2024 Spring Turkey Hunt Guide
Apply for Spring Turkey Quota Permits
The first phase of spring turkey quota permit applications is open until Nov. 30!
Apply OnlineAbout Wild Turkeys
Florida is home to two subspecies of wild turkey — the eastern wild turkey and the Osceola or Florida wild turkey. The Osceola lives only on the Florida peninsula. See the wild turkey species profile for more information.
The National Wild Turkey Federation and the FWC recognize, in their respective turkey registry programs, any wild turkey harvested within or south of the counties of Dixie, Gilchrist, Alachua, Union, Bradford, Clay and Duval, to be an Osceola subspecies.
Turkey Hunting Resources
- How to Hunt Wild Turkeys
- WMA Regulations Brochures
- Hunting License and Fees
- Wild Turkey Distribution Map
- Search for Outfitters and Guides
- WMA Closures and Updates
- Quota Hunts
- National Wildlife Refuge Hunts
- Special-Opportunity Hunts
- Tips for Safe and Successful Turkey Hunting
- WMA Harvest Reports
- 2024 Wild Turkey Hunting Status Report
Hunter's Toolbox
View harvest reporting data organized by county, WMA, date of harvest, and more.
Spring Turkey Season Information
Season Dates
The 2024 spring turkey season south of State Road 70 opens March 2 and runs through April 7 on lands outside of the WMA system. North of State Road 70, the 2024 spring season opens March 16 and runs through April 21.
Bag Limits
Hunters may take bearded turkeys and gobblers only. On lands outside of the WMA system, the daily bag limit is two and the season and possession limit on turkeys is two.
License and Permit Requirements
To hunt wild turkeys on lands outside of the WMA system, hunters will need a hunting license and turkey permit, unless exempt. These licenses and permits can be purchased with a credit card at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356). They can also be purchased in Florida at county tax collectors’ offices and at most retail outlets that sell hunting/fishing supplies.
Other Regulations
On lands outside of the WMA system, any legal rifle, shotgun, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns of at least .20-caliber, muzzleloader, crossbow, bow or pistol may be used to take turkeys.
Shooting hours on lands outside of the WMA system are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Hunters may use decoys, but they are not permitted to hunt turkeys with dogs, use recorded turkey calls or sounds, or shoot turkeys on the roost. In addition, wild turkey may not be taken if the hunter is less than 100 yards from a game feeding station when feed is present.
See the Florida Hunting Regulations for more information.
Season Dates
Season dates and other rules may vary from statewide seasons and other WMAs so carefully review the WMA regulations brochure for the area you want to hunt. Find WMA Regulations brochures.
Bag Limits
Hunters may take bearded turkeys and gobblers only and the season limit is 2. On WMAs, hunters may take only one bird per day. Before hunting a WMA, carefully review the area’s regulations brochure as season dates, bag limits and other rules may vary. Find WMA Regulations brochures.
License and Permit Requirements
To hunt wild turkeys at a WMA, hunters will need a hunting license, a turkey permit and a management area permit, unless exempt. These licenses and permits can be purchased with a credit card at GoOutdoorsFlorida.com or by calling 888-HUNT-FLORIDA (486-8356). They can also be purchased in Florida at county tax collectors’ offices and at most retail outlets that sell hunting/fishing supplies.
NOTE: Many WMAs require a quota permit to hunt during spring turkey season and November is the time to apply for those quota permits.
Other Regulations
Before hunting a WMA, carefully review the area’s regulations brochure as season dates and other rules may vary. Also, check the area’s open/closed status to determine its availability to public access, and if there are any road closures or updates about check stations or entrances.
Shooting hours during spring turkey season on most WMAs are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. On some WMAs, spring turkey shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to 1 p.m.
Any legal shotgun using #2 or smaller shot size, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns propelling a bolt or arrow, crossbow, or bow may be used to take wild turkeys.
Hunters may use decoys, but they are not permitted to hunt turkeys with dogs, use recorded turkey calls or sounds, or shoot turkeys on the roost, or over bait.
The FWC offers two Youth Spring Turkey Hunt Weekends for youth 15 years old and younger on many wildlife management areas (WMAs) and lands outside of the WMA system. Learn more about these Youth Turkey Hunt Weekends.
If you harvested a turkey with an 11- inch beard or longer and spurs measuring at least 1 ¼ inches, you can apply for an “Outstanding Gobbler Certificate” and have your name listed in FWC’s Wild Turkey Registry.
In addition, hunters under the age of 16 who have harvested their first gobbler can apply for a "First Gobbler Certificate," regardless of beard or spur measurements.
Learn more about FWC's Wild Turkey Registry, including the complete listing and applications for both certificates.
WMAs You Can Hunt Without a Quota Permit
Many WMAs offering spring turkey hunting require a quota permit. The FWC also offers WMAs that do not require a quota permit, and you can find those areas by reviewing the list and map below.
Before heading afield, carefully review the WMA regulations brochure for the area you want to hunt. Some WMAs require a quota permit for a portion of their season while a daily quota permit issued from the check station is needed at others. In addition, area season dates, bag limits, shooting hours and other rules may vary from statewide seasons and other WMAs. Also, always check the WMA's open/closed status to determine its availability to public access and if there are any road closures or other area updates.
