Turkey

Tom

Wild turkeys were reintroduced into Kansas in the 1960s and 1970s, and the program has been a great success. Today, huntable populations of turkeys exist in nearly every county. Statewide turkey populations peaked in 2008 and have experienced a declining trend for the last 15 years. The Rio Grande subspecies is most prevalent in the western two-thirds of the state—primarily Turkey Hunt Units 1, 2, 4 and 5. Low numbers in the southwest (Unit 4) provide only limited hunting. The Eastern subspecies is common in the northeast and southeast regions of the state (Units 3 and 6), where populations peaked in the mid-2000s and have experienced declines in recent years.

  

E-Tag / Mobile Permits & Harvest Reporting

At checkout, you’ll have the option to select either printed or electronic delivery of your permit. If you select PRINT, your lottery draw permit(s) will be printed and mailed to you and/or your over the counter permit(s) will be available for printing at home. If you select "E-Tag / Mobile" delivery, your permit(s) will be digitally uploaded to the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app and no paper permit will be printed. Hunters who select an electronic delivery method must submit their harvest report via the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app.

Download the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app

HOW TO: E-tag/Submit Your Harvest Report

Season Information
Current Seasons

All Turkey seasons are closed.

Upcoming Seasons
Spring Turkey - Youth/Disabled - Unit Specified on Permit

Dates: 04/01/2025 - 04/15/2025

Spring Turkey - Youth/Disabled; open to any person having a valid turkey permit or second turkey game tag (not available in 2024) who is age 17 or younger, while under the immediate supervision of an adult who is age 18 or older and any person with a disability as defined in K.S.A. 8-1,124.

 

NEW FOR 2024:

Resident hunters may obtain a spring turkey permit – valid for one turkey with a visible beard – in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6; Spring turkey permits for Unit 4 are available only by lottery draw.

Non-resident hunters may obtain a spring turkey permit by lottery draw for Unit 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6. Non-resident permits are only valid in the Unit indicated. The application period is 01/09/24 – 02/09/24. Any leftover non-resident spring turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There will be no additional game tags (valid for a second turkey) available in 2024 for resident and non-resident hunters.


Spring Turkey - Archery Only - Unit Specified on Permit

Dates: 04/07/2025 - 04/15/2025

Spring Turkey - Archery Only

  • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
  • Legal Equipment: Recurve or compound bows and crossbows.
  • Permit Limit: One turkey with a visible beard per permit or game tag.
  • Bag Limit: One turkey with a visible beard per permit or game tag.
  • Dogs may not be used in spring season.

 

NEW FOR 2024:

Resident hunters may obtain a spring turkey permit – valid for one turkey with a visible beard – in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6; Spring turkey permits for Unit 4 are available only by lottery draw.

Non-resident hunters may obtain a spring turkey permit by lottery draw for Unit 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6. Non-resident permits are only valid in the Unit indicated. The application period is 01/09/24 – 02/09/24. Any leftover non-resident spring turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There will be no additional game tags (valid for a second turkey) available in 2024 for resident and non-resident hunters.


Spring Turkey - Regular (firearm/archery) - Unit Specified on Permit

Dates: 04/16/2025 - 05/31/2025

  • Shooting Hours: One-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
  • Legal Equipment: Shotguns using shot sizes 2-9; long, recurve or compound bows and crossbows.
  • Permit Limit: One turkey with a visible beard per permit or game tag.
  • Bag Limit: One turkey with a visible beard per permit or game tag.
  • Dogs may not be used in spring season.

 

NEW FOR 2024:

Resident hunters may obtain a spring turkey permit – valid for one turkey with a visible beard – in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6; Spring turkey permits for Unit 4 are available only by lottery draw.

Non-resident hunters may obtain a spring turkey permit by lottery draw for Unit 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6. Non-resident permits are only valid in the Unit indicated. The application period is 01/09/24 – 02/09/24. Any leftover non-resident spring turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There will be no additional game tags (valid for a second turkey) available in 2024 for resident and non-resident hunters.


