Kansas provides some of the greatest turkey hunting chances in the nation because of its varied geography and plenty of animals. In this page, we’ll look more closely at what hunters may anticipate in Kansas, including crucial dates, license requirements, and other requirements for a productive hunt.
Kansas Turkey Season
It has been divided up into three parts: the youth/disabled season, the archery season, and the regular season, which has hunters excitedly preparing for it. During this season, hunters can use shotguns, long, recurve, compound bows, and crossbows. However, they need also be aware of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism rules and limitations. The Unit 4 Spring Turkey applications were only accepted online and had a February deadline.
Spring
| Season | Dates |
|---|---|
| Youth/Disabled | April 1-16, 2024 |
| Archery | April 8-16, 2024 |
| Regular | April 17 – May 31, 2024 |
Fall
| (Units 1, 2, 3, 5, 6) | Currently Suspended |
Bag Limits
| Permit/Game Tag | Units 1 & 2 | Units 3, 5, 6 |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Turkey | 1 bearded turkey per permit and 1 bearded turkey per game tag | 1 bearded turkey per permit |
| Fall Turkey | 1 turkey of either sex per permit | 1 turkey of either sex per permit |
Hunting Permits
When applying online for a Kansas Unit 4 Spring permit, all prices will include an online convenience charge. Nonrefundable application fees are $7.50, and failed candidates get preference points. The Spring, Preference Point Application, lets you buy a preference point online without a permit. One point each year is allowed.
Unit 4 Spring applications must be filed online or by phone from January 10 to February 10. No mail-in or paper applications are allowed. Unit 4 will have 500 random-drawn permits. Kids under 15 may buy a $7.50 statewide spring permit. Before applying for a permit, be sure to read the rules and pay the $7.50 nonrefundable application fee, which includes a preference point for rejected applicants.
Fall turkey hunting in Kansas is allowed in five units. However, Unit 4 is closed. Hunters must hunt inside their permit’s management unit. Before filing for a permit or preference point, consider costs and rules.
| Type of Application | Cost |
| Spring Turkey Permit | |
| Resident General Application | $32.50 |
| Resident Landowner/Tenant | $20.00 |
| Nonresident Tenant Application | $37.50 |
| Preference Point Only | $7.50 |
| Fall Turkey Permit | |
| General Resident | $27.50 |
| Resident Landowner/Tenant | $15.00 |
| Resident Youth | $7.50 |
| Nonresident | $52.50 |
| Nonresident Youth | $12.50 |
| Nonresident Tenant | $27.50 |
Regulations
- Dogs are only allowed in the fall. Licenses are non-transferable, and birds may only be shot on the ground or in flight. Permissions and game tags are valid immediately after purchase and only in the units shown on the unit map. If exempt, a Kansas hunting license is needed to harvest two turkeys on the same day.
- Shotguns with sizes 2-9, longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows are legal. Bows, crossbows, and arrows with electronic flight controllers are prohibited. Lighted pin, dot, or holographic sights, illuminated nocks, rangefinders, film or video cameras, radio-frequency positioning systems, and draw-lock devices are allowed on bows and arrows. Range-finding devices, optical scopes or sights that do not electronically enhance visible or infrared light, and arrows with broadhead tips that cannot pass through a 3/4-inch ring when fully stretched may also be utilized.
- Non-broadhead arrows may be owned but not used to kill turkeys. Big game hunters cannot employ chemical-dispensing equipment. Spring Youth/Disabled and Archery Season permit holders may use any authorized equipment.
- Fall game runs from one-half hour before dawn to dusk. Longbows, recurve, compound, and crossbows are legal hunting equipment. One turkey permit is allowed in units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. This season, each permit may carry one, male or female.
- Spring allows shotguns with shot sizes 2-9, longbows, recurve bows, compound bows, and crossbows. Shooting occurs from one-half hour before dawn till sundown. Unknown permit limit. Each permit or game tag allows one turkey with a beard. Game tags are only valid in units stated on permits or tags. Unless exempt, a Kansas hunting license is also necessary.
- Before hunting using paper tags, the permission must be signed, and once the animal is killed, the corpse tag must be signed, dated, and displayed. Online permits and tags must be printed and zip-tied to the animal’s leg in a transparent plastic bag. Hunters may voluntarily register their turkeys by emailing images to KDWPT before boning the flesh, enabling the meat to be transported.
- The bird beard must stay naturally connected to the breast while in transit. Leave the carcass at the hunting location. Hunters may learn more about electronic registration by going to ksoutdoors.com/programs/Electronic Turkey Check-in.
- The “HuntFishKS” app lets hunters save e-tags and permits on their phones. When a turkey is killed, the hunter must enter the date, time, and picture of the corpse, including the beard, to authenticate the e-tag. (if it was taken in the spring). After submitting the data and picture, the app will show a confirmation number the hunter must keep until the meat is eaten, given away, or disposed of. If a hunter wants to bone out a turkey in spring and transfer just the flesh, they may register online using an e-tag confirmation number.
- Distances from Wichita to Kansas cities east and west are listed below. Hunters around the state may use the distances as a guide. Kansas highway maps provide extra information. Junction City, El Dorado, Manhattan, Emporia, Topeka, and Pittsburg are east of Wichita. (142 miles). Pratt and Great Bend (78 miles), Greensburg and Hays (110 miles), Dodge City (148 miles), Garden City, Liberal, and Oakley are west of Wichita. (198 miles).
FAQ
When is the Kansas turkey hunting season?
Typically, spring and fall turkey last from April to May and from October to November, respectively.
What equipment is legal for turkey hunting in Kansas?
In Kansas, shotguns and muzzleloading shotguns with sizes 2 through 9 are permitted. Additionally permitted are long, recurve, compound, and crossbows.
What is the limit for turkey hunting in Kansas?
Any person who has paid for a spring turkey permit may obtain a second game tag. Each hunter is limited to one permit for the fall, valid in units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. One of either sex, per permit, is the bag limit.
What subspecies of turkey can I hunt in Kansas?
The Rio Grande subspecies of turkey dominate the western two-thirds of Kansas, and almost every county has huntable populations of these birds. It’s crucial to remember that the southwest’s low populations only allow for a little hunting.
Are there any public hunting opportunities for turkey hunting in Kansas?
Yes, Kansas provides chances for public hunting on public properties including national forests, wildlife refuges, and state parks. Typically offers more than 700,000 acres of open space for public hunting. Additionally, hunters may apply for the Kansas Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) program, which grants access to hunting on private property. Additionally, the website and mobile app of the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism provide details on the locations accessible for hunting.
How can I obtain a turkey hunting permit in Kansas?
Permits for turkey hunting are available from certain merchants or online via the KDWPT, and Tourism website. It’s crucial to remember that various permits could have unique application windows and deadlines, so it’s advisable to make a schedule and check the official website for the most recent information.
What is the fall turkey hunting season in Kansas?
The Fall turkey season in Kansas usually lasts from October 1 to November 10. A fall turkey permit is valid in units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. For the fall, Unit 4 is closed.
