Turkey hunting season is all set in Florida, and both seasoned hunters and novices will need to know when it begins and what is required of them to prepare for their trips and get the proper licenses, permits, and equipment. As the turkey hunting season approaches, hunters should familiarize themselves with the most recent developments to ensure they comply with all rules and regulations.
During the spring turkey hunting season in Florida, the Osceola subspecies of the wild turkey are open for authorized hunting. Osceola turkeys are only found in Florida, yet they are very popular among hunters owing to their large size and unusual look. Swamps, pine forests, cow pastures, and even regions with alligators and venomous snakes are all fair game during Florida’s turkey hunting season. Turkeys often choose these spots as roosts, especially when the weather is warm.
Turkey Season in Florida 2023
Fall Season
| Fall Turkey Zone A: | |
| Season | Dates |
| Archery season | July 30 – Aug. 28 |
| Crossbow season | July 30 – Sept. 2 |
| Muzzleloading gun season | Sept. 3–16 |
| Fall turkey season | Oct. 3–16 & Nov. 19 – Jan. 1 |
| Fall Turkey Zone B: | |
| Season | Dates |
| Archery season | Oct. 15 – Nov. 13 |
| Crossbow season | Oct. 15 – Nov. 18 |
| Muzzleloading gun season | Nov. 19 – Dec. 2 |
| Fall turkey season | Dec. 3 – Jan. 29 |
| Fall Turkey Zone C: | |
| Season | Dates |
| Archery season | Sept. 17 – Oct. 16 |
| Crossbow season | Sept. 17 – Oct. 21 |
| Muzzleloading gun season | Oct. 22 – Nov. 4 |
| Fall turkey season | Nov. 5 - Jan. 1 |
| Fall Turkey Zone D: | |
| Season | Dates |
| Archery season | Oct. 22 – Nov. 23 |
| Crossbow season | Oct. 22 – Nov. 23, Nov. 28 – Dec. 2 |
| Muzzleloading gun season | Dec. 3 – Dec. 9 |
| Fall turkey season | Nov. 24 – Nov. 27 & Dec. 10 – Jan. 15 |
Note: The daily bag limit for this zone is 2 turkeys, and the season and possession limit is 2 for all fall seasons combined.
Wild Turkey Florida Spring seasons
| Area | Season | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| North of State Road 70 | Youth turkey hunt weekend | March 11–12 |
| Spring turkey season | March 18 – April 23 | |
| South of State Road 70 | Youth turkey hunt weekend | Feb 25–26 |
| Spring turkey season | March 4 – April 9 |
Note: The daily bag limit for the spring turkey seasons in Florida is 2 wild turkeys and the season and possession limit for the spring turkey seasons is also 2 wild turkeys.
Download the Schedule (Print PDF)
FL Turkey Season Maps
Regulations
Here is a summary of the rules and regulations regarding hunting equipment in Florida:
- Hunting turkeys without a valid license or permission is prohibited.
- While hunting, hunters must maintain a specified distance from the bait.
- Only bows may be used when in archery season.
- You may use a bow or a crossbow when hunting during the crossbow season.
- During the muzzleloading season, only bows, crossbows, and muzzleloaders with traditional ignition systems (percussion cap, wheel lock, flintlock) are allowed for hunting, or centre fire primer (including 209 primers) are permitted. During this time, breech-loading firearms are prohibited.
- Shotguns, centerfire pistols and rifles, bows, crossbows, muzzleloaders, and pre-charged air guns are all legal during the general gun season (pneumatic).
- To hunt without the proper licenses and permits is unlawful, and there are regulations about the safe distance between hunters and bait.
- New to the hunting and outdoor recreation scene in northeast Florida is the Silver Springs Forest WMA, where you may go spring turkey hunting, archery hunting, general rifle hunting, muzzleloading hunting, small game hunting, frogging, or fishing.
Note: Also stay up to date on the latest hunting seasons in Florida with information on deer, small game, and waterfowl. Our website has useful information on state-specific dates, regulations, and tips.
FAQ related to Florida Turkey Season
When is the Best Time to Hunt Turkey in Florida?
The early and late morning hours, from around 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., are the most productive for turkey hunting in Florida. During this time, gobblers are often seen with hens after the hens have flown down from their roosts in the early morning. Later in the morning, the hens often leave the gobblers to nest, and the gobblers become more receptive to calls. However, turkey hunting in Florida can be difficult as the breeding season ends in April.
When does Florida's spring turkey season opens in 2023?
Florida will have two spring wild turkey seasons in 2023, one south of State Road 70 and one north of State Road 70. On non-WMA (wildlife management area) areas south of State Road 70, the spring season begins on Saturday, March 4, 2023, and ends on Sunday, April 9, 2023. The 2023 spring season will begin on Saturday, March 18, and end on Sunday, April 23, in the area north of State Road 70. This implies that, according to local laws, rules, and policies, wild hunting turkeys is permitted in certain areas at specified times.
When shooting wild turkeys in Florida outside of a WMA, what kind of rifles and other hunting gear are allowed?
Hunters can use any legal firearm for hunting wild turkeys on these lands, including rifles, shotguns, pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air guns of at least .20 calibre, muzzleloaders, crossbows, bows, and pistols.”
What are the requirements for obtaining a hunting license and a turkey permit for hunting wild turkeys outside of wildlife management areas in Florida?
A valid Florida hunting license and turkey permit are required for hunting wild turkeys in these areas. Unless the hunter is exempt, they must get the necessary licenses and permits before going on a hunting trip (for example, if the hunter is under 16 years old or is a Florida resident over 65). It’s important to follow the proper licensing and permitting process to ensure that you are hunting legally and responsibly.
How can hunters obtain a hunting license and turkey permit for hunting wild turkeys outside of wildlife management areas in Florida?
A valid hunting license and turkey permit are required for hunting wild turkeys in these areas. Unless the hunter is exempt, they must get the necessary licenses and permits before going on a hunting trip (for example, if the hunter is under 16 years old or is a Florida resident over 65).
Hunters can obtain a hunting license and turkey permit through the GoOutdoorsFlorida website or by calling (888-486-8356) telephone number. These licenses and permits can also be purchased at most Florida sporting goods stores and county tax collectors’ offices. In most cases, you may pay with a credit card or another acceptable form of payment.
What are Osceola spring gobblers, and where is it found in Florida?
The Osceola spring gobbler is a unique subspecies of wild turkeys native to Florida. They stand out because of the black and white barring on the primary flight feathers of their wings and the irregular width of those white bands. Hunters highly prize these turkeys. Although they are most commonly found in southern Florida, they have been known to roam further afield. You are more likely to see a native Osceola in southern Florida.”
What shooting techniques for wild turkeys in Florida are prohibited by law?
In Florida, the use of decoys is allowed during the turkey hunting season. However, several other methods of shooting turkeys are strictly prohibited by law. Hunting turkeys with dogs, luring them with recorded turkey calls or noises, or shooting them while on the roost is illegal. Additionally, hunters are not allowed to take wild turkeys within 100 yards of a game feeding station while the feed is present. These regulations are implemented to ensure fair treatment of both hunters and turkeys during the hunt.”