License & Permits
2025 SPRING TURKEY SEASONS (PROPOSED)

Spring Turkey Unit Map

YOUTH/DISABLED: APRIL 1-15, 2025

ARCHERY: APRIL 7-15, 2025

REGULAR: APRIL 16 - MAY 31, 2025

 

Lottery Draw: Nonresident Spring Turkey Permits

Application Period: 01/14/2025 - 02/14/2025 (Opening date of application period subject to change)

Preference points can ONLY be purchased during the application period.

Nonresident spring turkey permits are available ONLY by lottery draw. There are no paper applications or mail in forms. Nonresident permits are only valid in a single Unit. Nonresident hunters may apply for a spring turkey permit in Unit 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6. Any leftover nonresident spring turkey permits will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis on a date to be determined after the draw is completed.

To apply for a 2025 nonresident turkey permit in Unit 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6:

Visit www.gooutdoorskansas.com or call 1-833-587-2164 no later than 02/14/25.

Select “Purchase Licenses, Permits, & Tags”

Login to your account

Select “Limited Draw Applications”

NOTE: Hunters who qualify as a "resident" or "nonresident tenant" may still purchase a spring turkey permit in Unit 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 either over the counter or online.

Nonresident Spring Turkey Permit Application Fee: $10.00 (plus internet convenience fee)

Nonresident Spring Turkey Permit: $75.00 (plus internet convenience fee)

 

Unit 4 RESIDENT Spring Turkey Draw Permits

Application Period: 01/14/2025 - 02/14/2025 (Opening date of application period subject to change) There are no paper applications or mail in forms. 

To apply for a 2025 spring turkey permit in Unit 4:

Visit www.gooutdoorskansas.com or call 1-833-587-2164 no later than 02/14/25 

Select “Purchase Licenses, Permits, & Tags”

Login to your account

Select “Limited Draw Applications”

NOTE:

Unit 4 spring turkey permits are only available for hunters who qualify as a "resident" or "nonresident tenant."

A total of 375 spring turkey permits are available for Unit 4. Out of these permits, 200 are reserved for resident landowners/tenants and nonresident tenants of land within Unit 4.

Kansas youth may purchase a youth spring turkey permit valid statewide for $7.50

UNIT 4 SPRING TURKEY APPLICATION FEES (internet convenience fee not included):

  • Resident: $32.50
  • Resident Landowner/Resident Tenant: $20.00
  • Nonresident Tenant: $37.50
  • Preference Point Only: $7.50

There is a $7.50 nonrefundable application fee. Unsuccessful applicants will be issued a preference point. If you do not want to apply for a permit and want to purchase a preference point only, you may do so online by selecting Spring Turkey Preference Point Application. Only one point may be obtained per year.

 

E-Tag / Mobile Permits & Harvest Reporting 

At checkout, you’ll have the option to select either printed or electronic delivery of your permit. If you select PRINT, your lottery draw permit(s) will be printed and mailed to you and/or your over the counter permit(s) will be available for printing at home. If you select "E-Tag / Mobile" delivery, your permit(s) will be digitally uploaded to the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app and no paper permit will be printed. Hunters who select an electronic delivery method must submit their harvest report via the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app.

Download the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app

HOW TO: E-tag/Submit Your Harvest Report

 

Group Hunt Applications

Group hunt applications accommodate those who do not want to hunt unless their hunting partners draw also. Applicants (up to 5) must apply for the same unit and the same weapon choice. Each person will make application and there will be a question on the application about groups.

The first applicant in the group to apply would select the create group option on this question. This will create a group and you will be given a group number. 

Each applicant applying after the group has been set up would select the join group option and they would fill in the Group number. Applicant will be asked at the time of application to select the choice of permit delivery (print and mail, or E-Tag / Mobile to the mobile app Go Outdoors Kansas. 

NOTE:

  • The overall group will be drawn from the LOWEST preference point in the group.
  • The credit card provided will be used to pay for the total price of the award permits at the time of the draw if this application is selected as a winner for the hunt.
  • Any members added by the leader will be charged on the leader’s credit card by default.
  • Credit card information for each applicant can be modified after the application is submitted.
 
