Turkey Hunting License Guide
Wild turkey hunting license guide across all 50 states — spring and fall seasons, fees, and regulations.
About Turkey Hunting in the United States
The 2026 wild turkey outlook remains positive across much of the United States, with over 2 million hunters participating in spring and fall seasons. While some southeastern states have implemented season adjustments to address localized nesting success, populations in the Midwest and Northeast continue to expand. Wild turkeys now thrive in 49 states. Most states offer spring gobbler seasons as their primary draw. Turkey licenses remain among the most affordable hunting permits, with many states offering over-the-counter tags or easy add-ons to base licenses for the 2026 season.
Scientific name: Meleagris gallopavo
Turkey Distribution Map
See where turkey hunting is available across the United States.
Turkey Hunting License Costs by State
Compare turkey tag prices, seasons, and license methods across states.
| State | Resident Tag | Non-Resident Tag | Season | Method | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | $18.00 | $18.00 | Apr–Jun (Spring), Sep–Nov (Fall) | OTC | 2 bearded birds (spring), 1 either-sex (fall) |
| Pennsylvania | $20.97 | $101.97 | Apr–May (Spring), Nov (Fall) | OTC | 2 bearded birds (spring), 1 either-sex (fall) |
| Texas | $25.00 | $315.00 | Mar–May (Spring), Nov–Jan (Fall) | OTC | 4 gobblers (spring), 4 either-sex (fall) |
| Colorado | — | $188.86 | Apr–May | OTC | 2 bearded turkeys |
| Montana | — | — | Apr–Jun | OTC | 1 turkey |
Prices sourced from official state wildlife agencies. Last updated: 2026-04-01.
See the full 50-state base license cost comparison →
Compare total non-resident costs for turkey hunting across multiple states →
Turkey Hunting Tips & Resources
Know the Regulations
Before your hunt, always verify current season dates, bag limits, and legal methods with the state wildlife agency.
Scout Your Area
Use public land maps and trail cameras to identify turkey habitat and travel patterns before season opens.
Safety First
Wear required blaze orange, carry your license, and follow all firearm safety rules while in the field.
Recommended Turkey Hunting Gear
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more
Turkey Hunting License FAQ
What is the cheapest turkey hunting license?
Michigan offers one of the cheapest standalone turkey tags at $18 for both residents and non-residents. Many states include turkey privileges in their general hunting license at no additional cost.
Do I need a separate turkey stamp or permit?
It depends on the state. Some states like Texas include turkey in the general hunting license, while others like Pennsylvania require a separate turkey license or add-on permit.
Can I hunt turkey in all 50 states?
Turkey hunting is legal in 49 of the 50 states. Alaska is the only state where wild turkeys are not present in significant numbers.