Wild Turkey
Intermediate · Statewide. Highest populations in the western mountains, Shenandoah Valley, and Piedmont. Tidewater and Southside also hold good numbers.
Virginia is home to a thriving wild turkey population estimated at over 180,000 birds, making it one of the best turkey hunting states on the East Coast. The spring gobbler season is the main event, drawing tens of thousands of hunters to the woods each April and May. Virginia also offers a fall either-sex turkey season in most counties. The diverse terrain from coastal plains to mountain hardwoods provides varied and rewarding hunting experiences.
Seasons
Fall Archery
Archery/Crossbow
Fall General (Firearms)
Firearms/Archery
Spring Gobbler (Youth/Apprentice)
Shotgun/Archery
Spring Gobbler
Shotgun/Archery
Bag Limits
Fall season: 1 turkey per day, either sex (varies by county; some counties closed to fall turkey). Spring season: 2 bearded turkeys total for the spring season, 1 per day.
Tips
- • Start spring mornings on a ridge where you can hear gobbling in multiple directions, then move toward the most responsive bird.
- • In the fall, scatter a flock aggressively and set up right at the scatter point—the birds will regroup at that exact spot.
- • Use a slate or box call for beginners; mouth calls free your hands but take practice to master.
- • Set up with your back against a wide tree trunk, facing the direction you expect the bird to approach from.
- • Be patient in spring—a gobbler that goes silent is often on his way in. Give him 20-30 minutes before moving.