About Turkey Hunting in Kansas

All individuals, regardless of land ownership and age, must possess a valid Spring Turkey Permit to hunt turkeys. In addition, a valid Kansas hunting license is required of all residents age 16 through 74 and all nonresidents, except persons hunting on their own land.

No person shall apply for or purchase more than one Spring Turkey Permit. Permits obtained through false representation, misrepresentation, or in excess of the number authorized shall be invalid.

GENERAL PERMITS

Any resident or nonresident tenant may purchase a spring turkey permit over the counter valid in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, and 6. A spring turkey permit is valid for one bearded turkey. All other nonresident hunters must apply for a spring turkey permit through the lottery draw for Units 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 (see above for details).

GAME TAGS

No game tags will be available for the 2025 season.

YOUTH PERMITS

Resident hunters age 15 and younger may purchase youth permits at a reduced fee. Youth permits are valid statewide, including Unit 4. Nonresident youth will be subject to the lottery draw for permits.

 

Spring Turkey Unit 4 Draw Stats Report

  

Fall Turkey Season: Currently suspended.

Due to declining populations on a state and regional level, the fall turkey season in Kansas is currently suspended.

E-Tagging
How to E-Tag using the Go Outdoors KS Mobile App
  1. Take a picture of the animal with your phone's camera making sure all the animal is visible.
  2. Open the Go Outdoors KS App and on the home screen, select "Harvest Reporting".
  3. On the "Harvest Reporting" screen you will see all your available tags. 
    • If you have multiple accounts on your phone, you can change to another account's available tags by selecting the name at the top of the screen. This will give you a list of everyone you have on your phone.
  4. Choose the tag you want to fill.
  5. Fill out the corresponding questions for the tag (harvest date, time, species, age, weapon used, unit and county).
  6. Click "Select Image" to select the picture you have taken of the animal.
  7. The last question, "Are you completing this Harvest Report for a Paper Carcass Tag?" If you are E-tagging select "No".
  8. Click "Submit" at the bottom and review all your answers for validation. Once reviewed click, "Submit" again.
  9. You should receive a popup success window with your E-tag confirmation number. 
  10. If taking the animal to a processor or taxidermist, please write the confirmation down and attach it to the animal so it can stay with the animal.

GoOutdoorsKS Mobile App Icon

To download the Go Outdoors KS mobile app to your Android device, visit: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.brandtinfo.gooutdoorsks&hl=en_US&gl=US

To download the Go Outdoors KS mobile app to your Apple/iOS device, visit: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gooutdoorsks/id1613997956

