Turkey Hunting in Virginia: Season Timing, Bag Limits, and Best Spots

Like many states, turkey hunting in Virginia occurs during the spring and fall. However, the spring season is by far the most popular, with most turkeys being taken during this period. No matter what season you hunt in, there are several regulations and laws you must follow to legally bag a turkey.

These regulations can change at any time, and sometimes they even change mid-season. However, this is somewhat rare and usually only occurs when a major change in the turkey population is discovered.

That said, you should always check your local regulations each year before hunting. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the basics you need to understand before you head out the door.

Turkey Season Timing in Virginia

Turkey season is divided into two parts: spring and fall. The spring season typically runs from the beginning of April to the beginning of May. It’s only a few weeks, but many turkeys are taken during this time.

The fall turkey season occurs from the end of October into late January. However, it is divided into several sections depending on the weapons you are allowed to use. For instance, the first few weeks is only open to archery, then there are a few short days of firearms hunting. Finally, muzzleloader season occurs in December, and the shotgun season is open for a week or two in January.

Of course, the exact dates change from year to year. Usually, firearms season is always on a weekend.

Spring is the most popular time to hunt turkeys. Turkeys are more active during this time as they are preparing for breeding. Fall turkey hunting is less popular, but many hunters enjoy it for the challenge.

Season dates and regulations can vary a bit throughout the state, too. In some national parks and wildlife refuges, you may be unable to hunt on certain dates at all. Plus, fall turkey season is completely closed on some occasions, and some counties may not host it for years at a time.

License Costs and Requirements

There are several things you need to have for turkey hunting in Virginia. Firstly, all hunters must have a hunting license if they are over 16 years of age. This license is valid for a whole year before you have to purchase another. Lifetime licenses are available for residents.

Annual hunting licenses are divided into two types: resident and non-resident. The resident license is much cheaper than the non-resident license. However, it requires you to prove residency, often by showing your driver’s license. Some exceptions apply, such as for active-duty military stationed in Virginia.

You must also purchase a turkey permit, which is required for all hunters targeting turkey. Both residents and non-residents must purchase this permit. Luckily, it is often very inexpensive.

You must complete a hunter safety course in most circumstances before purchasing a license. Older hunters born before the cutoff date may not have to purchase one, and some individuals may be grandfathered in. There are some other exceptions, too.

Some other requirements may apply to specific areas within the state. For instance, if you’re hunting on private property that you don’t own, it is recommended that you carry written permission from the landowner.

Turkey Bag Limits in Virginia

The exact turkey bag limits in Virginia vary from place to place. They are also updated every year depending on the exact turkey population. Usually, the limit is one per day. However, the annual limit is often three.

Therefore, you can take three turkeys in all, but only one per day. You may only take two in the fall, as well. Luckily, spring is the more popular season, anyway.

Youth and apprentice hunters do not have an annual limit, as they do not have a hunter’s license to keep up with these limits. However, these individuals may still only take one turkey a day.

Some areas may have particular bag limits, as well. In many cases, national parks may only allow you to take a certain number of turkeys from the area. Wildlife management areas may do the same thing.

Once you take a turkey, you must tag it right away. This process helps officials keep track of how many turkeys are taken each year, allowing them to make proper decisions regarding next year’s bag limits.

You must also report your turkey to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources within 10 days of your harvest. Keep the tag and turkey with you until you do so. Hunters who exceed the bag limits are subject to fines and other penalties.

Other Turkey Season Regulations in Virginia

There are also other state-specific regulations that you have to follow. For instance, you may only take bearded turkeys during the spring turkey season. Hens focus on breeding during this time, so they cannot be taken. If you hunt during the fall months, you may take hens (but only a maximum of two turkeys overall, as we have discussed).

You may only hunt between 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Be sure to check the manual for official sunrise and sunset times. Don’t just rely on your eyes.

You must also wear 400 square inches of fluorescent orange during the spring turkey season. Be sure that this orange is visible from all sides, ensuring that other hunters can see you from all angles.

Some specific areas may have other regulations and rules, such as whether or not you can use decoys. While the state does have overarching rules, wildlife management areas may have their own rules beyond what the state requires.

Popular Areas to Hunt Turkey in Virginia

There are many popular areas to hunt turkeys in Virginia. Here are some of the most talked-about places:

• George Washington and Jefferson National Forest: These two forests are found in the western part of the state and cover 1.6 million acres of land together. They offer tons of different habitats, including forests and meadows. Therefore, they are a popular place for turkeys to hang out.
• Shenandoah National Park: This national park is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. It is home to tons of wildlife, including a sizeable turkey population.
• Eastern Shore: The Eastern Shore of Virginia is a peninsula that juts into the Atlantic Ocean. This rural area has a lot of open land for good turkey hunting. Therefore, it is a solid option for those in the area to hunt.
• Piedmont: The Piedmont is the region of Virginia that lies between the mountains and the coast. It is a hilly area with a variety of forests and fields, which makes it a good place to find turkeys.
• Southwest Virginia: The southwest corner of Virginia is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Great Smoky Mountains. These areas are rugged, which makes them difficult to hunt in. However, they do have an abundance of wildlife.

These are just a few of the possible areas you can go hunting in. It’s important to consider exactly what type of terrain you’re looking for, as well as your exact location in Virginia. Often, the closest area to you is the best option.

Do some research by talking to other hunters in the area. You can also ask your local wildlife management department about the best places to hunt. Keep in mind turkey populations vary from year to year. Therefore, just because you successfully hunted in one area doesn’t mean that area will continue to be populated.

The time of year and weather conditions may also affect your success.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Jordan Kercheff/Shutterstock.com