FL Wild Turkey Hunting Guide

Also known as: Eastern wild turkey, Gobbler

A Spring Turkey Quota Permit is required in order to participate in some spring turkey hunts on select Wildlife Management Areas. Tips for Safe and Successful Turkey Hunting Working to improve habitat on public lands open to turkey hunting. The FWC is conducting a three-year research project in south Florida beginning in the spring of 2023. The study will occur at Okaloacoochee Slough WMA in Hendry County and DeLuca Preserve in Osceola County. It will allow biologists to obtain more information about when and how often gobbling occurs and to examine nesting activity. The goal of this research is to determine the relationship between gobbling, nesting and hunting season dates to ensure Florida’s spring turkey season is set to maximize hunter satisfaction and the sustainability of Florida’s wild turkey population. Wild turkeys trapped at the two study sites will allow biologists to gather basic information (weight, size, age, sex, etc.) about each bird. In addition, they’ll band all captured birds and outfit a select number of hens with GPS transmitters. Biologists will regularly check in with hens that received GPS transmitters to monitor nesting behavior including when and how many nests are initiated and the outcome of the nesting effort.

Hunting Season

Spring: North of SR 70 Mar 20-Apr 25, South of SR 70 Mar 6-Apr 11; Fall: varies by zone Oct-Jan

References

• Florida — Wild Turkey