Youth Spring Turkey Season arrives this weekend (April 11-12) across all of Oklahoma. Hunters 17 and younger will have the first chance to harvest a gobbler during these two days ahead of the regular spring turkey season, which will run from April 16 to May 16 statewide. Bag limit is one tom turkey.
Based on the latest reports from the field, many areas are seeing more birds on the landscape than in recent years. But extremely dry conditions in the west seem to have held bird numbers steady in many of those areas.
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is wrapping up a 4.5-year, $2 million research effort with Oklahoma State University to investigate wild turkey populations in southwestern and southeastern Oklahoma. Researchers are examining nesting success, nesting site characteristics and cause-specific mortality of poults and hens, along with genetic health studies.
Wild turkey research continues in western Oklahoma with live trapping and data collection. At the end of February, 67 turkeys with GPS transmitters were being tracked, and 20 additional birds had been tagged with leg bands. The western team recorded six turkey mortalities during February, all resulting from predation.
In southeastern Oklahoma, researchers have tied GPS locations to nesting data and collected land cover information to learn about hens’ selection of tree cover throughout the reproduction phases of pre-laying, laying and incubation.
Hunters wanting to support researchers studies, along with ODWC’s conservation and management efforts, can simply purchase a hunting license, whether they intend to hunt or not. Each hunting license sold secures federal matching funds at a rate many times the price of the license, giving ODWC more resources to fund wildlife conservation activities.
Meanwhile, for hunters who are hoping to harvest a tom turkey this year, several ODWC biologists in the field have shared reports from their regions in this year’s Gobbler Report.
NORTHWEST REGION
Report by Weston Storer, Northwest Region Wildlife Supervisor
Current gobbler activity: Toms are currently grouped up with hens. Toms are strutting and gobbling while establishing dominance.
Condition of habitat: Conditions have been extremely dry for most of northwest Oklahoma and the Panhandle counties. At this current time green up is limited and food availability could become scarce if rainfall doesn't come soon. Late rains last year have provided good nesting and escape cover in many areas that are not overgrazed.
Reports from landowners or scouting hunters: Landowners and hunters are reporting stable if not higher numbers of turkeys throughout most of northwestern Oklahoma. Panhandle county bird numbers are only stable at best this year.
WMA best bets: Canton WMA, Sandhills WMA, Fort Supply WMA and Cooper WMA all provide opportunities for finding a tom on public land. Lands enrolled in the Oklahoma Land Access Program also provide some excellent opportunities for pursuing turkeys in the northwest region.
Tips for success: Scouting the areas you intend to hunt greatly increases your odds of success. Stay as long as you possibly can in the field. Lots of mid-day gobblers harvested each year in the northwest region.
Mistakes to avoid: Be still! Give the toms plenty of time to come into your calls. Don't overcall at the birds, especially on public land.
Opening-day expectations: Turkey numbers in the northwest continue to rise but are not anywhere near the numbers from 10 years ago. On a positive note, we are seeing more turkeys this year than the past several years. Toms should be gobbling and answering calls on opening day as long as weather permits. As most years, the public lands will be busy, so plan to stay the duration. Be courteous to other hunters and don't forget to introduce a new turkey hunter to the great outdoors of Oklahoma.
SOUTHWEST REGION
Report by Marcus Thibodeau, Southwest Region Senior Biologist
Current gobbler activity: Turkey activity is increasing across the region. Gobblers are actively strutting, gobbling, and following hens as breeding season progresses.
Condition of habitat: This portion of the state has experienced drought conditions. Recent rainfall has improved habitat conditions, particularly in wheat fields, which remain shorter than average and are creating favorable strutting areas.
Reports from landowners or scouting hunters: Landowner reports align with current field observations. Turkey activity is steady, with peak movement and gobbling occurring primarily during the midmorning hours.
WMA best bets: Black Kettle WMA, Packsaddle WMA, and Sandy Sanders WMA.
Tips for success: 1. Review WMA-specific regulations and department issued maps prior to hunting.
