When spring turkey season opened March 4 on private lands south of State Road 70, it was one of the first opportunities in the country for hunters to pursue the impressive game bird. Florida turkey hunting remains unique because it’s the only place in the world where the Osceola subspecies of wild turkey is found.
Known as the Florida wild turkey, the Osceola subspecies lives only on the Florida peninsula. It's similar to the Eastern wild turkey subspecies, found in north Florida and the eastern United States, but it tends to be smaller and darker with less white barring on its wings.
“Spring turkey hunting provides a great opportunity for those who want a better understanding of where their food comes from and are interested in locally sourced protein that’s free of growth hormones, preservatives and antibiotics,” said Roger Shields, Wild Turkey Management Program coordinator.
Wild turkeys are a conservation success story in Florida and across North America. At the turn of the 20th century, populations remained only in remote pockets of habitat. However, with science-based wildlife restoration efforts, today Osceola and eastern wild turkeys are flourishing.
FWC wildlife professionals use scientific data to conserve wild turkey populations and provide regulated and sustainable hunting opportunities. Hunters and target shooters play an important role in wild turkey restoration and management.
South of State Road 70 turkey season runs through April 9. North of State Road 70, Florida’s spring turkey season on private lands opens March 18.
Florida’s wildlife management area system also offers opportunities for turkey hunters, and because dates and regulations can vary, hunters should review the regulations brochure for the WMA they plan to hunt by clicking here.
In 2017, Florida observes the 75th anniversary of its WMA system, currently one of the largest in the country at nearly 6 million acres.
For a snapshot of Florida’s wild turkey season dates and bag limits visit here.
For information on hunting licenses and fees, bag limits and special opportunity and youth hunts, click here.