Hunting Wild Turkeys All Day in Pennsylvania – What You Need to Know

One of the most common questions turkey hunters have is – can you hunt wild turkeys all day in Pennsylvania? The answer is yes you can hunt turkeys from sun up to sun down during the spring and fall seasons. However, there are some important factors to consider if you plan on hunting turkeys for the full day.

Pennsylvania’s Turkey Hunting Hours

The Pennsylvania Game Commission establishes legal hunting hours for wild turkeys. The regulations state turkey hunting hours are:

• Spring season: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset
• Fall season: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

So during both seasons hunting wild turkeys is legal from dawn through dusk.

Many hunters associate turkey hunting with just the early morning hours when gobblers are vocal and active. But all-day hunting can be an effective strategy as bird activity shifts later in the day.

Benefits of Hunting Turkeys All Day

Here are some of the benefits of hunting wild turkeys throughout the day instead of just the early morning:

• Increased opportunity – You can double or triple your effective hunting time compared to just hunting a few hours in the morning.

• Change of scenery – Being in the woods from dawn to dusk allows you to experience the forest transform through the day.

• Catch transition periods – Birds are on the move during transitions from roosting to feeding areas. All-day hunting allows you to catch these prime movement periods.

• Patterns change – As the day progresses, turkeys shift feeding and loafing areas requiring hunters to adapt.

• Better success rates – Statistics show success rates start to climb again in the late afternoon as birds return to roost areas.

• More calling opportunities – Calling all day long gives you more chances to strike a hot bird.

Clearly there are some great benefits to hunting wild turkeys from sunrise to sunset if your schedule allows for it.

Effective All-Day Turkey Hunting Tactics

To make the most out of a full day hunt, consider these tips:

• Pack for the long haul – Bring enough food, water, and clothing to stay comfortable and energized from dawn to dusk.

• Follow the flock – If you scatter birds in the morning, follow them and set up along their projected afternoon travel corridors.

• Midday scouting – Use the middle of the day to scout new areas for afternoon set ups when hunting pressure decreases.

• Silent calling – Try subtle purrs, clucks, and putting around midday when loud calling can make birds hang up.

• Shift locations – Be mobile and willing to pull out and change locations when bird patterns and behaviors change.

• Use the wind – As wind direction shifts during the day, adapt your hunting approach accordingly.

• Focus on food sources – In the afternoon, set up near active feeding areas like crop fields.

• Remain patient and alert – Stick it out all day long – even when things seem slow. That next gobble could happen at any time.

Putting in long hours in the turkey woods takes dedication, but it can definitely pay off in the spring and fall seasons.

Challenges of All-Day Turkey Hunting

Hunting from sunrise to sunset sounds great in theory, but it also presents some challenges including:

• Fatigue – Constantly moving and repositioning all day long leads to fatigue, especially if you did not get enough sleep the night before.

• Soreness – Sitting still for hours on end can cause back, knee, and neck soreness. Be ready to stretch and change positions.

• Boredom – Staying focused and positive when bird activity is slow can be difficult. Break up the day by calling, snacking, or scouting.

• Hunting pressure – Other hunters moving around midday can make birds skittish and ruin afternoon hunts.

• Overcalling – Calling too much, too often can make turkeys call shy later in the day. Use a conservative calling approach.

• Spooked birds – Scattered flocks in the morning may be difficult to relocate later in the day. Have backup hunting areas planned out.

The key is being mentally and physically prepared to overcome the various challenges of hunting wild turkeys from dawn to dusk.

Follow PA Hunting Regulations

Whenever hunting all day, be sure to follow all Pennsylvania turkey hunting regulations including:

• Purchase the required hunting license and turkey tag
• Only hunt during legal hours
• Wear required hunter orange in fall if moving
• Follow rules for turkey transportation and reporting

And most importantly, hunt ethically and respect fellow hunters you may encounter throughout the day.

Hunting wild turkeys from sunrise to sunset can lead to spring and fall hunting success. Just be ready to adjust strategies as bird patterns change. Stay alert, be mobile, and keep calling all day long. Let persistence and preparation be your keys to tag out by dusk. Good luck!