Florida Turkey Season 2026-2027 [ All You Need to Know!]

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.

Florida’s spring turkey season in 2026 opens on two different dates based on location: the South Zone (south of State Road 70) opens March 7 and runs through April 12, while the North Zone (north of State Road 70) opens March 21 and runs through April 26. Youth turkey hunts take place earlier, from February 27–March 2 (South) and March 13–16 (North). Florida is home to both Eastern and Osceola (peninsula-exclusive) wild turkeys, with a daily and possession bag limit of two turkeys.

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

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.”