2. Plan to hunt throughout the day, as turkey activity continues to increase beyond currently observed morning hours.
3. Consider passing on jakes and bearded hens to support ongoing turkey population recovery efforts.
Mistakes to avoid: 1. Overcalling and leaving as area too soon. Gobblers may not respond when hunting pressure is in full swing patience is key.
2. Trespassing or ignoring posted WMA signage. Always know property lines and pay attention to WMA signage.
Opening-day expectations: Hunters should expect active gobblers that are frequently with hens. With improving habitat, weather and turkey activity, success will often favor patient hunters.
CENTRAL REGION
Report by Jay Rouk, Wildlife Senior Biologist
Current gobbler activity: Record warm temperatures have turkey flocks well established into breeding groups. Gobblers can be heard gobbling from the roost and, on calm days, into mid-morning. Gobblers are strutting in their lekking zones in the mornings until the temps warm up. Hens have been reported moving in patterns that would indicate they are establishing nest sites.
Condition of habitat: The warmer temps have promoted the rapid advance of spring plants. Many trees have already leafed out, and most fields are green with both cool and warm season grasses. Most wheat fields are lush but are on the verge of becoming too tall to be useful to turkeys.
Reports from landowners or scouting hunters: Turkey numbers seem to have increased this year by a slight margin. Toms have been heard gobbling in roost areas. Reports have lately increased of turkeys crossing the road or sighted out in fields.
WMA best bets: Kaw WMA, near the Kansas border, has considerable ag production which usually attracts a fair number of turkeys. Deep Fork WMA has a useful blend of uplands and remote river bottoms which can be rewarding to those willing to explore the area. The area is within reasonable driving distance of both Tulsa and Oklahoma City. Hickory Creek WMA is traditionally a good choice for south-central hunters.
Tips for success: 1. Scout ahead of time to learn the daily patterns of the turkeys in your hunting area. Position yourself so that your calls are persuading them to move in a direction they commonly travel. It helps to know of, and avoid, obstacles between you and the turkeys.
2. Many gobblers are too preoccupied with hens in the early morning to respond to calls. However, once hens move to nesting activities, gobblers are easier to call. This tactic works especially well in the late morning before it gets too hot.
3. The warm temperatures have promoted the emergence of ticks. Take necessary precautions such as tick repellents and tick resistant clothing. Tick bites can lead to serious medical issues.
Mistakes to avoid: 1. Hunters get spotted by the turkey. Turkeys have excellent color vision. They will see your skin, your eyes blink, your fingers wiggle, and certainly spot you moving through the woods.
2. Not hunting or staying on location long enough. Turkeys are cautious but also curious. Many times they take quite a bit of time to investigate something of interest.
3. Becoming discouraged by other hunters. Turkey hunting requires persistence. It may take several attempts or days to experience a hunt with a cooperative bird and no interference from others.
Opening-day expectations: Opening day is very exciting and usually starts off with the greatest number of hunters in the field of any time. This can be frustrating as multiple hunters are pursuing the same bird(s). Hunters need to be courteous to others and understand that everyone wants to experience success. Remember that knowledge and possibly a great amount of persistence will be needed to bag a bird.
NORTHEAST REGION
Report by JD Ridge, Wildlife Senior Biologist
Current gobbler activity: Reports from across the region indicate good gobbling activity. Birds are spreading out and strutting toms with hens, as well as single or small groups of birds, are being observed.
Condition of habitat: Habitat conditions are fair to good across the region. Spring green-up is in full swing and bugs are plentiful. Nesting habitat looks good as well.
Reports from landowners or scouting hunters: Some landowners and hunters are reporting seeing and hearing good groups of birds. Most are reporting an increase from last year with a good share of jakes and jennies being observed in some parts of the region.
WMA best bets: The region has several WMAs offering turkey hunting opportunities. Cherokee PHA continues to be a good option and should offer good hunting opportunities. Regulations vary among WMAs so it’s a good idea to check the Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations before going afield.
