The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the spring turkey hunting season opens May 1, 2025, across upstate New York and Suffolk County. A special Youth Turkey Hunt will be held April 26-27 for hunters ages 12 to 15.
Eligible youth hunters must hold a valid hunting license and turkey permit and be accompanied by an adult. Each youth hunter may harvest one bearded turkey during the two-day youth season. More information is available on the DEC website.
Where to hunt this spring
New York offers prime turkey hunting habitats across the Southern Tier, Hudson Valley, and beyond. Landscapes include hardwood forests, rolling hills, and agricultural fields, supporting strong turkey populations statewide.
Spring turkey harvests typically range between 16,000 to 18,000 birds annually. Following strong poult production in recent summers, DEC expects a productive season. While turkey numbers declined from peak levels in the early 2000s, populations remain stable.
Hunters assist DEC conservation efforts by reporting their harvests and participating in hunter surveys, which help track population trends and maintain sustainable hunting practices.
Spring turkey hunting regulations for 2025
- Season dates: May 1-31, 2025
- Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to noon
- Bag limit: Two bearded birds per season (only one per day; only one per season in Suffolk County, Unit 1C)
- Legal methods: Shotgun or handgun loaded with shot (sizes No. 2 to No. 9), or bow/crossbow (crossbows prohibited in Westchester and Suffolk counties)
- Harvest reporting: Required within 7 days by phone (1-866-426-3778) or online
- Prohibited: Use of rifles or handguns firing bullets
Hunters must tag turkeys immediately after harvest and carry their valid turkey carcass tag in the field.
Tips for safe and successful turkey hunting
- Never stalk turkey sounds—assume another hunter may be nearby.
- Clearly identify the entire bird before shooting.
- Avoid wearing red, white, or blue, which mimic turkey coloring.
- Use hunter orange when moving and place orange near your calling location.
- Wrap harvested turkeys or decoys in orange when transporting.
- Aim for a close, clear head and neck shot within 30 yards.
- Use smaller shot sizes (No. 4–6); newer technologies make even No. 8–9 shot effective.
How to buy your New York hunting license
Hunters can purchase licenses and permits online through the DEC website. Paper copies can be printed immediately or displayed digitally using the HuntFishNY mobile app. However, hunters must carry a physical turkey carcass tag when afield.
Licenses are also available at more than 1,100 License Issuing Agents across New York. If ordering online or by phone without a printer, allow 14 business days for delivery by mail.
Visit the DEC’s Hunting Licenses page for details on purchasing and regulations.
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