With wild turkey populations flourishing in many parts of California, spring turkey season continues to be one of the most anticipated hunting opportunities of the year. California’s general spring turkey season opens statewide March 29 and runs through May 4.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) will host a variety of special turkey hunts throughout the spring turkey hunting season. The season kicks off statewide with an exclusive junior weekend March 22-23 followed by the general hunt season that begins the following weekend on March 29. An additional junior season aligns with the archery-only season, trailing the general season from May 5-18.
Dozens of CDFW-managed wildlife areas will be open to wild turkey hunting on a walk-in basis throughout the season. Please visit the CDFW Lands web page for a list of participating wildlife areas and the recreational opportunities available at each location.
For participants new to hunting or trying turkey hunting for the first time, consider signing up for CDFW’s Advanced Hunter Education (AHE) Turkey Hunting Strategies Webinar hosted online March 18, 2025 from 6 to 7 p.m., or check out previous AHE webinars on: Turkey Hunting 101, Turkey Calling and Turkey Talk, Turkey Hunting with A Junior or New Hunter and Archery Turkey Hunting.
Shooting hours for spring turkeys are from one half-hour before sunrise to 5 p.m. Both a hunting license and Upland Game Bird Validation are required to hunt wild turkeys. An Upland Game Bird Validation is not required for junior hunting license holders.
Hunters are limited to one bearded turkey per day with a spring season limit of three birds. Nonlead shot is required when hunting with a firearm anywhere in the state. Crossbows may b
e used for the general turkey season but not during archery season without a Disabled Archer Permit. For more information on regulations, visit the CDFW Hunting Regulations web page.
Public land turkey hunters are advised to check with the local management of the individual property they are planning to hunt for specific entry procedures, details and other information. Regulations regarding turkey season can be found on the Upland Game Bird Hunting web page.
Need to purchase a 2024-25 California Hunting License and Upland Game Bird Validation to go turkey hunting this spring? Head over to CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services web page to purchase online, find a license agent near you to buy in person, or download the CDFW License App to purchase and display your licenses and validations on your mobile phone.
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Media Contacts:
Taylor Williams, CDFW R3 Manger, (916) 203-1362
Matt Meshriy, CDFW Upland Game Biologist, (916) 801-8708