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Non Resident Turkey Hunter

2011 NON-RESIDENT TURKEY HUNTING GUIDE

In the process of chasing a United States Slam, Randy Rose, president of the Tuscaloosa, Ala., Chapter, prepared this guide for turkey hunting non-residents in 49 states.

He's listed websites, season dates, license requirements, regulations and special hunts/areas for nonresident hunters.

Remember, dates and regulations change, so refer to each state's website for current information.


ALABAMA

SEASON: March 15-April 30 (April 1-30 or April 21-25 in limited counties)

LICENSE: all game annual — $275; all game 10-day — $170; all game three-day — $120 and WMA — $16 ($120-$290)

BAG LIMIT: five gobblers (one per day)

REGULATIONS: Hunters must fill out a harvest log before moving a turkey.

ARIZONA

SEASON: April 22-May 19 (multiple segments and zones)
May 6-19 (archery only in areas 1, 4A, 4B, 12A and 27)

LICENSE: draw and over-the-counter archery only and leftover permits; you'll need a general hunting license ($151.25) and a turkey hunt permit ($77.75); apply for the general permit by Oct. 12, 2010; click here for more information on the spring draw.

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey

HUNT THESE AREAS: San Carlos Apache Reservation, White Mountain Apache Tribe, Navajo Indian Nation

ARKANSAS

SEASON: April 3-May 2 (refer to regulations for more specifics)

LICENSE: all game five-day (two turkey tags) — $150; all game three-day (one turkey tag) — $100

BAG LIMIT: two gobblers (one per day; refer to specific regulations by zone for exceptions)

NOTE: Arkansas is divided into multiple zones with various season date and bag limits.

CALIFORNIA

SEASON: see agency website

LICENSE: all are over the counter; two-day nonresident ($42.69), nonresident hunting license ($148.78)

BAG LIMIT: three bearded turkeys (one per day)

SPECIAL HUNTS: Click here for more information on the state's Game Bird Heritage Special Hunts for novice hunters.

COLORADO

SEASON: April 10-May 23 (varies by unit)

LICENSES: Licenses are over the counter and draw. You'll have to purchase a habitat stamp ($5). The limited license deadline has past, but hunters are still able to purchase over-the-counter licenses in most parts of the state. Unlimited turkey licenses are $101.

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey with limited license and one bearded turkey with OTC license

NOTE: Tag your bird immediately upon kill.

CONNECTICUT

SEASON: April 28-May 29

LICENSES: All are over the counter; must purchase a firearms hunting license ($91) and a spring turkey permit ($19)

BAG LIMIT: There's a two bearded turkey limit on state land and a three bearded turkey limit on private. A hunter can possess state land and private land permits.

NOTES: Legal hunting closes at noon each day. No Sunday hunting. An official safety sticker must be adhered to a gun in such a manner as to be visible when hunter is sighting down the barrel. The tag must be filled in upon kill and kept with bird until telechecked. Click here for more information.

DELAWARE

SEASON: April 9-May 7
Public lands are divided into four segments:

LICENSE: A hunting license is $130. They are over the counter for private land and draw for public land.

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey

NOTES: There is no Sunday hunting, and legal shooting closes at 1 p.m. daily. Turkeys must be registered at a check station by 2:30 p.m. on the day of the kill. It's illegal to wear red, white or blue clothing. Decoys may have no parts from formerly live turkeys. Hunters wishing to hunt turkeys on public land must enter the preseason lottery and possess a DFW public land permit.

First-time Delaware turkey hunters must complete a one-day, onsite Turkey Hunting Safety Class prior to purchasing a hunting license or applying for a public land permit. Click here for more information.

FLORIDA

SEASON: March 5-April 10 (Zone A); March 19-April 24 (Zone B, C and D)

LICENSE: annual hunting ($151.50), 10-day hunting ($46.50); also need a turkey permit ($125) and WMA permit ($26.50)

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (one per day)

SPECIAL HUNTS: Click here for more information on limited entry hunts.

GEORGIA

SEASON: March 26-May 15
Check out quota hunts: March 29-April 2, April 12-16 and April 26-30.

