The Ultimate Guide to Pennsylvania Turkey Season 2023

Pennsylvania is the perfect destination for turkey hunters and enthusiasts alike. With a range of topography, it offers excellent opportunities for hunting in the spring and fall seasons. The 2023 Pennsylvania Turkey Season is expected to be an exciting time, with seasoned veterans and beginners alike getting in on the action. In this ultimate guide to Pennsylvania Turkey Season 2023, we will take a look at everything you need to know about the schedules, regulations, permits, and other vital information.

PA Turkey Season 2023: Schedule

Pennsylvania offers autumn turkey hunting from late October to late November, with some exceptions in certain WMUs. The spring gobbler shooting season starts in late April and lasts till late May. During the spring season, hunters can capture two birds. The hunting hours vary depending on the date.

Spring turkey Season (Bearded bird only)

– Hunting Dates: April 27 – May 31
– Daily Limit: 1
– Season Limit: 2
– Special License Requirement: Second gobbler requires a valid special wild turkey license.
– Hunting Hours:
– May 4–18: Half an hour before sunrise until noon;
– May 20–31: Half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset.

Fall turkey Season (Wild Turkey -Male or Female)

– Start Dates: October 28, 2023
– End Dates: November 17, 2023
– Bag Limit: 1 Turkey in all combined seasons
– Hunting Hours:
– WMUs 2B: November 22, 2023 – November 24, 2023
– WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D, and 4E: October 28, 2023 – November 4, 2023
– WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, and 4C: October 28, 2023 – November 11, 2023
– WMUs 2C, 2D, and 2E: October 28, 2023 – November 11, 2023 & November 22, 2023 – November 24, 2023
– WMUs 5B: October 31, 2023 – November 2, 2023
– WMUs 5A, 5C, and 5D: Closed for Fall Turkey Season.

Regulations and Permits

To participate in turkey hunting in Pennsylvania, individuals must have a hunting license and permits. The cost of licenses and permits varies depending on the type and residency status.

Turkey Hunting Licenses

Pennsylvania offers a range of licenses, including Resident and Nonresident Adult Hunting licenses, Resident Junior Hunting License, Resident Hunting Heritage and Senior Licenses, and more.

PA Turkey Hunting Permits

The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers a range of permits for turkey hunting, including Resident and Nonresident Mentored Youth, Adult, and Junior Hunting Permits.

Tagging Requirements

After a successful turkey hunt, hunters must tag the bird, using the tags included with their license. The tag must be firmly fastened to a limb until the bird is ready for cooking or mounting. Hunters must also submit their harvest reports within ten days of harvest.

Hunting Regulations

Pennsylvania has several hunting regulations specific to turkey hunting, including the use of single projectile-firing weapons, the requirement of hunting blinds from artificial materials, and the prohibition of turkey-hunting nets with spread wings.

Conclusion

Pennsylvania Turkey Season 2023 offers a range of opportunities for turkey hunters. Hunters can participate in spring and autumn turkey hunting using their hunting licenses and permits. As always, it is critical to follow all regulations and requirements while hunting.

FAQs

Q1. Can I use my firearms during the autumn bird shooting seasons?

Q2. Is it necessary to submit a harvest report every time I capture a bird during the spring gobbler shooting season?

Q3. Can I use tree blinds while hunting turkeys in Pennsylvania?

Q4. What is the tagging requirement for a successful turkey hunt in Pennsylvania?

Q5. Can I buy a resident hunting license if I live out of state?