When is Turkey Hunting Season in Texas?

If you are planning to experience the best Texas turkey hunts, timing is key. Understanding when the season begins and the regulations in place can greatly impact your success. At Oxferd Outfitter, we offer guided turkey hunts on private land, ensuring an exciting, safe, and rewarding adventure for hunters of all experience levels. Whether you are after a spring gobbler or scouting in the fall, we provide expert knowledge, prime locations, and a high chance of success. Here’s a helpful guide to get you ready for the upcoming Texas turkey hunting seasons and ensure you make the most of your time in the field.

Spring vs. Fall Turkey Seasons

Texas has two turkey hunting seasons, spring and fall, each with specific rules, objectives, and techniques tailored for a successful hunt.

Spring Turkey Season

Spring turkey season is the most eagerly awaited and widely enjoyed by hunters across Texas. This is when gobblers are most vocal and responsive to calls, making it a thrilling time to hunt.

• Rio Grande Turkey (common across Central and South Texas):

  • South Zone: March 16 – April 28

  • North Zone: March 30 – May 12

  • Eastern Turkey (found primarily in East Texas):

  • Season Dates: April 22 – May 14 (limited counties)

  • Important: Harvest reporting is mandatory for Eastern turkey.

During the spring season, hunters can only shoot gobblers (males) or bearded hens, as the goal is to preserve the population during nesting time. At Oxferd Outfitter, our spring hunts focus on calling in mature toms using expert techniques, giving our hunters exciting, close-range encounters.

Fall Turkey Season

While not as popular as the spring, the fall turkey season offers a different kind of challenge and opportunity.

• Fall Season Dates (in select counties):

  • North Zone: November 2 – January 5

  • South Zone: November 2 – January 19

In the fall, both hens and gobblers may be harvested, but calling is generally less effective since turkeys aren't in breeding mode. These hunts often rely more on scouting and ambush tactics.

Youth-Only Turkey Hunting

Texas also provides special youth-only seasons to help young hunters learn the sport in a low-pressure environment.

• Spring Youth Season:

  • South Zone: March 9–10 & May 4–5

  • North Zone: March 23–24 & May 17–18

At Oxferd Outfitter, we proudly support youth hunting with guided trips designed for education, safety, and fun.

Best Locations for Turkey Hunting in Texas

Texas is home to the Rio Grande wild turkey, one of the most plentiful and widespread turkey species in the United States.The best regions for hunting include:

• Central Texas (home to Oxferd Outfitter)

• South Texas brush country

• Hill Country

• Rolling plains and cross-timber regions

Oxferd Outfitter offers premier hunting experiences across thousands of acres of carefully managed private land, customized to match your skill level and hunting goals.

Final Thoughts

Texas is home to some of the most thrilling and rewarding turkey hunting experiences in the country, but success begins with knowing the right season dates, local regulations, and prime hunting areas. Whether you are a veteran hunter or just starting out, preparation and expert guidance are essential. At Oxferd Outfitter, we specialize in high-quality Texas turkey hunts on private land, led by skilled guides and backed by a strong focus on safety and conservation.