent orange – Fall turkey hunters are no longer required to wear orange, but it is highly recommended.

Be sure to consult the PA hunting digest for additional rules and regulations that apply to fall turkey hunting. There are also specific requirements for mentored hunters under 7 years old who receive a turkey tag from their mentor.

Outlook for the 2022 Fall Turkey Season

The Pennsylvania Game Commission conducts an annual summer turkey sighting survey to estimate poult production across the state. The results help predict what kind of season is in store for the coming fall.

The 2022 survey showed promising signs for fall turkey hunters. Poult production was above average with good recruitment rates reported across all WMUs.

This suggests favorable conditions during the spring and summer allowed for productive hen turkey nesting and brood rearing. More poults mean more juvenile birds will be entering the fall population.

In addition, fall season lengths were increased this year in several WMUs based on positive turkey population trends. So 2022 should be a good year to pursue fall turkeys in Pennsylvania.

Tips for Hunting Fall Turkeys

Here are some helpful tips for having a successful fall turkey season:

• Scout early – Locate flocks and patterns their movements between roosting, feeding, and loafing areas before opening day.

• Focus on food sources – Crops like corn, apples, acorns, and other mast are turkey magnets in the fall.

• Sit all day – Be patient and sit for full morning and afternoon sessions. Turkeys are less mobile than spring.

• Use decoys sparingly – Decoys can pull in curious birds but also make them wary. Avoid overusing them.

• Call softly – Use subtle clucks, purrs, and yelps rather than loud calling to bring in fall turkeys.

• Watch the weather – Hunt during spells of high pressure after cold fronts when turkeys are actively feeding.

Following these tips and reviewing the hunting regulations will set you up for an exciting fall turkey hunt in Pennsylvania this season. As the leaves start to drop, it’s time to get your gear ready and start scouting for turkeys. Good luck!