Turkey Hunting License Guide
Wild turkey hunting license guide across all 50 states — spring and fall seasons, fees, and regulations.
About Turkey Hunting in the United States
Wild turkey hunting is one of America's fastest-growing hunting traditions, with over 2 million turkey hunters in the field each year. Thanks to successful conservation efforts, wild turkeys now thrive in all 49 continental states. Most states offer both spring (gobbler-only) and fall seasons, with spring hunting typically being more popular. Turkey licenses are generally much more affordable than big game tags, with many states including turkey privileges in their general hunting license or offering them as inexpensive add-on permits. Shotgun and archery are the most common methods, and hunters must often obtain a separate turkey permit in addition to their base hunting license.
Scientific name: Meleagris gallopavo
Turkey Distribution Map
See where turkey hunting is available across the United States.
Turkey Hunting License Costs by State
Compare turkey tag prices, seasons, and license methods across states.
| State | Resident Tag | Non-Resident Tag | Season | Method | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $18.00 | $18.00 | Apr–Jun (Spring), Sep–Nov (Fall) | OTC | 2 bearded birds (spring), 1 either-sex (fall) |
| Pennsylvania | $20.97 | $101.97 | Apr–May (Spring), Nov (Fall) | OTC | 2 bearded birds (spring), 1 either-sex (fall) |
| Texas | $25.00 | $315.00 | Mar–May (Spring), Nov–Jan (Fall) | OTC | 4 gobblers (spring), 4 either-sex (fall) |
| Colorado | — | $188.86 | Apr–May | OTC | 2 bearded turkeys |
| Montana | — | — | Apr–Jun | OTC | 1 turkey |
Prices sourced from official state wildlife agencies. Last updated: 2026-03-13.
Turkey Hunting Tips & Resources
Know the Regulations
Before your hunt, always verify current season dates, bag limits, and legal methods with the state wildlife agency.
Scout Your Area
Use public land maps and trail cameras to identify turkey habitat and travel patterns before season opens.
Safety First
Wear required blaze orange, carry your license, and follow all firearm safety rules while in the field.
Recommended Turkey Hunting Gear
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Turkey Hunting License FAQ
What is the cheapest turkey hunting license?
Michigan offers one of the cheapest standalone turkey tags at $18 for both residents and non-residents. Many states include turkey privileges in their general hunting license at no additional cost.
Do I need a separate turkey stamp or permit?
It depends on the state. Some states like Texas include turkey in the general hunting license, while others like Pennsylvania require a separate turkey license or add-on permit.
Can I hunt turkey in all 50 states?
Turkey hunting is legal in 49 of the 50 states. Alaska is the only state where wild turkeys are not present in significant numbers.