RALEIGH, N.C. (March 22, 2019) — Wild turkey season runs April 13 through May 11 this year, preceded by a youth-only turkey season from April 6 through April 12. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission offers these tips for turkey hunters:

Hunting is not allowed where bait has been placed until 10 days after all bait has been consumed or removed.

1. Avoid wearing tom turkey-related colors, specifically red, white, blue or black.
2. Stalking a turkey is dangerous, as it increases your chances of being mistaken for game.
3. If another hunter approaches, call out to them in a loud, clear voice to ensure they are aware of your location.
4. Whenever walking through the woods, make sure your decoy or harvested turkey is either not visible or wrapped in blaze orange to avoid misidentification.
5. Report any turkey harvested using the Big Game Harvest Report Card. License-exempt youths should report their harvest using a Big Game Harvest Report Card for License-Exempt Hunters.
6. Remember that pistols, rifles or black powder rifles, dogs and electronic or recorded calls are prohibited from use during turkey season.
7. Remember the importance of firearm safety:
   • Treat all firearms as if they are loaded;
   • Keep your firearm muzzle pointed in a safe direction, never toward a person;
   • Never put your finger on the trigger until you are ready to shoot; and
   • Positively identify your target and what is behind it before pulling the trigger.

During youth season, hunting is only allowed for those younger than 18 years of age, but hunters age 16 and 17 must be properly licensed. Those under the age of 16 are exempt from license requirements provided they are accompanied by a licensed adult at least 18 years of age. If youth are properly licensed or have successfully obtained a hunter education certificate, they may hunt without the supervision of an adult.

The daily limit is one turkey and the possession and season limit is two turkeys per hunter, only one of which may be taken during youth season.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious activity such as poaching or baiting may be eligible to receive a reward (up to $1,000) by reporting information that leads to a conviction to the Turn-In-Poachers program. For information on eligible violations and to learn how to submit a tip, visit ncwildlife.org/wildtip.

Visit the Commission’s Home from the Hunt™ safety campaign webpage to learn about hunter safety. For regulations and restrictions on turkey hunting, including information on youth season, refer to the 2018-2019 Inland Fishing, Hunting and Trapping Regulations Digest.