As a passionate turkey hunter I often get asked when is turkey hunting season in California. With different seasons for fall and spring, as well as variations for archery and general methods it can get a bit confusing. Here, I’ll break down everything you need to know about California turkey hunting seasons, bag limits, and licenses.

Overview of California Turkey Seasons

There are two main turkey hunting seasons in California – a fall season and a spring season Here’s a quick overview

• Fall Turkey Season: Runs for 30 days, usually from early-mid November into early December.

• Spring Turkey Season: Runs for 37 days, from late March into early May.

Within these seasons there are also separate archery-only seasons, as well as special junior hunting days. Bag limits and license requirements vary between the seasons.

Fall Turkey Hunting Season

The fall turkey season generally opens on the second Saturday in November and runs for 30 consecutive days. For 2023, opening day is November 11th.

Hunters can take one either-sex bird per day, with a total season limit of 2 birds. Only shotguns and archery equipment are permitted. Shooting hours are from half an hour before sunrise to sunset each day.

A general California hunting license and upland game bird validation are required. The turkey must be tagged and reported to CDFW.

Spring Turkey Hunting Season

The general spring turkey season is much longer at 37 days, opening on the last Saturday in March and running into early May. In 2023, it opens on March 25th and closes May 7th.

Only bearded turkeys are legal for harvest in spring. The daily bag limit is 1 bearded turkey, with a season limit of 3 bearded turkeys.

During the first two days of the season the daily limit is 2 bearded turkeys. An upland game bird validation is required along with the hunting license.

Archery-Only Turkey Seasons

There are separate archery-only turkey seasons that give hunters extra opportunities outside of the general seasons:

• Fall Archery: Typically a few weeks in October

• Spring Archery: Typically the last 2 weeks of May

Bag limits for archery are the same as the general seasons. Only bows and crossbows are permitted, no guns.

Special Junior Hunting Days

Junior hunters under 17 who have a valid license can also hunt during special youth hunting days:

• Fall: Usually the weekend before the general season opens

• Spring: The weekend before opening day and the last 2 weeks of the season

The Complete Guide to Turkey Hunting Seasons, Rules and Licenses in California

California offers turkey hunters the chance to chase wild birds during both spring and fall seasons throughout the state. With careful regulations and proper management, the turkey population continues to thrive, providing ample hunting opportunities. This guide will cover everything you need to know about turkey hunting seasons, rules, permits, and licenses in California.

Overview of Turkey Hunting Seasons in California

There are two main turkey hunting seasons in the state:

• Fall Turkey Season – A 30 day season running from early-mid November into early December

• Spring Turkey Season – A longer 37 day season from late March to early May

Exact opener and closer dates vary each year. There are also special youth hunting days and archery-only seasons.

Fall Turkey Hunting Season

• Season Length: 30 consecutive days, typically opening on the 2nd Saturday in November

• 2023 Dates: November 11 – December 10

• Bag Limit: 1 turkey of either sex per day, 2 total per season

• Legal Methods: Shotguns and archery only

• Shooting Hours: Sunrise to sunset

• Licenses: Hunting license and upland game bird validation required

• Reporting: Harvested turkeys must be tagged and reported to CDFW

Spring Turkey Hunting Season

• Season Length: 37 days from late March to early May

• 2023 Dates: March 25 – May 7

• Bag Limit: 1 bearded turkey per day, 3 per season. 2 per day on first 2 days.

• Legal Methods: All methods, including firearms and archery

• Licenses: Hunting license and upland game bird validation required

• Reporting: Harvested turkeys must be tagged and reported to CDFW

Archery-Only Turkey Seasons

• Fall Archery: Typically in October for 2-3 weeks

• Spring Archery: Last 2 weeks in May

• Bag Limits: Same as general season

• Licenses: Same as general season

Junior Turkey Hunting Days

• Fall: 1 weekend prior to opener for junior license holders

• Spring: 1 weekend before opener and last 2 weeks of season

• Bag Limits: Same as general season

• Licenses: Valid junior hunting license required

Turkey Hunting Rules and Regulations

• Hunters must possess a valid California hunting license and upland game bird validation.

• Legal hunting methods include shotguns, bows, and crossbows depending on season.

• Non-lead ammunition is required on all state lands.

• Shooting hours are from half an hour before sunrise to sunset.

• There are strict limits on the number of shells shotguns can hold while hunting turkeys.

• All harvested turkeys must be tagged with provided CDFW tags and reported to the department.

Following the season dates, bag limits, rules, and license requirements will ensure an ethical and legal turkey hunt in California. Consider buying your license early to avoid any issues!

Turkey Hunting Licenses and Permits

To legally hunt turkeys in California, you need:

• California Hunting License
• Upland Game Bird Validation
• Turkey Tags
• Upland Game Bird Stamps (optional collectible)

Non-residents will need a non-resident hunting license. Junior hunters need a junior hunting license.

Be sure to review the current license fees and buy your required tags, stamps, and validations early. Know the rules and hunting seasons, and you’ll be set for an epic spring or fall turkey hunt in California!