2012-2013 Kentucky Hunting and Trapping Guide

Fall Turkey Hunting

SEASON DATES & RESTRICTIONS

                                       Shotgun                               Archery                                 Crossbow

Fall Turkey

                              Oct. 27 - Nov. 2 and

                                 Dec. 1-7, 2012

                                                                   Sept. 1, 2012 - Jan. 21, 2013

                                                                                                                              Oct. 1-21 and

                                                                                                                     Nov. 10 - Dec. 31, 2012

BAG LIMITS

         Four (4) birds total, either sex:

• No more than two (2) birds may be taken during archery and crossbow

seasons.

• No more than two (2) birds may be taken during shotgun season, regardless of weapon.

• No more than one (1) bird may have a beard length of three (3) inches or longer.

• No more than one (1) bird may be taken per day.

PERMIT REQUIREMENTS

         Adult hunters: Unless exempt, all fall turkey hunters ages 16 and older must carry a Fall Turkey Permit or have been  issued an authorization number for a Fall Turkey Permit before hunting.

The Fall Turkey Permit is valid for fall archery, crossbow and shotgun turkey seasons. The permit is good for a total of four turkeys, following fall turkey bag limits and equipment restrictions.

         Youth hunters: Youth under the age of 12 are exempt from license and turkey permit requirements. Youth ages 12-15 are eligible to purchase a Youth Turkey Permit, which is valid during any turkey season for one turkey. Youth hunters must abide by season bag limits and harvest restrictions but can use the youth permit throughout the license year. The Youth Sportsman’s License includes one Youth Turkey Permit. Anyone may call turkeys, or assist in the hunt, for a legal hunter. Callers and assistants don’t have to possess hunting licenses or turkey permits if they are not turkey hunting, and may carry equipment while in the field.

EQUIPMENT RESTRICTIONS

         Turkey hunters may not use firearms to take turkeys during archery or crossbow-only seasons. On some WMAs, special equipment restrictions apply, as noted in the Public Land Hunting section, which begins on page 41.

Q: Can all four birds be taken with archery or crossbow equipment?

A: Yes, but only two may be taken during the archery-only or crossbow seasons. The other two must be taken during the shotgun seasons.

Q: Can more than one Youth Turkey Permit be purchased?

A: Yes. Youth hunters may buy multiple Youth Turkey Permits, but

must follow the season bag limit.

Youth supervision

         Firearm turkey hunters 15 years old and younger must be ccompanied by an adult, who shall remain in a position to take immediate control of the youth’s firearm at all times.

HARVEST RECORDING & TAGGING REQUIREMENTS

         The process and requirements for recording, checking and tagging harvested turkeys are the same as for deer, elk and bear. See page 10.

POSSESSION/RELEASE OF LIVE TURKEYS

         Because of potential disease problems and genetic pollution, it is illegal to possess live wild turkeys. For the same reasons, domestic or pen-raised turkeys should not be released into the wild. Hunters also take note: ONLY licensed taxidermists may sell the inedible parts from harvested wild turkeys, including tail fans, beards and spurs.

HUNTING TURKEYS OVER BAIT IS ILLEGAL

         It is illegal to hunt turkeys over bait – an area where feed, grains or other substances capable of luring wild turkeys have been placed. An area is considered baited until 30 days after the bait has been removed. An area where grain, feed or other substance exists as the result of bona fide agricultural practice or manipulating a crop for a wildlife management purpose is legal for turkey hunting.

LEGAL FALL TURKEY EQUIPMENT

• Breech-loading or muzzleloading shotguns no larger than 10-gauge and no smaller than 20-gauge.

• Breech-loading shotguns must be plugged to hold a maximum

of three shells (two in magazine and one in chamber).

• Lead or non-toxic shot no larger than number 4.

• Longbows, recurve bows, and compound bows, of any draw

weight (no minimum).

• Crossbows, of any draw weight (no minimum), with a working

safety.

• Broadheads at least 7/8” wide, which aren’t barbed, chemically-treated, or have attachments that contain chemicals.

Scoring a record turkey!