Gobbler, gobbler, gobble! The sound of a wild turkey gobbling in the spring woods is a sure sign that it’s turkey season in Missouri. And if you’re a turkey hunter, you know that there’s nothing quite like the thrill of the chase. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-timer, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of the 2024 Missouri Spring Turkey Season.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) sets the regulations for the spring turkey season each year. In general, the season runs from early April to mid-May, with specific dates varying by county. You can find the exact dates for your county on the MDC website. To hunt turkeys in Missouri, you’ll need a valid hunting license and a turkey permit. You can purchase these online or at any MDC office. Here are some tips to help you be successful in the 2024 Missouri Spring Turkey Season:
Now that you know the basics of the Missouri Spring Turkey Season 2024, it’s time to start planning your hunt. Good luck, and may the gobbles be in your favor!
Missouri Spring Turkey Season 2024
Gobbler season is almost here! Here are six important points to remember for the 2024 Missouri Spring Turkey Season:
- Season Dates: Early April – Mid-May (varies by county)
- License and Permit: Required
- Bag Limit: 2 turkeys per season
- Hunting Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- Methods: Shotgun, archery, crossbow
- Safety: Always wear blaze orange
Good luck to all the turkey hunters in Missouri! May your season be filled with gobbles and successful hunts.
Season Dates: Early April – Mid-May (varies by county)
The Missouri Spring Turkey Season 2024 will run from early April to mid-May, but the exact dates vary by county. This is because turkeys breed at different times in different parts of the state. To find out the exact dates for your county, you can visit the MDC website or check the Missouri Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet.
The MDC sets the season dates based on a number of factors, including the turkey population, the weather, and the breeding cycle of the turkeys. By setting different season dates for different counties, the MDC is able to ensure that turkeys are harvested at a sustainable level and that hunters have a fair chance at a successful hunt.
If you’re planning a turkey hunting trip to Missouri in 2024, be sure to check the season dates for your county before you go. You can also find information on turkey hunting regulations, hunting methods, and safety tips on the MDC website.
Here are some tips for choosing the best time to hunt turkeys in Missouri:
- Early Season: The early season (early April) is a good time to hunt turkeys if you’re looking for a more challenging hunt. The turkeys are still in their winter flocks and they’re not as vocal as they will be later in the season. However, the weather can be unpredictable in early April, so be prepared for cold and wet conditions.
- Mid Season: The mid season (late April to early May) is the most popular time to hunt turkeys in Missouri. The turkeys are starting to break up their flocks and they’re becoming more vocal. The weather is also usually more mild and predictable.
- Late Season: The late season (mid-May) can be a good time to hunt turkeys if you’re looking for a more relaxed hunt. The turkeys are starting to nest and they’re not as active as they were earlier in the season. However, the hunting pressure is also usually lower during the late season.
No matter when you choose to hunt turkeys in Missouri, be sure to do your research and be prepared for a challenging and rewarding experience.
License and Permit: Required
In order to hunt turkeys in Missouri during the 2024 Spring Turkey Season, you will need a valid hunting license and a turkey permit. Both of these can be purchased online or at any MDC office.
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Hunting License:
A Missouri hunting license is required for all hunters, regardless of age. You can purchase a resident or non-resident hunting license. The cost of a resident hunting license is $15, and the cost of a non-resident hunting license is $250.
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Turkey Permit:
In addition to a hunting license, you will also need a turkey permit to hunt turkeys in Missouri. The cost of a turkey permit is $10 for residents and $30 for non-residents. You can purchase a turkey permit online or at any MDC office.
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Youth Hunting License:
Hunters under the age of 16 do not need a hunting license, but they do need a turkey permit. The cost of a youth turkey permit is $5.
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Disability Hunting Permit:
Hunters with disabilities may be eligible for a disability hunting permit. This permit allows hunters with disabilities to hunt from a motorized vehicle or to use a crossbow during the archery season. To apply for a disability hunting permit, you must submit a completed application to the MDC.
Once you have purchased your hunting license and turkey permit, you will need to carry them with you while you are hunting. You will also need to have your hunting license and turkey permit with you when you check in your turkey at a MDC check station.
Bag Limit: 2 turkeys per season
The bag limit for turkeys in Missouri is 2 turkeys per season. This means that you can harvest up to 2 turkeys during the entire spring turkey season, regardless of the number of days you hunt or the number of counties you hunt in. However, you can only harvest one turkey per day.
The bag limit is in place to ensure that turkeys are harvested at a sustainable level and that all hunters have a fair chance at a successful hunt. It is also important to note that the bag limit includes both male and female turkeys. So, if you harvest a male turkey and a female turkey, you have reached your bag limit for the season.
If you harvest a turkey, you are required to check it in at a MDC check station within 48 hours. You will need to have your hunting license, turkey permit, and the turkey with you when you check it in. The MDC will then issue you a turkey tag that you must attach to the turkey.
Here are some tips for staying within the bag limit:
- Be selective about the turkeys you harvest. Don’t shoot the first turkey you see. Wait for a mature gobbler or a hen with a brood of poults.
- Keep track of the turkeys you harvest. Make sure you know how many turkeys you have harvested and how many you have left to harvest.
- Don’t exceed the bag limit. If you reach your bag limit, stop hunting for turkeys for the season.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a successful and ethical turkey hunt.
Hunting Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
The hunting hours for the Missouri Spring Turkey Season 2024 are from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. This means that you can start hunting turkeys 30 minutes before the sun rises and you must stop hunting turkeys when the sun sets.
The reason for the restricted hunting hours is to give turkeys a chance to feed and roost undisturbed. Turkeys are most active in the early morning and late evening hours, so these are the best times to hunt them. However, you can still be successful in hunting turkeys during the middle of the day, especially if you find a flock of turkeys that are feeding in a field or a forest clearing.
It is important to be aware of the hunting hours and to make sure that you are not hunting turkeys before or after the legal hunting hours. If you are caught hunting turkeys outside of the legal hunting hours, you could be fined or even have your hunting license revoked.
Here are some tips for making the most of the hunting hours:
- Arrive at your hunting spot early. This will give you time to set up your decoys and calls before the turkeys start gobbling.
- Be patient. Turkeys can be very unpredictable, so it is important to be patient and wait for the right opportunity to take a shot.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you know where other hunters are located and be careful not to shoot in their direction.
- Follow all safety regulations. Always wear blaze orange when hunting turkeys and be sure to keep your gun pointed in a safe direction.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that you have a safe and successful turkey hunt.