The Oklahoma turkey season is something that hunters anxiously anticipate as spring approaches. Hunters can use various hunting techniques to go for one tom turkey during this period. While rifle hunters will have a smaller window, archery hunters will enjoy a longer season. Additionally, during the youth season, young hunters will have a chance to feel the thrill of the hunt. Hunters may anticipate the difficulty and benefits of the hunt in stunning Oklahoma outdoors as they prepare for the season and wait for it to start. We’ll review all the information you want for a successful hunt in Oklahoma for the 2023 turkey season on this page, including the hunting laws, dates, bags, permits, and more.
Oklahoma Turkey Season 2023
In different sites around the state during this season, hunters will have the chance to chase one tom turkey, regardless of the manner of capture. Archery hunters will have a longer season than rifle hunters, and child hunters will have a separately defined season. Along with competence, a detailed grasp of bird behavior and environmental preferences is essential for successful turkey hunting. Hunters may increase their chances of success in locating turkeys by learning the best places to hunt, utilizing decoys and calls, and following safe and legal hunting procedures. The 2023 Oklahoma turkey season looks to be an exciting and difficult time for hunters of all ages and levels of skill. So let’s prepare and enjoy the excitement of the quest!
OK Spring Turkey Season
| OK Turkey Season | Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Spring Turkey | Apr 16, 2023 - May 16, 2023 | One tom turkey regardless of method of take. |
Youth Turkey Season
| OK Youth Turkey Season | Dates | Bag Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Season | Apr 8, 2023 - Apr 9, 2023 | One bearded turkey or one hen turkey |
Fall Turkey Season
| OK Fall Turkey Season | Dates (*TBC) | Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Archery (Statewide) | Oct 1, 2022 - Jan 15 | Bearded turkey only during the fall firearm season |
| Gun (Statewide) | Oct 29 - Nov 18 | Bearded turkey only during the fall firearm season |
Note: OK Fall season dates are tentative and to be confirmed (*TBC); visit this page at regular intervals to keep updated
Turkey Licenses
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Annual Hunting | $32 | $176 |
| Spring Turkey License (Under 18) | $5 | |
| Turkey (spring or fall) | $10 | $10 |
Note: For a complete list of turkey hunting licenses in Oklahoma, you may review the OK Department of Wildlife Conservation website.
Hunting Regulations
- Unless excluded, Oklahoma residents and nonresidents must hold a hunting and spring turkey license to hunt spring turkey. If a young hunter does not harvest a turkey during spring youth turkey season, they may utilize their unfilled turkey license during spring turkey season.
- Turkey hunters may employ artificial decoys but not live ones or recorded sounds. Smartphone calls are prohibited during turkey season.
- Spring turkey hunters under 17 must be accompanied by an adult over 18. Hunting, archery, and guns are prohibited for adults.
- Youth spring turkey hunting permits depend on age and domicile. Resident minors under 16 years old do not need a hunting license but must have a turkey license or evidence of exemption, whereas 16- and 17-year-olds must. Nonresident adolescents aged 14-17 must obtain yearly hunting and turkey licenses for each bird hunted unless exempt. Nonresident lifetime licensees must buy a yearly hunting and turkey license(s). Turkey hunting is prohibited under the nonresident 5-day hunting license.
- Hunting or taking turkeys within 100 yards of bait—any grain or meal used to attract the birds—is forbidden. Hunting over standing crops or properly shucked grain in its field is permitted. Department Managed Area Rules include baiting.
- Hunters, even lifetime license holders, must affix a field tag with their name, customer ID number, and harvest date and time to the turkey corpse. Field tags may be any object with the necessary information. Until the turkey is checked in, the carcass must have sex indicators like a beard or one leg with a foot. The beard must stay on hen turkeys until they arrive.
- Public hunting seasons may vary from statewide seasons. Special Area restrictions list public hunting land restrictions.
- Hunting is permitted from 30 minutes before dawn until sunset.
FAQs about the Oklahoma Turkey Season
When is Oklahoma Turkey Season?
The spring and fall turkey seasons are the two primary times of the year for turkey hunting in Oklahoma. Statewide, the spring turkey season lasts from April 16 through May 16. Hunters can use any lawful way to capture one tom turkey at this period. Both archery and rifle hunting are allowed during the fall turkey season. Statewide, the archery season lasts from October 1 through January 15, while the firearms season is from October 29 through November 18. Additionally, young hunters may partake in the turkey hunting experience during the youth season, which runs from April 8 to April 9 nationwide.
How many turkeys can I take during Oklahoma Turkey Season?
The Oklahoma turkey hunting season has varied limitations depending on the particular season. Hunters are only permitted to take one tom turkey during spring, and non-bearded turkeys are off-limits. Similarly, hunters can only take one tom turkey during the Youth Spring Turkey season. No matter the manner of capture, hunters are only allowed to take one tom turkey during autumn.
What are the different subspecies of wild turkeys found in Oklahoma?
Three subspecies of wild turkeys may be found in Oklahoma: Eastern, Rio Grande, and Merriams. Where their ranges intersect is where hybridization happens.
Do I need to attach a field tag to my harvested turkey?
Yes, all hunters (even those with lifetime licenses) who kill a turkey in the autumn or spring must fasten a field tag with their name, customer ID number, and the date and hour of the kill to the corpse. Holders of lifetime licenses are not required to provide the date and time on the field tag.
