Other Important Details for the Spring Turkey Season, May 1-31, 2017
- Hunting is permitted in most areas of the state, except for New York City and Long Island.
- Hunters must have a turkey hunting permit in addition to their hunting license.
- Shooting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon each day.
- Hunters may take two bearded turkeys during the spring season, but only one bird per day.
- Hunters may not use rifles or handguns firing a bullet. Hunters may hunt with a shotgun or handgun loaded with shot sizes no larger than No. 2 or smaller than No. 8, or with a bow or crossbow.
- Successful hunters must fill out the tag that comes with the turkey permit and immediately attach it to any turkey harvested.
- Successful hunters must report their harvest within seven days of taking a bird. Call 1-866-426-3778 (1-866 GAMERPT) or report a harvest online at DEC's website.
For more information about turkey hunting in New York, see the 2016-17 Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide or visit the "Turkey Hunting" pages at DEC's website.
New York has an extremely safety-conscious generation of hunters, largely due to the annual efforts of more than 3,000 dedicated volunteer sportsman education instructors. DEC suggests hunters follow the cardinal rules of hunting safety: assume every gun is loaded; control the muzzle; keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot; be absolutely sure of your target and what may be beyond it; and don't stalk. Set up with your back against a large tree and call birds to you. To find a sportsman education class in your area, go to the Sportsman Education web page on DEC's website or call 1-888-HUNT-ED2 (1-888-486-8332). To view a video on hunter safety tips, watch DEC's Hunter Safety video on YouTube (Link leaves DEC's website).
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