Also known as: Eastern wild turkey, Merriam's turkey, Rio Grande turkey
The wild turkey is an upland game bird native to North America, one of two extant species of turkey and the heaviest member of the order Galliformes. It is the ancestor to the domestic turkey, which was originally derived from a southern Mexican subspecies of wild turkey.
Hunting Season
Spring Prairie Archery: Apr 11 - May 31; Spring Black Hills: Apr 25 - May 31; Spring Custer State Park: Apr 25 - May 23; Fall Prairie: Nov 1 - Jan 31; Fall Mentored: Nov 1 - Jan 31.
Frequently Asked Questions
Regulations for hunting Wild Turkey in South Dakota
Wild turkey hunting in South Dakota offers both spring and fall seasons. Spring seasons (Apr-May) target bearded turkeys and include prairie archery, Black Hills, and Custer State Park options. Fall seasons (Nov-Jan) allow either-sex harvest. Some areas require drawing permits while others offer over-the-counter licenses. Both eastern and Merriam's subspecies are present. Archery and shotgun/crossbow methods vary by season.
When is Wild Turkey hunting season in South Dakota?
Spring Prairie Archery: Apr 11 - May 31; Spring Black Hills: Apr 25 - May 31; Spring Custer State Park: Apr 25 - May 23; Fall Prairie: Nov 1 - Jan 31; Fall Mentored: Nov 1 - Jan 31.
What is the bag limit for Wild Turkey in South Dakota?
Spring: 1 bearded turkey per license (multiple licenses may be available). Fall: 1 turkey of either sex. Limits vary by unit and license type.
What's another name for Wild Turkey?
Wild Turkey is also known as Eastern wild turkey, Merriam's turkey, Rio Grande turkey in South Dakota.
References
| State | Category | Directory | Subcategory | Content | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | Hunting | Regulations | Season Dates | Spring Prairie Archery: Apr 11 - May 31; Spring Black Hills: Apr 25 - May 31; Spring Custer State Park: Apr 25 - May 23; | Link |
| South Dakota | Hunting | Regulations | Regulations | Wild turkey hunting in South Dakota offers both spring and fall seasons. Spring seasons (Apr-May) target bearded turkeys | Link |
