Experience the thrill of calling in a bearded wild turkey
A few days until you are sitting in your favorite hunting spot, watching the sunrise and waiting to call in that bearded tom turkey...
Youth day is Saturday, April 30 and the season opens to all hunters May 2 - June 4, 2022. The warm weather, interactive nature of the hunt using calls, and abundant opportunities in Maine make the spring turkey hunt perfect for newbies and novices. Try turkey hunting yourself, or bring a youth, coworker, family member, or friend for much needed time outside.
Please remember to be a good land user. Pick up after yourself and leave the land how you found it (if not better). ALWAYS ask permission before hunting on private land, and be courteous of the landowner's wishes. Access to private land is a privilege, not a right. Make sure you know where the landowner wants you to park, where on the land you may hunt, and remember just because they have granted you permission does not mean your buddies do too.
Yes, you must register turkeys harvested during the spring hunting season. Click here to find a registration station.
We hope you have an exciting and safe spring turkey hunt!
Keep hunting safe
Hunting is one of the safest outdoor activities in Maine! Let's keep it that way by following these safety tips when heading into the woods:
- Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
- Always keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction
- Use safe carrying methods
- Always be certain of your target and beyond
- Flag your hunting area with orange tape or fabric to indicate your location to other hunters - a simple wrap of orange tape around a nearby tree does the trick
- Be aware of your surroundings and others around you - Remember that you will be sharing the woods with hikers, utility workers, woods operators, and fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Be courteous, there are millions of acres to share!
- Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return
- Always bring a survival kit
Don't forget to protect yourself from ticks. Consider treating your clothes with permethrin or other tick repellent according to the instructions on the container, tuck the loose ends of your clothing in, and check yourself routinely.
Turkey hunting resources
Watch this 10-minute How to Turkey Hunt video. Watch a first-time hunter and experienced hunters go turkey hunting, learn tips and tricks, and more. Click here to watch now.
Looking for a recipe? Try a wild turkey burger! Fresh dill enhances the natural flavor of wild turkey creating the juiciest, most flavorful patty you can imagine. Top it with bacon, onion, tomato, lettuce, and a secret sauce. Get cooking.
What should I know about Avian Influenza?
Avian Influenza is a low risk to humans. No human case of HPAI (Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza) has been detected in the United States. Turkeys are generally not impacted by HPAI, as wild birds that are impacted include waterfowl, gulls, hawks and eagles. Although there is a low risk of wild turkeys being infected, you should practice safe hygiene when hunting, harvesting, and processing wild turkey. Wash your clothes and boots after coming in from turkey hunting, and before walking around any backyard poultry. Clean your wild turkey thoroughly as well as any equipment used for processing. You will also want to cook your wild turkey thoroughly prior to eating.
More information
Purchase a hunting license or permit online
2021-2022 Maine Wild Turkey Hunting Quick Reference Guide (PDF)
Wild turkey hunting laws
2021-2022 Legal Hunting Hours (PDF)
Hunting with nonlead ammunition
Hunting on private land
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