Hunting News

Fall turkey season opens Oct. 9

Fall turkey season opens Oct. 9

By Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Fall wild turkey season begins Saturday, Oct. 9 in 70 Ohio counties. Both hens and gobblers are legal game. The season limit is one wild turkey per hunter.

“Fall turkey hunting brings new challenges because the birds exhibit different behaviors than in the spring, but can still be quite vocal,” said wild turkey biologist Mark Wiley. “Patience and persistence are key to a successful fall hunt. The birds are looking for dependable food sources right now, so scout areas near mature timber and agricultural fields to see if turkeys are nearby.”

Look for turkey signs such as tracks, scratches in leaf litter, droppings, feathers and dusting areas. Food sources such as acorns and wild grapes may draw birds. Once the flock is located, a variety of calls and hunting methods can be used to bring a bird within range for a clean and ethical shot.

Ohio first offered a fall turkey hunting season in 1996. During the 2020 fall hunting season, Ohio turkey hunters checked 1,063 birds. The top 10 counties for wild turkeys taken during the fall 2020 hunting season include: Ashtabula (52), Coshocton (37), Trumbull (36), Guernsey (28), Licking (28), Clermont (27), Geauga (27), Gallia (26), Holmes (26), and Tuscarawas (26).

A full list of open counties and details for fall turkey hunting can be found in the 2021-22 Ohio Hunting and Trapping Regulations guidebook.

The Division of Wildlife wants to help new and experienced hunters make the most of their outdoor adventures. For information on getting started, hunting opportunities and wild game recipes, visit the Wild Ohio Harvest Community.

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