Turkey hunting enthusiasts are gearing up for the 2025 spring season with mixed news across key states. While Ohio, Texas, and Oklahoma are reporting promising trends, Iowa is grappling with a recent outbreak of avian influenza.
Ohio: Strong Start to Spring Turkey Season
Ohio’s spring wild turkey hunting season kicked off with impressive numbers, as hunters checked 4,281 birds during the opening weekend. While slightly below the previous year’s 4,367, this figure surpasses the three-year average of 3,912. Belmont, Meigs, and Guernsey counties led the state in harvests. Hunting in the northeast zone began on May 3. The bag limit is one bird, and harvested turkeys must be checked by 11:30 p.m. on the day of harvest using the HuntFish OH app, phone, or online.
Texas: Turkey Population on the Rise
Hunters in Texas can look forward to a robust population of two-year-old gobblers and jakes in the upcoming 2025 spring season. Increased production and recruitment in 2023 and 2024 are contributing to this positive outlook. However, biologists caution that dry conditions in the Rio Grande wild turkey range could delay breeding and nesting if spring rains don’t materialize. In the Oaks and Prairies ecoregion of Central Texas, ten counties have a spring season from April 1–30, with a one-gobbler bag limit per county. Mandatory harvest reporting is in effect for all wild turkeys taken.
Oklahoma: Increasing Turkey Numbers Reported
Oklahoma is also experiencing a positive trend in turkey numbers, according to winter flock surveys. Observers have noted toms strutting and escorting hen groups, along with numerous sightings of foraging hens. The youth spring turkey hunting season occurred April 12-13, while the regular spring season spans from April 16 to May 16 statewide. The spring turkey season bag limit is one bearded turkey per hunter.
Iowa: Avian Influenza Outbreak
In contrast to the positive hunting prospects in other states, Iowa is dealing with an outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1 HPAI). The virus was detected in a commercial turkey flock in Buena Vista County, marking the state’s third detection of H5N1 HPAI in domestic birds in 2025. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship is urging poultry and dairy producers to enhance biosecurity measures to prevent further spread.
Conclusion
The 2025 turkey hunting season presents a varied landscape across the United States. While Ohio, Texas, and Oklahoma offer promising hunting opportunities due to healthy turkey populations, Iowa faces challenges with the recent avian influenza outbreak. Hunters and producers alike should stay informed and adhere to guidelines to ensure both a successful and safe season.