Turkey Hunting Bag Limits and Reporting in Virginia

General Bag Limits

• Daily Limit: One turkey per day.
• Annual Limit: Three turkeys per license year, with a maximum of two turkeys in the fall season.

Season-Specific Regulations

Archery and Fall Firearms Season

• Sex of Turkey: Either sex may be taken.
• Daily Limit: One turkey per day during this season.

Spring Turkey Season

• Type of Turkey: Only bearded turkeys are permitted to be harvested.
• Daily Limit: One bearded turkey per day.

Reporting Requirements for Fall and Spring Turkeys

• Mandatory Reporting: All wild turkeys harvested during both fall and spring seasons must be reported.
• Reporting Methods:
  • Telephone: Using a designated reporting number.
  • Mobile App: Through an official mobile application.
  • Internet: Via an online reporting system.

Archery Turkey Season in Virginia: Regulations and Guidelines

Season Dates

• Duration: October 7 through November 17.
• Geographic Scope: Statewide, except in areas with a closed firearm season on turkey.

Legal Methods and Restrictions

Archery Equipment

• Primary Tackle: Only archery tackle is permitted during this season.
• Disability Accommodations: Hunters with disabilities preventing the use of standard archery equipment may use an arrowgun. They must possess a Department-provided authorization form completed by their physician.

Use of Decoys and Blinds

• Decoys: Allowed for attracting turkeys.
• Blinds: Can be used to conceal the hunter's presence.

Broadhead Specifications

• Minimum Width: Broadheads must be at least 7/8-inch wide or capable of expanding to at least 7/8-inch upon impact.

Use of Dogs

• Tracking Purpose: Dogs may be used to track wounded or dead turkeys.
• General Hunting: Using dogs for hunting turkeys during this season is prohibited, except for tracking as mentioned.

Firearm Possession

• General Rule: It is illegal to have a firearm in possession during the archery turkey season.
• Concealed Handgun Permit Exception: Valid permit holders may carry a concealed handgun as specified in the Legal Use of Firearms & Archery Tackle section.

Youth and Apprentice Spring Turkey Hunting Weekend in Virginia

Season Dates and Bag Limit

• Dates: April 6 and 7.
• Scope: Statewide event.
• Bag Limit: One bearded turkey per youth or apprentice hunter for the entire weekend.

Eligibility and Supervision

• Youth Hunters: Resident and nonresident hunters aged 15 and under, or holders of a valid apprentice hunting license.
• Adult Supervision: Must be accompanied and directly supervised by an adult over 18 with a valid Virginia hunting license or exemption from licensing. Nonresident youth must have appropriate licenses unless exempt.
• Supervisor Role: The adult supervisor cannot carry or discharge a weapon, but may assist with calling. They must maintain close contact, provide direction, and be able to immediately take control of the firearm.

Hunting Hours

• Time Frame: From 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.

Regulations and Restrictions

• Count Against Limits: Turkeys harvested count towards the youth's or apprentice's daily and season bag limits.
• License Requirements for Adults: Adult hunters accompanying youth or apprentice turkey hunters do not need a deer/turkey license for this weekend.
• Non-Participation in Hunting: Adults may not hunt or carry weapons; their role is strictly supervisory and assistive in nature.

Spring Turkey Hunting Season: Essential Guide

Bag Limit Details

During the spring turkey season, hunters have a specific bag limit they must adhere to. This limit varies based on the number of turkeys harvested in the previous fall season. The key rules are as follows:

• Daily Limit: A maximum of one bearded turkey per day.
• Overall Limit: Depending on the fall season's harvest, hunters may take a total of one, two, or three bearded turkeys.

Season Dates and Timing

The spring turkey season is divided into two distinct phases, each with its unique timing:

• April 13 to April 28: Hunting is allowed statewide from one-half hour before sunrise until 12 noon each day.
• April 29 to May 18: The hunting period extends from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, applicable statewide.

Legal Hunting Methods and Restrictions

To ensure ethical and safe hunting practices, specific regulations are enforced regarding the methods and equipment used:

• Arrowguns: Permitted for use.
• Modern Firearms: Allowed, following specific guidelines.
• Archery Tackle: Legal for turkey hunting.
• Muzzleloading Firearms: Can be used during the season.
• Decoys and Blinds: Hunters may employ decoys and blinds for strategic advantage.
• Electronic Calls: The use of electronic calls is strictly prohibited.
• Dogs: While using dogs for hunting is unlawful, they may be utilized for tracking wounded or dead turkeys, as detailed in the "Hunting with Dogs" section.
• Shotgun Restrictions: When using a shotgun, it is illegal to use or possess any shot larger than number 2 fine shot.

Spring Turkey Quota Hunts Overview

Quota hunts for spring turkey are organized in specific Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and other designated locations. For the 2024 season, these opportunities are available in:

• Six Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
• New Kent Forestry Center.
• Adams Daniel Farm.
• Progress Park.
• Hockley Experimental Forest.

Noon Hunting Limitation: Rationale and Research

A crucial aspect of the spring gobbler season is the limitation of hunting to noon during certain periods. This regulation is grounded in research and is implemented for specific reasons:

Elevated Risk of Hen Turkey Accidents

• Early Season Activity: Research indicates that hen turkeys are more active during the early part of the spring season. This heightened activity is attributed to most hens not having started egg incubation.
• Accidental Shooting Risk: The increased presence and movement of hens during this time elevate the risk of accidental shootings.

Changes in Hen Behavior

• Egg Incubation Phase: As the season progresses, many hens begin incubating their eggs.
• Reduced Hen Activity: This change in behavior leads to a significant decrease in hen activity during the day.

Adjusted Hunting Hours

• First Two Weeks Limitation: To mitigate the risk to hens, hunting is limited to noon during the initial weeks of the season.
• All-Day Hunting: After this period, the risk diminishes, allowing for all-day hunting since hens are less likely to be active and at risk.