Spring Turkey Hunting Kicks Off In Utah This Month

Can't wait until Thanksgiving? You don't need to.

Utah’s spring turkey hunting season is underway, offering outdoor enthusiasts a chance to enjoy the state’s landscapes while pursuing one of its most accessible game species. The youth turkey hunt runs May 1 through May 3, followed by the general-season hunt from May 4 through May 31. Young hunters who are unsuccessful during the youth hunt may continue participating throughout the general season.

Turkey Hunting: Good For The Beginning Hunter

Wildlife officials encourage both experienced hunters and newcomers to take advantage of the opportunity. “Turkey hunting is a great way to get outdoors in Utah during the spring,” Utah Division of Wildlife Resources Upland Game Coordinator Heather Talley said in a press release. “It’s also a great species to target for anyone who is new or just getting into hunting.”

Permits for the statewide general-season hunt have been available since March 10 and can be purchased online, through license agents, or at Division of Wildlife Resources offices up until the end of the season. Hunters are reminded to review regulations carefully in the 2025–26 Utah Upland Game & Turkey Guidebook, which is available online and through the Utah Hunting & Fishing app. Regulations include restrictions on equipment, such as the prohibition of rimfire firearms and air rifles during spring turkey hunts.

Utah is home to two turkey subspecies, Rio Grande and Merriam’s, with an estimated population between 33,000 and 38,000 birds statewide. Mild winter conditions over the past two years have generally supported population growth, though ongoing dry conditions have caused some declines in southwestern Utah. “Winter conditions were pretty mild this year, and we haven’t seen any evidence of winter kill in Utah,” Talley said in a press release. “However, the dry conditions led to a decline in population in southwestern Utah. But overall, hunters can expect to see a decent amount of turkeys during this spring’s hunts.”

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Hunters are encouraged to scout areas ahead of time, paying close attention to turkey movement patterns and habitat. Rio Grande turkeys are often found in lower-elevation river bottoms and woodlands, while Merriam’s turkeys typically inhabit higher-elevation ponderosa pine forests. Midday hours, particularly between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., often prove most productive.

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Officials also stress the importance of securing permission before hunting on private land and recommend practicing with calls and decoys. Remaining still and wearing camouflage suited to the terrain can significantly improve success in the field.