When is Turkey Season in Massachusetts? A Complete Guide

For many hunters in Massachusetts, spring turkey season is one of the most exciting times of the year The Eastern wild turkey is a prized game bird, and the chance to bag one brings hunters out in droves during the limited turkey hunting season In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about turkey season dates, regulations, hot spots, and tips for a successful hunt in Massachusetts.

Overview of Massachusetts Turkey Seasons

Massachusetts has both a spring and fall turkey hunting season. Here are the key details on both:

• Spring Turkey Season – Occurs each year starting the 4th Monday in April, and lasts 4 weeks. For 2024, spring turkey season runs April 29th through May 25th. This is the most popular season with the highest hunter participation.

• Fall Turkey Season – Much shorter than spring, the fall season lasts just 1 week. In 2024, it runs October 17th-23rd. Fewer hunters participate in the fall season.

During both seasons legal hunting hours are from a half hour before sunrise to noon. Only bearded turkeys are legal game during the spring. Either sex can be taken in the fall.

Spring Turkey Hot Spots in Massachusetts

Some of the top areas to target during spring turkey season include

• Quabbin Reservoir Area – The expansive forests surrounding the reservoir offer fantastic turkey habitat. Focus on the southern end.

• Myles Standish State Forest – This large state forest in Plymouth County holds a robust turkey population.

• Berkshires – The hills and mountains of western MA contain public land open to turkey hunting. Check out October Mountain State Forest.

• Cape Cod – While tougher to hunt, Cape Cod National Seashore allows turkey hunting during spring season.

• Central MA State Forests – Wachusett Mountain, Fitchburg and Warwick State Forests in Worcester County are prime public land turkey spots.

Fall Turkey Hunting Opportunities

The fall season in Massachusetts presents fewer turkey hunting opportunities overall compared to spring. Some of the better public lands to target in fall include:

• Blue Hills Reservation – Close to Boston yet allows shotgun hunting for turkeys in fall.

• Peru State Forest – Contains suitable mixed habitat for turkeys in the Berkshires.

• Muddy Brook Wildlife Management Area – Comprises thousands of acres open to fall turkey hunting in Hampshire County.

• Nashua River Wildlife Management Area – One of the better turkey areas in northeast MA.

Massachusetts Turkey Hunting Regulations

Several key regulations turkey hunters must follow include:

• License – Must have a valid Massachusetts hunting license and turkey permit.

• Reporting – All turkey harvested must be reported online or by phone within 48 hours.

• Bag Limit – Only 2 bearded birds during the spring season, either sex in fall.

• Legal Methods – Shotguns 10 gauge or smaller loaded with #4 shot or smaller. Archery also permitted.

• Hunter Orange – Required during fall shotgun season, not in spring.

Be sure to consult the Massachusetts Hunting Guide for additional rules and regulations. Proper planning is key to having an enjoyable and legal hunt.

Tips for Hunting Wild Turkeys in Massachusetts

Here are some key tips to fill your turkey tag in MA:

• Scout – Spend time before season scouting birds on public land and get to know their patterns.

• Use Calls – Expert calling can pull in lovesick toms during the spring breeding season. Practice with box, slate and mouth calls.

• Set Up Early – Get in position well before dawn to intercept birds leaving the roost.

• Be Patient – If one bird gets spooked, stay still. Others will likely continue on normal patterns.

• Use a Blind – Conceal yourself in a ground or pop-up blind to avoid detection.

• Stalk Carefully – Never approach roosted birds at night. Instead, set up and call to them at first light.

With preparation and practice, your odds of bagging a turkey in Massachusetts will greatly increase. Study the terrain, learn turkey biology and behaviors, and hunt safely. Before you know it, you’ll be admiring a fine Massachusetts tom!