LICENSE: big game three-day ($90); annual big game ($195); hunting three-day ($20) or annual hunting ($100); WMA permit ($73)

BAG LIMIT: three gobblers

HUNT THIS AREA: Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge

HAWAII

SEASON: March 1-31

LICENSE: Over-the-counter hunting license is $95. You'll also need a Wildlife Conservation Stamp ($5). A Letter of Exemption is required to purchase a hunting license and is issued free to those with an out-of-state hunter education card. Click here for more information.

BAG LIMIT: There's a two gobbler limit on the Big Island. Can hunt units A, F, G and Kipuka Ainahou only.

NOTES: Permit and tag required for private and public land. Firearms and ammunition brought into the state from outside must be registered within 48 hours after arrival with the Chief of Police of the county of one's residence, business or sojourn. Contact the district police station or an office of the Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement.

HUNT HERE: Parker Ranch

IDAHO

SEASON: April 15-May 25

LICENSE: Licenses are over the counter, draw for controlled hunts. A three-day small game hunting license is $35.50, the season license is $97.75. You'll also need a turkey tag ($80). An optional extra turkey tag is available for $80.

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (one per day)
A hunter may use the general tag to hunt in any spring general season and also use this tag with a controlled hunt permit to hunt in a controlled hunt. A second spring bird may be taken with the extra turkey tag.

NOTES: Tag birds immediately upon kill. Leftover permits for controlled hunts go on sale on or after April 1.

HUNT HERE: Coeur d' Alene Indian Tribe

INDIANA

SEASON: April 27-May 15

LICENSES: All are over the counter. Must purchase a spring turkey license ($120) and Game Bird Habitat Stamp ($6.75).

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey

NOTES: Affix a temporary tag prior to moving turkey and check the turkey at check station to receive permanent transportation tag or seal. Click here for more information.

All FWAs, J. Edward Roush, Mississinewa and Salamonie lakes have spring season hunting hours one-half hour before sunrise until noon for properties on CDT and until 1 p.m. for properties on EDT.

Click here for information on Reserved Hunts.

IOWA

SEASON: April 11-May 15 (There are four seasons; the state is divided into multiple zones.)

LICENSE: Both draw and over the counter for leftover permits. You'll need a hunting license ($112), a wild turkey license ($102I) and pay the habitat fee ($13).

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey

NOTES: Apply for permit between Jan. 1-24. There are 150 muzzleloading shotgun licenses available; muzzleloading rifles may not be used. Tag and report your bird through the DNR's Harvest Reporting System.

KANSAS

SEASON: April 1-13 (archery only) and April 14-May 31

LICENSE: are over the counter; combo permit/game tag is $47.50 before March 30; after March 30, turkey permit is $32.50 and optional game tag is $22.50; game tag is only valid in units 2 and 3

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per tag/permit; two per season

NOTE: Tag your turkey immediately upon kill.

KENTUCKY

SEASON: April 17-May 9

LICENSE: annual hunting ($130) and spring turkey permit ($60)

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (one per day)

NOTE: Complete the Hunter Harvest Log prior to moving turkey. Call (800) 245-4263 for confirmation number.

HUNT HERE: Land Between the Lakes     

LOUISIANA

SEASON: March 19-April 3 (Area C), April 11 (Area B) and April 18 (Area A)

LICENSE: one-day turkey ($36) or basic season ($150) and big game ($150); wild turkey ($20.50); WMA permit ($15)

BAG LIMIT: two gobblers

MAINE

SEASON: May 3-June 5

LICENSE: All licenses are over the counter. Buy a spring/fall wild turkey permit ($54), an optional second spring turkey permit ($20) and a big game hunting license ($114)

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (with the second turkey permit)   

NOTES: Hunting closes at noon each day. No Sunday hunting. Tag your bird and check it at a check station (a $5 registration fee).

MARYLAND

SEASON: April 18-May 23
April 18-May 9 (closes at noon)
May 10-23 (all day hunting)

LICENSE: An over-the-counter hunting license is $130.

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (one per day)

NOTES: No Sunday hunting except in Allegany and Garrett counties. Sunday hunting allowed on May 1.

MASSACHUSETTS

SEASON: April 26-May 22

LICENSE: All are draw. The turkey permit application is $15, and the big game license if $99.50.

