Vital Reminders For Turkey Hunters In New York State

Great news! May is about to begin and that brings so many exciting things in New York State to look forward to.

In the month of May, college students graduate, we celebrate Mother's Day and get ready for the unofficial start to summer with Memorial Day!

But for those who love to hunt, May brings the spring turkey season!

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The good weather has been on again, off again this spring. After a recent surge in the temperatures, and a few storms, we are back too cooler air as we start May. Turkey hunters who hit the woods will have more comfortable temperatures for opening day on May 1st!

What Are The Rules?

New York State has a wide variety of hunting laws. But when it comes to turkey, things get interesting.

With two seasons, spring and fall, SOME of the regulations change when it comes to time of day you can hunt and the manner in which you can hunt.

As for spring, a few things to remember are "In the spring you may take two bearded birds. You may only take one bird per day. Shooting hours are from 1/2-hour before sunrise to noon".

The spring turkey hunt is so exciting when the gobblers are sounding off as the woods come alive before the sunrises!

Safety First

While turkey hunting is fun, it can also be dangerous IF you don't pay attention and be smart about the way you hunt.

New York State reminds you, "Don't Stalk Turkeys. It doesn't work and it is dangerous.Never wear turkey colors-red, white, or blue. Assume anything that sounds like a turkey is another turkey hunter".

I have been seeing a good deal of turkeys lately on cameras and in person in the woods and fields. Good luck this month and have fun!