(PRESS RELEASE) COLUMBUS, Ohio – Wild turkey hunters across Ohio have harvested 15,426 birds during the spring 2024 season through Sunday, May 19, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The spring wild turkey hunting season concluded in the 83 counties that comprise the south zone on Sunday, May 19. Hunting in the five counties of the northeast zone (Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties) is open until Sunday, May 26.
During the 2023 spring turkey season, hunters checked 15,555 birds through the corresponding date. The three-year average (2021 to 2023) for turkeys taken in the same time period is 13,920.
This year’s total includes the 1,785 turkeys taken during the two-day youth season April 13-14, all birds checked in 30 days of hunting in the south zone, and those harvested in the 23 days of hunting in the northeast zone.
The 10 counties with the highest totals for wild turkeys checked so far in the 2024 season: Belmont (451), Monroe (447), Tuscarawas (447), Ashtabula (433), Washington (410), Gallia (399), Muskingum (397), Meigs (381), Guernsey (375), and Columbiana (375).
The Division of Wildlife has issued 51,458 spring turkey permits as of Sunday, May 19 that are valid throughout the spring 2024 season.
Hunting is open from 30 minutes before sunrise until sunset in the northeast zone, with a season limit of one bearded turkey. Find more information in the 2023-24 hunting and trapping regulations booklet.
Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license in addition to a spring turkey permit, unless exempted. Successful hunters are required to game-check their turkey no later than 11:30 p.m. on the day of harvest.
Game check, licenses, and permits are available on the HuntFish OH app, via the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, or at a participating license agent. Game check can also be done by phone at 1-877-TAG-IT-OHIO (877-824-4864).
Find more information about Ohio’s wild turkey hunting at wildohio.gov. The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
In 2024, join ODNR as we celebrate 75 years of protecting Ohio’s natural resources and providing outstanding and award-winning recreational opportunities.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.