Arrival of Spring Puts Kansas Turkey Hunting Back in Full Strut
The sound of a turkey gobble is a sure sign of Spring and music to turkey hunters’ ears. This season will kick off with the youth/disabled and archery season April 1-9, followed by the regular firearm season April 10-May 31. Hunters have until May 30 to purchase a 2013 Spring turkey permit for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6. A turkey permit is valid for one bearded turkey.
During the youth/disabled/archery season, hunters 16 and younger and hunters with disabilities may hunt with any legal equipment, including shotguns, bows and crossbows.
NEW THIS SEASON: Recently-approved regulations removed gauge restrictions on shotguns for turkey hunting and allow crossbows during archery seasons. HOWEVER, hunters are reminded that the aforementioned changes WILL NOT go into affect until April 19, 2013. After that date, hunters may use any gauge shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun with shot size No. 2 through No. 9.
Kansas youth 16 and under can purchase a spring turkey permit valid statewide for $12.50, or a combo permit/game tag for $17.50.
Permit/Game Tag combos are available only through March 31. After March 31, hunters must purchase a spring turkey permit and spring turkey game tag at the regular price.
Other spring turkey fees are as follows:
RESIDENT
- Resident Permit: $22.50
- Resident Combo Permit/Game Tag: $27.50 (through March 31 only)
- Resident Turkey Game Tag: $12.50
LANDOWNER/TENANT
- Landowner/Tenant Permit: $12.50
- Landowner/Tenant COMBO Permit/Game Tag: $17.50 (through March 31 only)
NONRESIDENT
- Nonresident Permit: $32.50
- Nonresident COMBO Permit/Game Tag: $47.50 (through March 31 only)
- Nonresident Turkey Game Tag $22.50
Any individual who has purchased a spring turkey permit is also eligible for one spring turkey game tag. Spring game tags are valid for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6.
Hunters who drew a Unit 4 (southwest Kansas) spring turkey permit earlier this year may also use their Unit 4 permit in adjacent Units 1, 2 and 5.
Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