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (one per day)

NOTES: Hunting closes at noon each day. No Sunday hunting. Tag your bird and check it at a check station. Apply for a turkey permit no later than March 15.

MICHIGAN

SEASON: April 19-May 31 (multiple segments and zones)

LICENSE: draw and over the counter; purchase a spring turkey permit ($69), a DNRE Sportcard ($1) and spring turkey application ($4)

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey

NOTES: Hunters may obtain only one turkey permit per season. Apply Jan. 1 to Feb. 1. Tag bird immediately upon kill.

MINNESOTA

SEASON: April 14-May 27 (multiple segments and zones)

LICENSE: draw and over the counter for leftover permits; spring turkey lottery application ($3), turkey stamp ($2), spring turkey ($83)

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey

NOTE: Apply by December for permit draw.

MISSISSIPPI

SEASON: March 12-May 1

LICENSE: all game seven-day ($125) or all game annual ($300), spring turkey ($20); WMA permit ($30)

BAG LIMIT: three adult gobblers (one per day)

MISSOURI

SEASON: April 19-May 9

LICENSE: An over-the-counter spring turkey hunting license is $190.

BAG LIMIT: two turkeys (one per day); only one turkey may be taken during first week of the season

NOTES: Hunting closes at 1 p.m. daily.
All turkeys must be tagged immediately after harvest and checked by 10 p.m. on the day taken using the Telecheck system.

All hunters using a shotgun must affix the "Be Safe" sticker to the receiver of their gun so it will be in their line of sight when shooting. Stickers are available wherever permits are sold.

MANAGED HUNTS: Apply Jan. 11-March 11. Click here for more information.

MONTANA

SEASON: April 10-May 16 (season dates vary by district)

LICENSE: over the counter for general hunting and draw for special permit areas; purchase a spring turkey license ($115), a conservation permit ($10) and pay a hunting access enhancement fee ($10)

BAG LIMIT: Turkey hunters may use one of the following options to harvest a turkey during the spring season:

NOTES: Application deadline for special permits is March 11 (a $5 fee). All hunters are required to stop as directed at all designated check stations on their way to and from hunting and fishing areas, even if they have no game or fish to be checked.

NEBRASKA

SEASON: March 25-April 17 (archery only) and April 18-May 31

LICENSE: over the counter; spring turkey permit ($91, limit of three) and habitat stamp ($20)

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per permit (three maximum)

NEVADA

SEASON: March 25-May 5

LICENSE: draw and over the counter; hunting license is $142 and a turkey tag is $50

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey limit

NOTES: Hunting closes at 4 p.m. daily. Application deadline is Feb. 16. Click here for more information.

HUNT HERE: Hunts at Paradise Valley of Humboldt County closes at 1 p.m. daily. An application form is required. Internet applications are not available; hunters can obtain them from the participating landowners. A landowner must sign the application form, and the form must be submitted through the mail or over the counter during business hours at Wildlife Administrative Services in Fallon. Draw results are available at NDOW regional offices and online at www.ndow.org on March 5, 2010. Tags will be available until the close of the season. Only one person may apply on an application.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

SEASON: May 3-31

LICENSE: turkey permit ($31) and hunting license ($103)

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey

NOTES: Hunting closes at noon each day. Tag immediately upon kill and register ($2 fee) at a check station.

NEW JERSEY

SEASON: April 26-May 28 (five segments)

LICENSE: draw and over the counter for leftover permits; application period is Jan. 25-Feb. 22; purchase a firearm hunting ($135.50) and turkey season permit ($21)

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per permit but no more than one bearded turkey per day.

NOTES: Closes at noon each day. No Sunday hunting.

NEW MEXICO

SEASON: April 16-May 10; season dates in draw areas may vary from statewide dates

LICENSE: over the counter and draw in limited areas; turkey tag ($100), optional second turkey tag ($10), habitat management and access validation ($4), a habitat stamp if hunting USFS or BLM lands ($5)

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per tag (two maximum); some areas are one turkey only

HUNT HERE:Mescalero Apache Tribe, Jicarilla Apache Tribe, Navajo Indian Nation

NEW YORK

SEASON: May 1-31

LICENSE: over the counter; purchase a small game hunting licenses ($85) and turkey permit ($50)

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkey limit (one per day)

NOTES: Hunting closes at noon each day. Tag turkey upon kill and report it via the DECALS reporting system or call (866) GAME-RPT within 48 hours.

