News  2024 spring turkey hunting season

Get your license and turkey permit

If you’re hunting wild turkeys in Massachusetts, you need a hunting or sporting license as well as a turkey permit. A turkey permit comes with 3 turkey tags. Hunters can take 2 bearded turkeys in the spring and 1 turkey of either sex in the fall. Buy online at MassFishHunt.mass.gov or at a license agent (click here for a map).

Spring turkey hunting tips and regulations

• Review turkey hunting regulations including hunting hours, bag limits, and allowable hunting implements.
• Browse spring turkey hunting tips to learn more about pre-season scouting, using decoys, roosting birds, calls, and more.

Turkey hunting classes

Along with our partners, MassWildlife is offering a variety of turkey hunting classes this spring. Click here to view a full list of free classes.

Harvest reporting

Successful hunters must report their turkeys within 48 hours of harvest. The easiest way to report a harvest is online. Click here to learn more about harvest reporting. 

Youth Turkey Hunt Program

The 2024 Youth Turkey Hunt is April 27. There is still time for existing Basic Hunter Education graduates to participate in the Youth Hunt. Click here to learn about the Program and to register for an online or in-person seminar.

Turkey hunting safety information

• Always follow the 10 basic rules of firearm safety.

• Be completely sure of your target and what is beyond it before you shoot. Always practice firearm safety.

• Don't stalk turkey sounds; it could be another hunter. Sit or stand and call the birds to you.

• Do not wear red, white, blue, or black; these colors are associated with male turkeys.

• Protect your back. Set up against a large tree or rock and make sure your view isn't obstructed. Don't hide in a place with an obstructed view.

• Do not place decoys too close to where you set up. Never carry an exposed decoy or tail fan while hunting; put them in a bag when carrying them in or out of hunting locations.

• Consider wearing hunter orange when entering or leaving your hunting area.

• Remember to place an official green safety sticker on your firearm positioned so you can see it when sighting down the barrel. For a new or replacement sticker, visit any MassWildlife office or send a self-addressed stamped envelope to: MassWildlife, 1 Rabbit Hill Road, Westborough, MA 01581.