Tips for success: Scout: Get out early mornings before season and listen. Weekdays usually see less hunting pressure. Plan to hunt all day if you can and don’t overlook afternoons. All indications are that ticks are doing quite well, so don’t forget your tick repellent!
Mistakes to avoid: 1. Moving too much. A turkey's eyesight cannot be overstated.
2. Not familiarizing with the terrain. Birds can "hang up" on natural or man-made features like drainages, thickets, fencelines, etc., so scout and plan accordingly.
3. Giving up too quickly. If a responding tom quits gobbling, he may be sneaking in so be patient.
Opening-day expectations: Bird numbers appear to be a little better than in recent years. Expect plenty of hunting pressure on public land but opportunities are out there. Get out and enjoy the Oklahoma springtime. Above all, be safe and have fun!
SOUTHEAST REGION
Report by Eric Suttles, Southeast Region Wildlife Supervisor
Current gobbler activity: Turkey gobbling activity is elevated due to a mild winter and early spring. Flocks have dispersed and toms have been observed displaying for hens in open areas and mature woodlands.
Condition of habitat: Habitat conditions around the region are very good. Local WMAs have recently had controlled burns and or other habitat improvement project over the winter. Previous years have provided substantial growth, resulting in ample cover. Vegetation is greening up quickly, and early insect emergence is supporting strong food availability.
Reports from landowners or scouting hunters: Habitat conditions around the region are very good. Local WMAs have recently had controlled burns or other habitat improvement projects over winter. Previous years have provided substantial growth, resulting in ample cover. Vegetation is greening up quickly, and early insect emergence is supporting strong food availability.
WMA best bets: Several WMAs in the region should provide excellent opportunities for the youth season. Honobia Creek WMA, Three Rivers WMA and Herron Family WMA are all strong options for hunters willing to walk. These areas are leased from timber companies and offer extensive acreage and quality hunting. Access requires a Land Access Permit, which supports lease costs and maintains public hunting opportunities. The permit costs $100 for residents and $200 for nonresidents. Please note that Herron Family WMA is open to residents only.
Tips for success: 1. Be patient, as moving too quickly can lead to missed opportunities and frustration.
2. Remain quiet, as excessive calling may cause birds to hesitate or become wary.
3. Be informed, as understanding the landscape can help position you for success.
Mistakes to avoid: 1. The most common mistakes are a lack of patience, excessive calling and insufficient preparation. Frequently calling while moving through an area for a short period before leaving seldom results in success.
2. More often than not, a bird will not gobble as it approaches and will instead move in quietly and undetected. Be ready and always observing.
3. Attempting to sneak up on a bird is a strategy that seldom results in success; it is more effective to position yourself where the bird is likely to go rather than moving directly toward it.
Opening-day expectations: Birds are expected to be active and responsive to calls. With many participants enjoying the outdoors and the excitement of turkey hunting, please prioritize safety and courtesy.
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Oklahoma’s spring turkey season bag limit is one bearded turkey per hunter statewide. While bearded hens are technically legal to harvest, hunters should avoid taking bearded hens and only target the toms.
Hunters have access to hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands open to wild turkey hunting. In addition, the Oklahoma Land Access Program (OLAP) offers walk-in access to private lands leased by the wildlife department.
Please review the Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations (pages 30-31) before entering OLAP walk-in areas. Regulations signs are posted at parking/entrance areas. It is the hunter's responsibility to consult regulations prior to use.
Residents aged 18-63 and all nonresidents must now have a Land Access Permit to access OLAP properties. To get one, go to GoOutdoorsOklahoma.com and search for "Land Access Permit" under Licensing.
To find out about license requirements, field tagging, E-check, and other turkey hunting requirements, consult the current Oklahoma Fishing and Hunting Regulations found online at wildlifedepartment.com, on the Go Outdoors Oklahoma free mobile app for Apple or Android devices, or in print across the state wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold.