Hunters and environment lovers anxiously anticipate Turkey Season 2023 in Washington state’s stunning fall locations. From Eastern Washington’s rough terrain to the west’s lush woods, will be spectacular. We will explore hunting regulations, dates, bag restrictions, and the thrill of this awaited schedule.
Washington Turkey Season
Hunters may enjoy Washington’s regular “best bets” without any regulation changes this season. Eastern Washington’s rough terrain and western Washington’s lush woods provide for an outstanding hunting experience. Hunters should anticipate several chances to bag their quota of three turkeys while following regional bag limitations throughout the spring season. (See bag limits below)
Spring & Youth
| Area | Youth Hunt Weekend | Spring |
| South of State Road 70 | Feb. 24-25 | March 2 – April 7 |
| North of State Road 70 | March 9-10 | March 16 – April 21 |
Fall
| Zone | Archery Season | Crossbow Season | Muzzleloading Gun Season | Fall |
| A | July 29 – Aug 27 | July 29 – Sept 1 | Sept 2 – Sept 15 | Oct 9 – Oct 15<br>Nov 18 – Jan 7 |
| B | Oct 14 – Nov 12 | Oct 14 – Nov 17 | Nov 18 – Dec 1 | Dec 2 – Jan 28 |
| C | Sept 16 – Oct 15 | Sept 16 – Oct 20 | Oct 21 – Nov 3 | Nov 4 – Dec 31 |
| D | Oct 21 – Nov 22 | Oct 21 – Nov 22<br>Nov 27 – Dec 1 | Dec 2 – Dec 8 | Nov 23 – Nov 26<br>Dec 9 – Jan 14 |
Youth
| WA Youth Turkey Hunt | Season Start Date | Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Youth Only (Statewide) | 1-Apr | 7-Apr |
Fall
| WA Fall Turkey Hunt | Season Start Date | Season End Date |
|---|---|---|
| GMUs 101 through 154 and 162 through 186 | 1-Sep | 31-Dec |
| GMUs 382, 388, 568 through 578 | 1-Sep | 31-Dec |
| GMUs 203-290 | 1-Sep | 31-Dec |
Bag Limits
Fall in Washington are still open to hunters who have successfully captured their whole bag limit during the spring season. It’s vital to remember that the number of permitted bags varies depending on the season—spring or autumn.
| WA Turkey Season | GMUs | Bag Limit/Legal Bird |
|---|---|---|
| Fall General Season | 101-154, 162-186 | Two (2) beardless and two (2) either sex |
| 382, 388, 568-578 | One (1) either sex | |
| 203-290 | One (1) either sex | |
| Spring Youth Only (Statewide) | Eastern Washington | Combined season limit of three (3) birds |
| (excluding Spokane, Kittitas, | Two (2) turkeys maximum | |
| and Yakima counties) | in Eastern Washington | |
| Spokane County | Three (3) turkeys maximum | |
| Kittitas or Yakima Counties | One (1) turkey maximum | |
| Western Washington | One (1) turkey maximum | |
| (excluding Klickitat County) | ||
| Klickitat County | Two (2) turkeys maximum | |
| Spring General Season | Male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards only | Male turkeys and turkeys with visible beards only |
Licenses
| Tags & Licenses | Youth | Resident | Nonresident | Disabled (Resident) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small game license | $18.50 | $40.50 | $183.50 | $18.50 |
| Small game, with combined purchase of big game license | $8.80 | $22.00 | $96.80 | $8.80 |
| Three-day small game | NA | NA | $68.00 | NA |
| First turkey tag | $0.50 | $15.90 | $44.50 | $15.90 |
| Additional turkey transport tags | $11.50 | $15.90 | $66.50 | $15.90 |
Reporting a Game
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Reporting Deadline | January 31st, 2024 |
| Reporting Method | Online at fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov or by telephone (toll-free at 1-877-945-3492) |
| Consequences of Late Reporting | Hunters who miss the deadline must pay a $10 administrative charge before buying a license for the next year. |
| Harvest Reporting Timeframe | Hunters must report turkeys within 10 days. |
| Reporting for Each Turkey Transport Tag | Each turkey transport tag bought requires a hunting activity report, regardless of hunting or harvesting results. |
| Spring Season Reporting | Even if no hunting or harvesting happened, spring turkey transport tag holders must file a spring report. |
| Fall Season Reporting | Even if they didn't hunt or harvest, fall turkey hunters must submit a fall report. |
Regulations
- Each turkey transport tag requires a hunting activity report. Tag purchase time and spring season determine reporting requirements. A spring hunting report is required for tags obtained before the spring season. However, hunters with empty spring tags or turkey tags purchased after the spring season must file a fall hunting report. These reports capture reliable statistics for state wildlife management and protection.
