How Do Wild Turkey Season Limits Work?

June 18, 2020

Question: I was hoping you could clear up some confusion regarding California’s turkey hunting regulations. The regulations for the fall season state that I’m allowed one bird (either sex) per day and two per season. The regulations for the spring season state that I’m allowed one bearded bird per day and three per season, combined. I interpret this to mean that I can shoot up to two birds during the fall season and up to three during the spring season (which consists of the general, archery only and junior seasons combined) for a total of up to five birds per year. I have heard others interpret it to mean that I can shoot up to two birds in the fall and up to three in the spring but I can only shoot a combined total of up to three birds per year. Any clarification would be appreciated. (Tim)

Answer: Your initial interpretation of the regulations is correct. The fall and spring wild turkey seasons are completely separate seasons – and the season limits for each are treated separately as well. That means you can take up to two birds of either sex in the fall season. And it means you can take a combined total of three bearded birds over the course of the spring season, which includes the general season and the additional youth and archery only opportunities.

The confusion is related to possession limit. Since the seasons are separate seasons, the possession limits are separate too. Remember that you may not take more than one turkey per day during either season.