Archer Meyerkorth of Rock Port was one of the youth hunters who harvested a turkey last year during the spring youth hunt. MDC is celebrating 25 years of that season this April.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offering a special youth weekend for spring turkey hunting. In April 2001, young Missouri turkey hunters got their first dedicated spring hunting weekend for wild turkeys in the Show-Me-State.

Over the decades, youth spring turkey hunting has grown in popularity. In 2001, MDC sold just over 4,000 youth permits. Last year, MDC sold nearly 18,000 youth permits. Since 2001, an average of about 15,500 youth hunters have participated in the youth turkey season.

Missouri’s 2026 spring turkey hunting weekend for young hunters, ages 6-15, is April 11 and 12. The regular spring turkey hunting season is April 20 through May 10. Get details on turkey hunting in Missouri from the MDC 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations and Information booklet, available at MDC offices, nature centers, and other places where permits are sold, and online at mdc.mo.gov/hunting-trapping/species/turkey.