Spring turkey season in California is a highly anticipated event, with the general season running from March 29 to May 4. The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) offers various special hunts, starting with a junior weekend on March 22-23 and concluding with an additional junior season during the archery-only period from May 5-18. Numerous CDFW-managed wildlife areas are accessible for walk-in turkey hunting. For details on these areas and available recreational opportunities, visit the CDFW Lands web page.
For those interested in enhancing their hunting skills, CDFW provides educational resources, including an Advanced Hunter Education (AHE) Turkey Hunting Strategies Webinar on March 18, 2025. Previous webinars on various turkey hunting topics are also available for viewing.
Hunting hours are from half an hour before sunrise to 5 p.m. Hunters need both a hunting license and Upland Game Bird Validation, although the latter is not required for junior license holders. The bag limit is one bearded turkey per day, with a season limit of three. Nonlead shot is mandatory for firearm hunting, and crossbows are permitted during the general season, except during archery season without a Disabled Archer Permit.
Hunters should verify specific regulations and entry procedures with local property management before hunting. For comprehensive regulations, the Upland Game Bird Hunting web page provides necessary information.
Licenses and validations for the 2024-25 season are available through CDFW’s Online License Sales and Services web page, at license agents, or via the CDFW License App for mobile access.
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