Buckeye Reporter

Youth hunters in Ohio captured 1,740 turkeys during the state’s special youth-only turkey hunting weekend from April 12-13. This data was released on April 14 by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife (DOW). The special two-day event was available to young hunters aged 17 and under, who needed non-hunting adults as companions.

Over the past three years, the average number of turkeys bagged during youth seasons has been 1,571. Last year, in 2024, youth hunters took home 1,785 turkeys on the same weekend.

As of April 13, 2025, DOW has issued a total of 6,731 youth turkey permits for the ongoing hunting season. Each hunter is limited to taking one bird, specifically bearded turkeys.

Leading counties during this year’s youth turkey season were Monroe with 62 turkeys, Noble with 60, and Guernsey and Tuscarawas each with 55 turkeys. Muskingum County checked 54 turkeys, followed by Belmont with 52, while Ashtabula and Carroll both reported 49. Harrison and Columbiana counties checked 47 and 43 turkeys, respectively.

Looking back at spring 2024, the top five turkey harvests occurred in Ashtabula, Belmont, Tuscarawas, Monroe, and Washington counties.

The spring wild turkey hunting season for all ages will commence in Ohio's south zone on April 19, ending on May 18. In the northeast zone, which includes Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties, the season will begin on May 3 and end on June 1 due to differences in turkey incubation timing in that region.

All hunters are required to have valid hunting licenses and a spring turkey permit unless exempted. Successful hunters must report their harvest by 11:30 p.m. on the day of the kill. Licenses, permits, and game-checking options are available via the HuntFish OH app, the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, or through participating agents. The game check can also be completed by calling 1-877-824-4864. More information can be found in the 2024-25 Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet.

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