Turkey

Wild turkeys killed in the fall must be checked at a Game Check Station so feather samples can be collected to estimate reproductive success. Feather samples are not collected during the spring season.

For more information on feather samples, see the Wild Turkey Feather Collection Guide (PDF).

To enter a turkey in the Big Game Contest, see the Wild Turkey Weight Certificate (PDF).

Bag Limits:

General:
One per day, three per license year, no more than two of which may be taken in the fall.
Archery and Fall Firearms Season:
Turkeys of either sex may be taken.
Spring Turkey Season:
One per day, bearded turkeys only.

Archery Turkey Season

October 3-November 7: Statewide

  • Except in areas where there is a closed firearm season on turkey.

Legal Methods and Restrictions for Archery Turkey Season

Special restrictions apply to specific firearms use during this season. See Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment and Local Firearms Ordinances for details.

  • Archery tackle (including crossbows) only.
  • Decoys and blinds may be used.
  • Broadhead widths must be at least 7/8-inch wide or expand upon impact to 7/8-inch.
  • Bows must be capable of propelling a broadhead arrow at least 125 yards.
  • Unlawful to use dogs when hunting with archery tackle during the archery season.
  • Unlawful to have a firearm in possession (see exception for valid concealed handgun permit holders).

Youth Fall Turkey Hunt Day

October 17:

  • Hunting hours are from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset.
  • Youth hunters (resident or nonresident) must be 15 years of age or younger to participate.
  • Youth hunters between the age of 12 and 15 must have appropriate valid hunting licenses. Hunters under the age of 12 are not required to have a license, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
  • All youth must be accompanied and directly supervised and within sight of an adult. Adult hunters accompanying youth must possess a valid Virginia hunting license (or be exempt from purchasing a hunting license); may assist with calling; and shall not carry or discharge a firearm.

Fall Firearms Turkey Seasons

October 24-November 6, November 26 and December 7-January 2:
In the counties of Alleghany, Amherst (west of Rt. 29), Augusta, Bath, Bedford, Bland, Botetourt, Campbell (west of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Carroll, Clarke, Craig, Dickenson, Floyd, Franklin, Frederick, Giles, Grayson, Henry, Highland, Lee, Montgomery, Nelson (west of Rt. 151), Page, Patrick, Pittsylvania (west of Norfolk-Southern Railroad), Pulaski, Roanoke, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Russell, Scott, Shenandoah, Smyth, Tazewell, Warren, Washington, Wise, Wythe and on Camp Peary.
October 24-November 6, November 26 and November 30-December 26:
In the counties of Albemarle, Amelia, Amherst (east of Rt. 29), Appomattox, Brunswick, Buckingham, Campbell (east of Norfolk Southern Railroad), Caroline, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Culpeper, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Essex, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Goochland, Greene, Greensville, Halifax, Hanover, Henrico, King and Queen, King William, Loudoun, Louisa, Lunenburg, Madison, Mecklenburg, Nelson (east of Rt. 151),Nottoway, Orange, Pittsylvania (east of Norfolk-Southern Railroad), Powhatan, Prince Edward, Prince William, Rappahannock, Spotsylvania, and Stafford.
October 24-November 6, November 26 and November 30-December 12:
In the counties of Charles City, Gloucester, James City, King George, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex, New Kent, Northumberland, Richmond, Westmoreland, and York (except on Camp Peary).
October 24-November 6 and November 26:
In the counties of Accomack, Buchanan, Isle of Wight, Northampton, Prince George, Southampton, Surry, Sussex, and in the city of Suffolk.
Closed:
In the counties of Arlington and the cities of Chesapeake, Hampton, Newport News, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.

Legal Methods and Restrictions for Fall Firearms Turkey Season

Special restrictions apply to specific firearms use during this season. See Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment and Local Firearms Ordinances for details.

  • Modern firearms
  • Archery tackle (including crossbows)
  • Muzzleloading firearms
  • Decoys, blinds, and dogs may be used
  • Unlawful to use electronic calls

Youth Spring Turkey Hunt Day

April 3, 2010:

  • One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
  • Youth hunters (resident or nonresident) must be 15 years of age or younger to participate.
  • Youth hunters between the age of 12 and 15 must have appropriate valid hunting licenses. Hunters under the age of 12 are not required to have a license, but they must be accompanied by a licensed adult.
  • All youth must be accompanied and directly supervised and within sight of an adult. Adult hunters accompanying youth must possess a valid Virginia hunting license (or be exempt from purchasing a hunting license); may assist with calling; and shall not carry or discharge a firearm.

Successful spring hunters must check their birds by telephone (1-866-GOT-GAME [468-4263]) or online. Spring turkeys are no longer being checked at Game Check Stations.

To enter a turkey in the Big Game Contest, see the Wild Turkey Weight Certificate (PDF).

Spring Turkey Season

Bag Limit:

One per day, bearded turkeys only. Hunters may take one, two or three bearded turkeys depending on how many turkeys were taken in the fall season.

Seasons: Statewide

April 10-May 1, 2010:

  • One-half hour before sunrise until 12 noon each day.

May 3-May 15, 2010:

  • One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Legal Methods and Restrictions for Spring Turkey Season

Special restrictions apply to specific firearms use during this season. See Legal Use of Firearms and Archery Equipment and Local Firearms Ordinances for details.

  • Modern firearms
  • Archery tackle (including crossbows)
  • Muzzleloading firearms
  • Decoys and blinds may be used
  • Unlawful to use electronic calls
  • Unlawful to use dogs during spring turkey season
  • When using a shotgun it is unlawful to use or have in possession any shot larger than number 2 fine shot during spring turkey season.