Wild turkey hunting season in North Carolina is a time of excitement and anticipation for hunters across the state. The North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC) has announced that the 2024-2025 season will open on April 12, 2025, and will continue through May 10, 2025 for bearded or male wild turkeys. This provides hunters plenty of opportunities to bag a bird and enjoy the thrill of the chase.
Before heading out for a hunt, it is important to familiarize yourself with the state's hunting regulations. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety of hunters and the sustainability of the wild turkey population. Hunters must possess a valid hunting license and a turkey permit. Hunting licenses not only promote safety, they also help regulate hunting activities to conserve wildlife. As you scope nearby wild birds, be aware that only one bearded turkey may be taken a day and only two may be hunted in the spring season. Same as the hunting regulation, this helps ensure turkeys are not overly sought after. Additionally, in the state of North Carolina, it is unlawful to bait turkeys for hunting. Baiting occurs when food is used to attract animals to a certain location. This act is not considered fair chase and can result in wildlife violations or fines.
To help increase your chance of a successful season, here are a couple of tips you can use! Before you settle into a zone, be sure to scout your hunting area in advance. This will help you get familiar with the surroundings and determine where turkeys are likely to be found. When you have done so, set up your blind or tree stand early. This will reduce any distracting noises that might scare away any prey. Additionally, use your turkey calls sparingly. Overusing a call can scare away the turkeys, so make sure you use it at appropriate times.
If you are lucky enough to bag a turkey, you may want to consider having it professionally mounted. This will allow you to preserve your trophy and enjoy it for years to come. Tim Knight’s Taxidermy is skilled in preserving the natural beauty of wild turkeys and can create a lifelike mount that will be the envy of your friends and family.Contact us today to learn more!