The Ultimate Guide to Pennsylvania’s 2023 Spring Gobbler Hunting Season
Spring turkey hunting season is fast approaching, and Pennsylvania hunters are gearing up for a successful season. With the mild winter and recruitment success over the last several years, this year’s season is expected to be fruitful. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything hunters need to know about the 2023 Spring Gobbler Hunting Season, from necessary licenses to hunting strategies.
Licenses and Tags
- General Hunting License
- Resident Adult License Cost: $20.97
- Junior License Cost (Under 16): $6.97
- Second Turkey Tag Cost: $21.97
Hunting Season Dates
Youth Season:
- April 22nd until noon
- Only for eligible junior hunters
- One spring gobbler only
Statewide Season:
- April 29th until May 13th
- Hunting allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise until noon
- May 15th until May 30th
- Hunting allowed from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset
- Daily limit: 1, Season limit: 2
Special Wild Turkey License Season:
- Second spring gobbler can only be legally taken with a special wild turkey license
- Only available to those who already possess a valid license
Where to Find Turkeys for Hunting?
The natural recruitment of jakes into the adult population allows for a stable population in different regions of Pennsylvania, including some where the populations have declined. However, hunters need to scout and understand the age structure of the gobblers where they are scouting to be successful.
Scouting locations where turkeys gathered
Gone are the days when turkeys flock to the same area year after year. Spring turkey hunting requires scouting to locate the areas where turkeys are gathered and roosting. Turkeys move from one location to another, making it essential for hunters to keep their eyes open and scout the areas before the season begins.
Identifying young birds and ‘longbeards’
Hunters tend to focus their attention on ‘longbeards’ or 2-year old birds. They tend to be the most vocal and vulnerable to hunting. Turkey hunters, therefore, need to identify them and monitor their movements to have a successful hunt. This requires patience, good eyesight, and the ability to identify the birds during scouting.
Hunting Tips
Use decoys to lure gobblers in
Strategic placement of decoys can be an effective strategy in luring gobblers into the range of your shot. Decoys allow the hens to lure gobblers close to your position while giving you ample time to prep and take your shot.
Sit patiently
Spring turkey hunting requires patience and perseverance. Hunters will need to wait long hours for the turkeys to show up while sitting quietly. Hunters need to be prepared to sit for long periods and embrace silence when necessary.
Be prepared for long-range shots
When it comes to turkey hunting, you need to be prepared for long-range shots. Turkeys have excellent eyesight, making it difficult for hunters to get within their range. Hunters need to be good, precise shots, with reliable and accurate guns.
Play hard to get with calling
If the gobblers don’t respond to your hen calls, play hard to get. Change the sound and tone of your calls, wait quietly for a while, and use a call sparingly, mixing it with soft clucks and purrs. Gobblers’ natural instincts are to pursue objects that retreat from them.
Conclusion
Spring turkey hunting season is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors, test your sense of patience, and hone your skills as a hunter. Being fully equipped and familiarizing yourself with the available hunting techniques can take you a long way. Follow the hunting tips discussed above, scout for the areas where the birds gather, and be patient enough to wait. Remember to follow hunting regulations, use the right gear, and maintain a safe environment for your hunt.
FAQs:
Q1. Can I hunt turkeys without the required licenses?
It is illegal to hunt or kill turkeys without the appropriate licenses. Be sure to have all the necessary permits and tags before heading out to the field.
Q2.How can I identify a young bird or ‘longbeard’?
Longbeards have longer beards and spurs than young birds. To identify a longbeard at a distance, hunters should use binoculars or a rifle scope. Young birds tend to be smaller and less vocal.
Q3. What should I include in my hunting essentials?
Some of the hunting essentials include hunting gear, binoculars, a turkey vest, a shotgun, choke tubes, and ammo. Be sure to carry your hunting license and tag with you, as well as a good pair of boots and water. Don’t forget to pack a camera too!
Q4. What should I avoid when turkey hunting?
Do not use gobbler calls in the fall, do not wear red, white, or blue clothing which can resemble the colors of a gobbler’s head, and avoid overshooting your target. As a safety precaution, hunters should avoid carrying a decoy that resembles a wild turkey when moving through the woods.
Q5. Can I hunt on Sundays?
It is illegal to hunt on Sundays in Pennsylvania. Hunting is only allowed on weekdays.
