Can you shoot turkeys in the fall?
Rachel Hickman
Published Mar 16, 2026
Can you shoot turkeys in the fall?
Everywhere fall turkeys are hunted, any bird is legal game. That means adult hens, young-of-the-year males (known as jakes), young-of-the-year hens (often called jennies), and, of course, gobblers.
Can I use a rifle for fall turkey in PA?
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania’s Game Commission is eliminating the use of rifles from fall turkey hunting.
Does PA have a fall turkey season?
HARRISBURG, PA – Pennsylvania’s fall turkey season kicks off Saturday, Oct. 30 in 20 of Pennsylvania’s 23 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), and there’s reason for hunters to be excited. Hunters should take note the 2021 fall turkey season is shorter in 14 WMUs. There is no fall season in WMUs 5A, 5C or 5D.
How many turkeys can you shoot in the fall?
The fall turkey season runs from Saturday, Nov, 14 through Sunday, Dec, 13. The daily bag limit is one turkey of either sex with a fall season and possession limit of two birds.
How do you find a turkey roost in the fall?
Consider the factors below to determine likely roost sites:
- Proximity to water. The old hunter’s adage suggesting, “Turkeys love to roost where they can hear their droppings hit water,” rings true here.
- Heavy, mature timber.
- Open areas.
- Evergreens.
- Shelter sites.
- Look for sign.
- Use your ears.
- Use your eyes.
Where do turkeys hang out in the fall?
In the summer, they can often be found in meadows, feasting on grasses and insects like grasshoppers. In the fall, they will still haunt fields, particularly those with dropped corn or grain. But in much of the turkey’s range, they shift to the acorns and nuts – called mast by land managers – of hardwood forests.
Is it legal to hunt turkey with a rifle in PA?
Rifles are unlawful to use during Pennsylvania’s spring gobbler hunt. They are the sporting arm of choice among just 14% of fall turkey hunters yet are responsible for 33% of the fall turkey harvest, according to recent survey data collected by the agency.
Can you use a semi auto shotgun in PA for turkey?
Currently, in Pennsylvania, we allow semi-automatic shotguns to be used for hunting small game, migratory birds, turkey and deer in special regulation areas (ammunition specific).
Can I hunt on my own land without a license in PA?
Hunters can typically freely take game animals hunted on their own private property, or may seek permission from a landowner to hunt on private property. Hunters who wish to take game on privately owned land must follow state hunting regulations as well as any regulations specified by the landowner.
Where do you shoot a turkey with a bow?
However, if you’re hunting from a ground blind with your bow, the best place to aim on a broadside gobbler is at the top of his thighs. If the bird is facing you, shoot for the middle of the beard. If the turkey is facing away from you with his tail feathers spread, shoot for the anus.
Can you call fall turkeys?
Calls to Use: If you strike a fall gobbler with a cluck, start gobbler yelping at the bird. If it responds to you again, gobble at that turkey. Gobbler calls, when used sparingly, can prompt responses from adult toms, super jakes and young male turkeys. If you’ve scattered the flock, listen as the gobblers regroup.
Can you shoot a turkey in November?
Turkey hunting is allowed during the November firearm deer hunting season, Nov. Hunter orange is not required of fall turkey hunters, EXCEPT when hunting turkeys during the November firearm deer season, when they must display at least 400 square inches of hunter orange on their head, chest and back.
What are the hunting laws in Pennsylvania?
To be approved by the Pennsylvania Game Commission , a course must teach hunters to become: Safe (by following all hunting safety rules) Responsible (about hunting, wildlife, conservation, and hunting laws) Knowledgeable (by knowing and demonstrating acceptable behavior and attitudes while hunting)
Should the tagging of deer and Turkey be required?
No. Because tags that authorize possession of the carcass/meat are not issued for car-killed deer or turkey, individuals who take possession of a car-killed deer/turkey will be required to keep the registration confirmation number with the meat until it is consumed.
When is fall turkey season in PA?
Saturday, Nov. 1 marks the start of the Fall Turkey Season in Pennsylvania. Season lengths are mostly unchanged from last year. In this part of the state, it will run until Nov. 21 in most places. And then, briefly resume from Nov. 27 through Nov. 29. Fall turkey hunting is growing in popularity.
When is turkey hunting season in PA?
Massive flock of wild turkeys. Turkey hunting season opens Saturday, October 28, across much of Pennsylvania. For the first time in many years, hunters will be allowed to pursue turkeys during the fall in Wildlife Management Unit 5B, although the season there won’t open until Tuesday, October 31.