New York State Turkey Hunters Urged to Stop This Dangerous Tactic

• The 2026 New York State spring turkey season starts May 1st
• The youth turkey season was a success for some
• There is one major safety reminder for turkey hunters in New York State

The 2026 turkey hunting season gets underway bright and early on Friday, May 1, here in New York State. As hunters prepare for the excitement of opening morning, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has one major warning for anyone heading into the woods after a gobbler.

The annual Youth Turkey Hunt just wrapped up across New York State on April 25 and 26, giving young hunters a chance to chase the birds they had been scouting all spring long. Despite a soggy start to the weekend, with some areas receiving more than an inch of rain, the hunt was far from a washout. In fact, reports from hunters around the state suggest there was plenty of success in the woods during the youth turkey season.

New York Turkey Season Officially Opens May 1

Now, fast forward to May 1, and New York State’s regular spring turkey hunting season is set to begin. Licensed hunters across Upstate New York and Suffolk County will be in the field from one-half hour before sunrise until noon each day through the end of the month.

Related: Full Rules for the 2026 New York State Spring Turkey Season

Hopefully by now you have done your scouting, patterned your shotgun, checked your gear, and have everything lined up for opening morning. Spring turkey season is one of the most anticipated hunting traditions of the year in New York, and there is no question many hunters are counting down the hours until that first gobble on Friday morning.

But before you decide to get aggressive in the woods, New York State wants hunters to remember one simple message: do not stalk turkeys.

DEC Issues Serious Warning To New York Turkey Hunters

According to the DEC, stalking turkeys creates a dangerous situation that can put both you and other hunters at risk. State officials specifically warn hunters to avoid moving toward turkey sounds or trying to sneak in on a bird they see in the distance.

DEC safety officials continue to stress the phrase: “Never stalk turkeys.” Instead, hunters are encouraged to find a safe setup location, sit with their back against a tree wider than their shoulders, and call birds into range.

While social media has become flooded with videos showing hunters using oversized decoys to approach gobblers in open fields (turkey reaping), that tactic can become extremely dangerous if done carelessly or if another hunter is nearby.

Safety Should Come Before Success In The Turkey Woods

As always, make sure you follow every firearm safety rule and hunt only on property where you have permission to be. Spring turkey season is one of the most thrilling outdoor opportunities of the year, but no bird is worth taking unnecessary chances.

From what many hunters are seeing ,  and from the number of reports circulating throughout the hunting community , New York appears to have plenty of healthy flocks and beautiful longbeards available this season.

If you are lucky enough to fill your tag, be sure to properly report your harvest to New York State and do your part in supporting the long-term conservation efforts that keep turkey hunting thriving for future generations.

Be safe, hunt smart, and good luck on opening day.

Read More: These $5 Hunting Licenses are New York State's Most Affordable