Regular spring turkey season for all licensed turkey hunters opens May 1 throughout St. Lawrence County.

Spring turkey harvests in New York typically range between 16,000 and 18,000 birds, depending on hunter participation and turkey breeding productivity in previous years. With improved turkey production in recent seasons, DEC is optimistic for a productive spring hunt.

While turkey populations have declined from their early-2000s peak, numbers remain stable statewide. DEC continues to monitor trends and support conservation efforts to ensure sustainable hunting opportunities for future generations. Hunters contribute to this effort by reporting harvests and participating in surveys.

Key Regulations for Spring Turkey Season (May 1–31, 2025):

• Spring turkey hunting is open throughout most of New York State, excluding New York City and Nassau County.
• Hunters must possess both a valid hunting license and turkey permit.
• Legal hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise until noon.
• Hunters may take up to two bearded turkeys during the season, but only one per day. In Suffolk County (Wildlife Management Unit 1C), the limit is one turkey per season.
• Only shotguns or handguns loaded with shot sizes between No. 2 and No. 9, bows, or crossbows may be used (note: crossbows are prohibited in Westchester and Suffolk counties).
• All harvested turkeys must be tagged immediately and reported within seven days of harvest.

For more detailed regulations and updates, hunters are encouraged to consult the DEC's Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the DEC website.

Safety Reminders for Turkey Hunters:

• Never stalk turkey sounds; assume any noise could be another hunter.
• Clearly identify your target before firing.
• Wear hunter orange when walking and display it near your setup location.
• Avoid wearing red, white, or blue—colors found on wild turkeys.
• Carry harvested turkeys or decoys wrapped in hunter orange.
• Smaller shot sizes (No. 4, 5, 6, or new technology No. 8 or 9) provide better pattern density. Hunters should pattern their firearm to ensure accuracy.

Licensing and Resources:

Sporting licenses can be purchased online, by phone, or in person at over 1,100 license issuing agents across the state. While digital licenses can be shown via the HuntFishNY app, a physical turkey carcass tag must be carried while hunting.

Hunters who do not have access to a printer or email should allow up to 14 business days for licenses and tags to arrive by mail.

Help Track Grouse While Turkey Hunting

The DEC also invites turkey hunters to participate in its Ruffed Grouse Drumming Survey, a citizen science initiative that collects data on grouse populations heard in the field. Survey forms and participation information are available through the DEC website or by calling (518) 402-8883.

The DEC held a Youth Turkey Hunting Season in advance of the regular season from April 26-26.

For more information on turkey hunting in New York, visit the DEC website.