2 February 2024
TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNT) – Kansas hunters will be able to start hunting for turkey in just a couple of months as the spring season kicks off.
Turkey hunting is the favorite pastime of many in-state and out-of-state hunters in the Sunflower State. Some major changes were made to the sport last year impacting the upcoming spring season that hunters will need to check out before heading to the outdoors.
What’s New This Year
The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks made some changes ahead of the 2024 spring turkey season. Most recently, KDWP commissioners approved a new turkey draw process for non-resident permits, which closes on Feb. 9. This was approved at a vote of 7-0 on July 10, 2023, among other changes.
Last year, the KDWP also cut off the fall turkey season and listed new restrictions for some units in the spring season. These efforts come amid attempts to help the native turkey population bounce back from recent declines.
2024 Spring Turkey Dates/Bag Limits
Due to the decline in the resident turkey population, the current statewide permit/bag limit for turkey in Kansas is one bird, according to the 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Guide. No game tags are available for another bird for the spring 2024 season. The current season dates are:
Youth/Disabled: April 1-16
Archery: April 8-16
Regular: April 17 – May 30
(Courtesy Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks)
Legal equipment you can use includes shotguns and handguns using shot sizes 2-9; long, recurve or compound bows and crossbows, according to the 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Guide. You cannot use dogs when hunting for turkey. It is illegal to shoot turkeys while they are roosting in trees.
What You’ll Need
Everyone looking to hunt turkey this year needs to have a valid spring turkey permit. Hunters between 16 and 74, along with all nonresidents, must also have a valid Kansas hunting license unless hunting on their own land. A spring turkey permit is good for one bearded turkey. No game tags are available for the 2024 spring season.
Kansas hunters who are 15 or younger can buy a youth permit at a reduced fee. More information on requirements and eligibility can be found by clicking here. You can find more resources on turkey permits and tags by going to the KDWP’s website. You can find a copy of the 2023-2024 Kansas Hunting and Furharvesting Guide and 2023-2024 Kansas Fall & Spring Hunting Atlas by clicking here.