Wild Turkey Hunting

The youth turkey season opens Monday, April 8, and the general turkey season and many controlled hunts in the state open the following Monday, April 15. While much of the state experienced record snowfall in February, the winter was relatively mild until that point, meaning turkeys were not stressed for a long period of time. Add that to the fact that most of the state's turkey populations were in good shape heading into the winter, and hunters can expect good to very good turkey hunting in the spring of 2019.

Like other game, knowing a bit about your quarry and its habitat will make your turkey hunt more successful and enjoyable. Turkeys can be found in a variety of habitats. Diversity is important. Turkeys prefer to roost at night in large trees. Trees that are close to clearings with low brush and other ground cover are ideal.

The spring turkey controlled hunt drawing results are available through Fish and Game’s licensing system. Hunters who already have an account can check to see if they drew controlled hunt permits for spring turkey at https://idfg.huntfishidaho.net/login.

Hunters who are hoping to participate in a spring controlled turkey hunt have the rest of February to apply. The application period opened on Friday, Feb. 1, and runs through March 1. Results will be made available by March 20.

Hunters who are looking to apply for controlled bear or turkey hunts during spring can apply in January and February. The application period for spring controlled black bear hunts kicks off on Jan. 15 and runs through Feb. 15. Applications for the spring turkey controlled hunts will be accepted from Feb. 1 through March 1.