Management Units

Turkey Management Unit Map

Turkey Management Unit Map

Turkey Management Unit Map

Trophy Turkey Award & Top 20 Turkey Records

Kansas Top 20 Turkey Records

Name Co. of Harvest Year Score Weight Spurs Score Beards Score
Rick Pritchard, Little Rock AR Franklin 2008, spring 158 6/8 27 0/8 22 4/8 109 2/8 (8)
Andy Stafford, Shawnee KS Crawford 2006, spring 156 6/8 23 0/8 20 0/8 113 6/8 (7)
Erik Hertzel, Sabetha, KS Nemaha 2009, spring 152 6/8 22 2/8 23 6/8 106 6/8 (7)
Tim Fidler, Maumelle, AR Shawnee 2018, spring 151 0/8 25 4/8 35 0/8 90 4/8 (7)
Todd Workman, Topeka, KS Jackson 2012, spring 150 4/8 22 0/8 20 0/8 108 4/8 (9)
Robert Nelson, Neosho Falls, KS Woodson 2004, spring 149 4/8 23 0/8 23 6/8 102 6/8 (6)
Landon L. Boss, Osage City, KS  Osage 2016, spring 149 4/8 21 6/8 17 4/8 110 2/8 (7)
Bradley T. Hamm, Perry KS Jefferson 2008, spring 149 3/8 26 3/8 20 0/8 103 0/8 (8)
Jason Hay, Arma, KS Crawford 2002, spring 149 1/8 21 5/8 20 0/8 107 4/8 (8)
Chris Silva, Alma, KS Wabaunsee 2002, spring 146 0/8 26 4/8 31 2/8 88 2/8 (5)
Josh Powell, Bentonville AR Montgomery  2014, spring 145 6/8  17 2/8  18 6/8  109 6/8 (8) 
Jody Dalton, Arma, KS Crawford 1991 144 7/8 23 3/8 20 0/8 101 4/8
Dylan Smith, Maple Hill, KS Pottawatomie 2005, spring 142 4/8 19 4/8 18 6/8 104 2/8 (7)
Scott Morstorf, Topeka, KS Shawnee 2009, spring 142 0/8 25 0/8 25 0/8 91 4/8 (6)
Richard Diehl, Iola, KS Woodson 1994, spring 141 0/8 20 2/8 25 0/8 95 6/8
Brooks Hartman, Chanute KS Bourbon 2014, spring 140 1/8  20 1/8 25 0/8  95 0/8 (6)
Galen Wiltz, Sabetha, KS Brown 1998, spring 140 0/8 20 4/8 25 0/8 94 4/8 (6)
Stuart Nelson, Olathe, KS Jackson 2015, spring 138 6/8 24 2/8 17 4/8  97 0/8 (6) 
Robert A. Baker, Des Moines, IA Pottawatomie 2007, spring 138 4/8 22 6/8 23 6/8 92 0/8 (5)
Josh Meuller, Iola, KS Allen 2015, fall 138 20 2/8 20 97 6/8

Kansas Top 20 Turkey Records

Name Co. of Harvest Year Score Weight Spurs Score Beard Score
Bobby Robinson, Eupora, MS Franklin 2007, spring 88 4/8 26 4/8 27 4/8 34 4/8
Brooks C. Henderson, Hoyt, KS  Jackson 2018, spring 87 6/8 26 2/8 32 4/8 29 0/8
Steve Miller, Lansing, KS Atchison 2007, spring 87 5/8 25 5/8 35 0/8 27 0/8
Austin Rickabaugh, Chanute, KS  Wilson 2017, spring 87 1/8 25 1/8 37 4/8 24 4/8
E. Warren Walker, Bastrop, LA Anderson 2010, spring 86 0/8 26 0/8 30 0/8 30 0/8
David Stites, St. John, KS Stafford 2009, spring 85 0/8 32 0/8 30 0/8 23 0/8
Tim Brady, Lovelane, CO Miami 2007, spring 84 6/8 24 2/8 30 0/8 30 4/8
Gregery T. Martinez, KS Graham 2010, spring 84 4/8 31 0/8 32 4/8 21 0/8
Stephen J. Capizzi, Junction City, KS Geary 2017, spring 84 4/8 22 4/8 40 0/8 22 0/8
Terry Topham, Fulton, IL Wilson 2000, spring 84 2/8 30 2/8 30 0/8 24 0/8
Garrett Cox, Lyndon, KS Waubaunsee 2001, spring 84 0/8 29 0/8 32 4/8 22 4/8
Hunter Grady, Topeka, KS  Shawnee 2018, spring 83 6/8 29 2/8 32 4/8 22 0/8
Brent Heiman, Baileyville, KS Nemaha 2005, spring 83 6/8 24 4/8 36 2/8 23 0/8
Bernard J. Helget, Manhattan, KS Pottawatomie 1994, spring 83 2/8 28 0/8 33 6/8 21 4/8
Joe Warren, Topeka, KS Shawnee 1996, spring 83 1/8 30 5/8 32 4/8 20 0/8
Luther A. Britton, Garden City, KS Wabaunsee 2007, spring 83 1/8 28 3/8 31 2/8 23 4/8
Mark Brown, Okla. City Lyon 2003, spring 83 0/8 23 2/8 37 4/8 22 2/8
Jon Hawkinson, Manhattan, KS Pottawatomie 1990 83 0/8 28 4/8 32 4/8 22 0/8
Jeff Roberts, Concordia, KS Phillips 2009, spring 82 6/8 25 0/8 36 2/8 21 4/8
Brad Schrick, Smithville, MO Leavenworth 2009, spring 82 5/8 27 1/8 30 0/8 25 4/8