- Gun laws in Washington apply to gobbler hunting. Only crossbows, bows, and arrows, shotguns, muzzleloaders, modern legal handguns explicitly made for hunting and shooting #4 or smaller shot (with a maximum capacity of three shells), and legal muzzleloading handguns are permitted to hunt. Modern and muzzleloading handguns must have 10-inch barrels and.45 caliberscalibre or bigger.
- Using dogs, electronic calls, or decoys is forbidden. Baiting is also illegal. These rules protect the bird’s natural behavior and habitat and level the playing field for hunters. Hunters must follow these rules to preserve the hunting experience and save state turkey populations.
- Possessing or transporting a wild turkey without a fully feathered head and beard is illegal. This restriction guarantees that the bird’s sex may be determined by its feathered head and beard. Wildlife officials may enforce bag limits and hunting restrictions by keeping the head and beard intact.
- Before firing, check your target to prevent mishaps. Most landowners will provide permission to hunt on their property. Avoid stalking to be mistaken for a game. Gobbler calls are harmful and should only be used when required. To prevent being targeted, avoid wearing red, white, or blue, which resembles turkey heads. Beware of calling turkeys if other hunters are adept. Choose a calling spot with a 40-yard view and your back against a huge tree. Don’t disturb another hunter’s bird. Shoot the gobbler in the neck and head from a safe distance. Finally, shout if you see another hunter, especially in your line of sight.
- Hunting and fishing need landowner permission. Respectful behaviour in the field ensures an excellent experience for future workers. State recreation grounds need the Discover Pass, which may be purchased online at discoverpass.wa.gov, by phone at (866) 320-9933, or in person at hunting license vendors. A yearly hunting license includes a WDFW Vehicle Access Pass. Hunting access may be found at wdfw.wa.gov/hunting/locations.
- Follow these suggestions for a courteous and enjoyable hunting experience on private property. Respect property and landowners first. Request hunting permission early and create a good impression. Help the landowner with fencing, firewood, or garbage removal. Give the landowner your name, mobile phone number, and vehicle information. Remove all trash to leave no trace. Leave gates in good shape. Avoid driving across fields or private property without authorization. Knowing and respecting property limits prevents trespassing. Remove all game parts unless directed by the landowner. Beware of property, buildings, equipment, and cattle. Recognizing that hunting on private property is a privilege, thank the landowner for access. Following these rules, hunters may keep landowners happy and preserve private property hunting.
FAQ
When does the Washington Turkey Season take place?
There are two seasons for the Washington Turkey Season: autumn and spring. The autumn general season, which runs from September 1 to December 31, allows hunters to go hunting in the fall. Additionally, from April 1 to April 7, a youth-only season starts. The general period, which begins on April 15 and lasts through May 31.
What are the bag limits for turkey hunting in Washington?
Hunters may harvest up to four turkeys during the fall period, subject to local Game Management Unit restrictions. In GMUs 101–154 and 162–186, hunters may capture two species without beards and two of any gender. Other GMUs, including 382, 388, and 568–578, allow one bag per gender. Eastern Washington allows two birds, Spokane County three, and Kittitas, Yakima, and Klickitat counties one or two, depending on location. Spring General Season hunting is limited to male birds with facial hair.
Can hunters participate in both spring and fall turkey seasons?
Yes, hunters may still participate in the fall game even after reaching their spring season bag limit.
What are the weapon restrictions for turkey hunting in Washington?
In Washington, it is against the law to hunt turkeys with anything other than a crossbow, bow, and arrow, shotgun, muzzleloader shotgun, modern legal handgun designed for hunting and shooting #4 or smaller shot, or legal muzzleloader handgun designed for hunting and shooting #4 or smaller shot.
Are there any reporting requirements for turkey hunters in Washington?
Each turkey transport tag acquired in Washington requires the holder to file a hunting activity report. Both the spring and autumn seasons are affected by this. A hunter must submit a report for each tag even if they did not hunt or take any birds. You could have to pay an administrative charge if you don’t submit your report by the deadline.