NORTH CAROLINA

SEASON: April 9-May 7

LICENSE: six-day hunting ($40), six-day big game ($40); annual state hunting ($60), annual big game ($60); game lands ($15)

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (one per day)

NOTES: A Big Game Harvest Report Card must be validated upon kill, and turkey must be registered. No Sunday hunting. Click here for more information on limited game lands permit hunts.

NORTH DAKOTA

Residents only during spring season.

However, nonresidents may hunt on Standing Rock Sioux Tribe lands with a Standing Rock license. Click here for more information.

Nonresidents also may hunt with a Three Affiliated Tribes license on Three Affiliated Tribes — Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara — lands during spring season. Click here for more information.

OHIO

SEASON: April 18-May 15
April 18-May 1 (closes at noon)
May 2-15 (all day hunting)

LICENSE: over the counter; you'll need an annual hunting license ($125) and a spring turkey permit ($24)

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (one per day)

NOTE: Tag and check required.

OKLAHOMA

SEASON: April 6-May 6

LICENSE: over the counter; you'll need a hunting license ($142) and a spring turkey license ($10, one bearded turkey per license)

BAG LIMIT: three bearded turkeys (one per day)
No more than one bearded turkey may be taken in any county with a one bearded turkey season limit, and no more than two bearded turkeys may be taken in any county with a two bearded turkey season limit. No more than two bearded turkeys may be taken from the combined eight southeast counties.

NOTES: Tag immediately upon kill.

All turkeys taken east of I-35 must be checked at a hunter check station with an authorized department employee or at wildlifedepartment.com within 24 hours of leaving the hunt area.

Turkeys taken west of I-35 do not have to be checked.

Seasons on public lands may vary from statewide seasons.

Click here to learn more about controlled hunts.

OREGON

SEASON: April 15-May 31

LICENSE: over the counter; a hunting license ($140.50) and a limit of three turkey tags ($77.50 each)

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys, an additional bearded turkey may be taken with a bonus tag (one per day)

A 2011 bonus turkey tag may be used to take one bearded turkey in the following Wildlife Management Units only: 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30.

It is unlawful to obtain and possess more than two 2011 statewide spring turkey tags and one 2011 bonus turkey tag.

NOTE: At time of harvest, a hunter must validate the tag immediately by removing in its entirety the appropriate month and day of harvest and attach the tag securely to the carcass.

PENNSYLVANIA

SEASON: April 30-May 31
April 30-May 14 (close at noon)
May 15-31 (all day hunting)

LICENSE: over the counter; an adult hunting license ($101.70) and an optional second spring gobbler season ($41.70)

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (one per day)

NOTE: No Sunday hunting.

RHODE ISLAND

SEASON: April 29-May 25

LICENSE: over the counter; you'll need a hunting license ($45) and a turkey permit ($65)

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey

NOTES: Hunting closes at 1 p.m. daily. Harvest Survey Card must be completed and returned. Turkey must be registered at check station.

SOUTH CAROLINA

SEASON: March 15-May 1 (Game Zone 6) and April 1-May 1 (all other game zones and public land)

LICENSE: three-day hunting ($40); 10-day hunting ($75); big game permit ($100); WMA permit ($76) 

BAG LIMIT: five gobblers (two per day, except two total gobblers for Chesterfield, Darlington, Dillon, Florence, Horry, Lee, Lexington, Marion, Marlboro, Richland and Sumter counties)

NOTES: No Sunday hunting on public land. Must have free turkey tags and affix tag to turkey upon kill. WMAs have special regulations. Applications due March 2. Quota hunts: April 7-9 and 14-16

SOUTH DAKOTA

SEASON: April 9-May 22

LICENSE: Click here for Black Hills (over the counter) information.

Click here for Prairie draw and over the counter for leftover licenses.

Nonresidents are eligible for all prairie units west of the Missouri River, and leftover licenses east of the Missouri River remaining after the second drawing.

