Wild turkey
Spring wild turkey season – shotgun or bow
| Wildlife management unit | Resident and non-resident - open season | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|
| 36, 42, 45, 46–50, 53–65, 66A, 67–82, 83A, 84–95 | April 25 to May 31 | One bearded turkey, per tag |
Note: A hunter may purchase a maximum of two spring wild turkey tags (only valid for bearded turkey). Two bearded wild turkeys may not be taken on the same day. Turkey hunting during the spring season is restricted to ½ hour before sunrise to 7:00 p.m.
Fall wild turkey season – shotgun or bow
| Wildlife management unit | Resident and non-resident - open season | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|
| 59, 60, 63, 64, 65, 66A, 67–70, 72–78, 80–82, 84-87, 89–94 | October 15 to October 27 | One wild turkey |
Fall wild turkey season – bow
| Wildlife management unit | Resident and non-resident - open season | Bag limit |
|---|---|---|
| 59, 60, 63, 64, 65, 66A, 67–70, 72–78, 80–82, 84–87, 89–94 | October 1 to October 31 | One wild turkey |
Note: A hunter may only purchase one fall wild turkey tag (valid for either a male or female) and may only harvest one turkey during the fall seasons.
Turkey hunting requirements
Anyone wishing to hunt wild turkeys must have the following:
- Outdoors Card
- small game licence listed on your licence summary or on the back of your Outdoors Card
- wild turkey tag (for the appropriate spring/fall season)
- proof of firearm accreditation if you are hunting with a gun
Wild turkey hunting regulations
Tagging and transporting
Up to two spring tags may be purchased per hunter. Two birds may not be taken on the same day. Only one fall tag is permitted per hunter.
Go to the tags section for details on tagging and transporting. Information on shipping and exporting can be found in the general regulations section.
Mandatory hunter reporting
Go to hunter reporting requirements section for details on timelines and how to submit your report.
Firearms
Wild turkey may be hunted using shotguns (including muzzle-loading shotguns) or bows. Specifications on the firearms, ammunition, arrows and broadheads that are permitted when hunting wild turkey are found in the general regulations section.
Other regulations
Party hunting is not permitted for wild turkey. You are permitted to call wild turkeys for another hunter after filling your own tag(s), but you must not be in possession of a firearm when doing so. It is illegal to use live decoys or electronic calls while wild turkey hunting in Ontario.
It is illegal to hunt wild turkey within 400 metres (437 yards) of any place where bait has been deposited unless the place has been free of bait for at least seven days. Bait means corn, wheat, oats, other grain, pulse, any other feed that may attract wild turkey or any imitation of such feed. Standing crops, crops stacked in accordance with normal farming practices and grain scattered as a result of normal farming operations are not considered bait.
Key safety reminders for wild turkey hunting
- Avoid wearing red, white or blue colours.
- Make sure any decoy or harvested turkey is fully concealed.
- When choosing a spot to hunt, select a solid background that is wider than your shoulders and taller than the top of your head.
- It is not safe to stalk a wild turkey - it might be another hunter calling or you might be mistaken for a wild turkey yourself.
- Using a gobble call can be unsafe as other hunters may mistake you for a wild turkey.
- Alert other hunters by yelling out in a loud, clear voice. Do not wave or make turkey sounds.
- Be sure of your target and beyond.