Kentucky Turkey Season 2026-27
Kentucky turkey season dates start with Sep 5, 2026-Jan 18, 2027. The table below keeps every listed turkey row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Kentucky's listed 2026-27 turkey season runs Sep 5, 2026-Jan 18, 2027.
Fall Crossbow Wild Turkey opens Oct 1, 2026 and closes Dec 31, 2026.
Fall Shotgun Wild Turkey opens Oct 24, 2026 and closes Dec 11, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Kentucky KDFWR.
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Spring Youth
1st full weekend (consecutive Sat.-Sun.) in Apr.
Wild Turkey
Spring General Season
Sat. closest to Apr. 15, closes on Sun. after 23 days
Wild Turkey
Fall Archery
1st Sat. in Sept. thru 3rd Mon. in Jan.
Wild Turkey
Fall Crossbow
Two segments: Oct. 1-18, 2026 and Nov. 14-Dec. 31, 2026. Oct 1 thru 3rd full weekend in Oct.; 2nd Sat. in Nov. thru Dec. 31.
Wild Turkey
Fall Shotgun
Two segments: Oct. 24-30, 2026 and Dec. 5-11, 2026. 4th Sat. in Oct. for 7 consecutive days; 1st Sat. in Dec. for 7 consecutive days.
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Nearby turkey seasons
Kentucky Turkey Season FAQ
When does turkey season open in Kentucky?
April 4, 2026 is the earliest listed turkey opener in Kentucky — spring youth wild turkey runs Apr 4-5, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Kentucky KDFWR.
What are the 2026-27 turkey season dates in Kentucky?
Kentucky lists 5 turkey season windows: Spring Youth Wild Turkey (Apr 4-5, 2026); Spring General Season Wild Turkey (Apr 18-May 10, 2026); Fall Archery Wild Turkey (Sep 5, 2026-Jan 18, 2027); Fall Crossbow Wild Turkey (Oct 1-Dec 31, 2026); Fall Shotgun Wild Turkey (Oct 24-Dec 11, 2026). Always verify against Kentucky KDFWR before hunting.
Are there different turkey seasons in Kentucky?
Yes — Kentucky lists separate turkey seasons for Spring Youth Wild Turkey, Spring General Season Wild Turkey, Fall Archery Wild Turkey, Fall Crossbow Wild Turkey, Fall Shotgun Wild Turkey. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Kentucky KDFWR.
Do I need a license to hunt turkey in Kentucky?
Yes. Kentucky generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and turkey hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Kentucky KDFWR.