Click here for archery (over the counter) license information.

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per license; one archery license may be purchased; one Black Hills license may be purchased

NOTE: Tag bird immediately upon kill.

HUNT THESE AREAS: Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Rosebud Sioux Tribe, Ogala Sioux Tribe (Pine Ridge),
Lower Brule Sioux Tribe

TENNESSEE

SEASON: April 2-May 15

LICENSE: all game seven-day ($175) or annual all game ($251); WMA non-quota big game ($21)

BAG LIMIT: four bearded turkeys (one per day)

NOTES: Turkeys taken on all quota hunts and specially designated WMAs are bonus turkeys. Attach temporary tag prior to moving turkey and check turkey at check station to receive a permanent transportation tag.

TEXAS

SEASON: Rio Grande — March 19-May 1 (South Zone), April 2-May 15 (North Zone) and April 1-30 (one turkey limit counties)

Eastern — April 1-30

LICENSE: An over-the-counter spring turkey license is $126.

BAG LIMIT: four gobblers (except in counties with a one gobbler limit; one Eastern gobbler only)

NOTES: All Eastern gobblers must be checked at a check station.
Must tag turkey upon kill.

UTAH

SEASON: April 9-28 (limited entry) and May 2-31 (general entry)

LICENSE: a hunting license ($65) and a turkey general entry permit ($100) or turkey limited entry permit ($100) and a $10 application fee

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey

NOTES: Only one permit per hunter per season. Apply for limited entry permits Dec. 9-28. If you obtain a turkey limited entry permit, you may not purchase a general season permit. Any leftover limited entry permits may be purchased over the counter.

VERMONT

SEASON: May 1-31

LICENSE: over the counter; hunting ($90) and turkey ($25)

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys

NOTES: Hunting closes at noon daily. Tag bird upon kill.    

VIRGINIA

SEASON: April 9-May 14 (April 9-30 until noon; May 2-14 all day)

LICENSE: three-day hunting ($46), annual hunting ($86), bear, deer and turkey ($66); National Forest permit ($4); Virginia State Forest use permit ($16)

BAG LIMIT: three bearded turkeys (one per day)

NOTES: Must tag turkey upon kill and check by phone. No Sunday hunting. Click here for more information on WMA quota hunts.

WASHINGTON

SEASON: April 15- May 31 (2010)

LICENSE: over the counter; small game ($182) or three-day small game ($62) and primary turkey tag ($48.50); can purchase up to two additional turkey tags for $72.50 each

BAG LIMIT: a total of three bearded turkeys in the spring season with following restrictions: only two bearded turkeys may be taken in eastern Washington and only one of those may be taken in Chelan, Kittitas and Yakima counties (combined); only one bearded turkey may be taken in western Washington per year. Two bearded turkeys may be taken in Klickitat County. In some areas, two bearded turkey may be taken in one day.

NOTES: Tag bird immediately upon kill. Turkey hunters must report their prior year hunting activity whether or not they harvest an animal. Hunters not reporting by Jan. 31 will be subject to a $10 penalty, which must be paid before they can purchase a license for the following year. One hunter report is required for each tag acquired.

WEST VIRGINIA

SEASON: April 25-May 21

LICENSE: over the counter; you'll need hunting and trapping ($119) and conservation/law enforcement stamp ($13) and turkey stamp ($32) and National Forest stamp ($2)

BAG LIMIT: two bearded turkeys (one per day)

NOTES: Hunting closes at 1 p.m. each day. Tag bird upon kill and register it at a check station. Click here to learn more about limited Sunday hunting.

WISCONSIN

SEASON: April 14-May 23

LICENSE: draw and over the counter for leftover permits; application ($3) and permit ($15) and spring turkey license ($60) and turkey stamp ($5.25)

BAG LIMIT: one bearded turkey per permit

NOTE: Application deadline was Dec. 10, 2010.

WYOMING

SEASON: April 1-May 20 (varies by license and area)

LICENSE: over the counter; general spring turkey ($72) and/or limited spring turkey ($72)

BAG LIMIT: for Area 1, Black Hills, one bearded turkey per license

NOTE: Tag bird immediately upon kill.