Missouri’s spring turkey hunting season is right around the corner and it is time to start applying for managed hunts. The spring turkey hunting youth portion will be April 10 and 11 and the regular spring turkey hunting season will run April 19 through May 9.

Missouri turkey hunters can apply online from February 1 – 28 for 2021 spring turkey managed hunts. Applying can be done through the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) website at mdc.mo.gov/springturkeyhunts. Managed hunt details and application procedures are outlined on the webpage. Drawing results will be posted starting March 15.

Things to know before you apply for a spring turkey managed hunt:

• You must be 11 years old or older by the date of the managed hunt in order to apply

• You must be hunter-education certified or exempt prior to the managed hunt.

• You must be between 11 and 15 to attend a youth managed hunt.

• Some managed hunts require hunters to attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation. If you cannot attend the orientation, do not apply.

• You may apply for only one hunt. You may apply for that hunt individually or as a group of two or three hunters. Those applying for a youth-only hunt may apply individually or with one other youth.

• If you cannot attend, another hunter cannot take your place. Only those hunters who applied and were drawn may attend.

• Individuals not drawn for a managed spring turkey hunt may not accompany a hunter who was successfully drawn.

• The bag limit is one male turkey or turkey with visible beard. Note: A turkey taken at a managed hunt counts toward the two-bird season limit. For example, if you take a turkey during a managed hunt before April 24, you may not harvest another turkey during the first week of the regular season.

Detailed information on spring turkey hunting will be available in the MDC 2021 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available where permits are sold beginning in March. If you have any questions, contact Conservation Agent Kyle Dick at 816-383-0404 or kyle.dick@mdc.mo.gov.