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Press Releases

April 25, 2008

Spring Wild Turkey Season Opens April 28; Youth Only Day April 26

Augusta, Maine – Maine’s spring Wild Turkey hunting season opens Saturday (April 26) with a Youth Only Day to encourage young people to learn about the sport, and for adults it opens on Monday (April 28).

 “Wild turkeys now are found in every county in the State because of a well-instituted restoration program,” said Roland “Dan” Martin, Commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. “Their presence is an amazing success story.”

Hunters must have a valid Spring Wild Turkey Permit and a valid Maine resident hunting license, or a valid nonresident or alien big game hunting license in order to hunt turkey. A valid archery license also permits hunting of wild turkey with bow and arrow in Maine.

Hunters can purchase their permit to harvest online using MOSES at www.maine.gov/ifw, at any of the more than 250 MOSES agents statewide, at IF&W headquarters in Augusta, or at manual license agents.

Maine’s wild turkey season is split into two seasons over a five-week period. It’s broken down like this:

  • Season A: April 28-May 3; May 19-May 24; May 26-May 31. Hunters with even-numbered birth years (years ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) will be authorized to hunt during Season A.
  • Season B: May 5-May 10; May 12-May 17; May 26-May 31. Hunters with odd-numbered birth years (years ending in 1, 3, 5, 7, 9) will be authorized to hunt during Season B.
  • Spring Legal Hours: One-half hour before sunrise until noon (12 p.m.)  local time.
  • Spring Areas Open to Hunting: Wildlife Management Districts 7, 10-18, and 20-26.
  • Spring Bag Limit: One bearded wild turkey per permit holder per season.
  • Spring Legal Method for Taking: Only shotgun gauges 10 through 20 using shot sizes 4 through 6, or bow and arrow may be used.
  • Calling devices: Electronic calling devices are legal.

In spring 2007, 19,079 people carried a wild turkey permit and 6,083 bagged a turkey.

Youth Day: Once again this year, junior hunters who are interested in wild turkey hunting will have their own day this Saturday, April 26, before the regular season starts.  The rules are:

  • Age: Youth hunters who are 10 years of age or older and under 16 years of age;
  • Permit and License Needed: Eligible youth hunters must possess a junior hunting license and a Spring Wild Turkey Permit;
  • Adult Supervision is Required and Rules:  The qualified adult must be a person 18 or older who has been approved by the youth’s parent or guardian and must hold a valid Maine hunting license or have completed a hunter safety course. The accompanying adult cannot possess a firearm during Youth Hunting Day.
  • Bag Limit: Junior hunters may bag one bearded wild turkey with a firearm or a bow and arrow.

Other Options: Eligible youth are allowed to hunt during Season A or Season B if they meet the birth year requirements and are under the supervision of an eligible adult. Also, junior hunters are allowed to hunt on any Saturday during the season.