Welcome to our guide to the highly anticipated Wyoming Spring Turkey Season 2024!
Turkey hunting in Wyoming is becoming increasingly popular during both the spring and fall seasons. According to the past report, more than 17000+ turkeys are being hunted in one year and the number will get more and more bigger.
If you are a big fan of turkey hunting, please continue to read the guide and learn about everything hunters should know for planning a Wyoming hunting trip.
Wyoming Turkey Season
| Areas | Seasons | Dates | Bag Limits |
| Area 1 | General | Apr. 20 – May. 31 | Any male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard |
| 001-3 | Apr. 1 – May. 31 | Any male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard valid on private land | |
| Area 2 | General | Apr. 20 – May. 31 | Any male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard |
| 002-3 | Apr. 1 – Apr. 19 | Any male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard valid in Natrona County | |
| 002-3 | Apr. 20 – May. 31 | Any male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard valid within Converse and Natrona counties | |
| Area 3 | General | Apr. 1 – May. 31 | Any male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard |
| 003-3 | Apr. 1 – May. 31 | Any male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard | |
| Area 4 | General | Apr. 20 – May. 31 | Any male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard |
| 004-1 | Apr. 20 – May. 31 | Any male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard | |
| Area 5 | General | Apr. 20 – May. 31 | Any male wild turkey or any wild turkey with a visible beard |
🔔*Notes:
- Hunting hours: one-half hour before sunrise and sunset
- The Spring Turkey Season application has been ended. Hunters can apply for the Fall Turkey Season on April 1 – May 31, 2024. It cost $16 for residents and $74 for nonresidents.
- In any given calendar year, each hunter can only apply for or receive one (1) spring wild turkey license and one (1) fall wild turkey license.
Wyoming Turkey Hunting Areas
Area 1
Black Hills: All of Crook County and that portion of Weston County north of U.S. Highway 16 or east of U.S. Highway 85.
Area 2
Central: That portion of Weston County south of U.S. Highway 16 and west of U.S. Highway 85; and all of Converse, Natrona and Niobrara counties.
Area 3
Powder River: All of Campbell, Johnson and Sheridan counties.
Area 4
Bighorn Basin: All of Big Horn, Hot Springs, Park and Washakie counties.
Area 5
South Central: All of Albany, Carbon, Fremont, Goshen, Laramie and Platte counties.
There are 5 hunting areas in Wyoming. Among them, Area One Black Hills is considered the top public land hunting spot for turkey hunts. Located near turkey habitat in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska, some hunters will travel to the Black Hills for a multi-state spring Merriam turkey hunt.
Hunting on public land is also offered in various parts of the Medicine Bow National Forest located between Casper and Wheatland.
The hunting season dates vary from different hunting zones, so hunters should be aware and keep updated with the newest information before planning on an adventure.
Wyoming Turkey Licenses
Every hunter needs to possess a hunting license in order to hunt turkey in Wyoming. Here are the charts for the license fees for residents and nonresidents.
| Resident Hunting License Fees | |
| Full-Price | $21.00 |
| Pioneer | $7.00 |
| Pioneer Heritage | $15.00 |
| Resident Landowner | $21.00 |
| Pioneer Landowner | $7.00 |
| Pioneer Heritage Landowner | $15.00 |
| Nonresident Hunting License Fees | |
| License | $89.00 |
| Nonresident Landowner | $89.00 |
How to Buy a Wyoming hunting license?
There are various areas available for hunting with a general license for full price, which can be bought over the counter.
While for other limited areas, it requires a limited quota license. Quota licenses with a restricted amount are distributed through a random drawing.
You can buy the licenses on the Wyoming Online Electronic Licensing System. Log in to create a customer’s account and follow the steps to finish your purchase of your license types.
*Each hunter also needs to purchase one conservation stamp to hunt in Wyoming.
Wyoming Turkey Hunting Regulations
- All hunters can not obtain more than one permit for a wild turkey in a single season. With the appropriate license, all hunters can only hunt up to one wild turkey, not exceeding the specified bag limit.
- Hunters are not allowed to have or utilize any kind of shot aside from nontoxic shots when hunting wild turkeys with a shotgun in the Spring and Table Mountain Wildlife Habitat Management Areas, as well as in all national wildlife refuges open for hunting.
- In spring hunt areas where only male wild turkeys or those with a visible beard can be taken.
- The wild turkey must have a visible beard naturally attached to the carcass for identification in the field and during transportation.
- Nonresident hunters seeking big and trophy game must have a professional outfitter or resident guide with them when hunting in federally designated wilderness areas.
- Wild turkey can be hunted using any type of archery equipment at any available open
- It is mandatory for anyone hunting big or trophy game animals to wear at least one visible exterior garment, such as a hat, shirt, jacket, coat, vest, or sweater, in fluorescent orange/pink color.
Wyoming Turkey Hunting Tips
Hunting for turkey in Wyoming can be an exciting adventure. Below are a few suggestions that could benefit your upcoming turkey hunting trip.
Know the Terrain
Familiarize yourself with the Wyoming terrain, which includes a diverse range of landscapes such as open plains, dense forests, river bottoms, and mountainous regions. Knowing the landscape is crucial for a productive hunting trip. Turkeys enjoy habitats close to water sources and the borders of forests. Forested regions are frequently used as resting places, while open areas are used for eating.
Understand the Weather
Turkeys will change their reactions to different weather. During hotter weather, they might be more energetic and mobile. On the other hand, in wet or cold conditions, turkeys could opt to remain in denser wooded areas or close to where they roost.
Mastering Turkey Calls
Turkey call is essential for success in turkey hunting. Practicing a variety of turkey calls, knowing the right moment to use them, and mastering their timing, can attract turkeys to come closer to you.
Camouflage And Safety
Turkeys possess superior vision. Put on camo attire that can help you blend in the environment and try to remain quiet. It is better to wear camo suits with orange to stay visible to other hunters. Stay alert to your environment to avoid being confused for a turkey by fellow hunters.
Explore the Region In Advance
Exploring the area before hunting season can help you identify where the turkeys nest, eat and move. Search for indications of turkeys like feathers, droppings, scratch marks, or tracks.
Be Patience
Having patience is beneficial when hunting turkeys because it requires a significant amount of time to wait for the turkey to show up. It is necessary and worth waiting a long time for the ideal opportunity to shoot a turkey.
Conclusion
As we finish our Wyoming Spring Turkey Season 2024 guide, we trust you’re motivated and prepared to start an exciting hunting trip in this stunning state.
Due to the rising turkey population, Wyoming is becoming increasingly popular among turkey enthusiasts. Before becoming one of the hunters in this state, be sure to learn the season schedule, regulations, and licensing requirements before going for a safe and successful experience.
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