Virginia Turkey Season 2026
Virginia turkey season dates start with Oct 4-Nov 14, 2026. The table below keeps every listed turkey row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Virginia's listed 2026 turkey season runs Oct 4-Nov 14, 2026.
Youth/Apprentice Fall Weekend Wild Turkey opens Oct 11, 2026 and closes Oct 12, 2026.
Fall Firearms Wild Turkey opens Oct 18, 2026 and closes Oct 31, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Virginia DWR.
Turkey
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Fall firearms turkey season is closed in these areas.
Zone: Arlington County and cities of Chesapeake, Norfolk, Portsmouth, and Virginia Beach
Wild Turkey
Archery
Archery tackle only. Broadhead widths must be at least 7/8-inch wide or expand upon impact to 7/8-inch.
Zone: Statewide except areas with closed firearm season on turkey
Wild Turkey
Youth/Apprentice
Youth and Apprentice Fall Turkey Hunting Weekend. Youth hunters 15 and under or apprentice license holders must be accompanied by adult 18+ with valid VA hunting license.
Zone: Statewide in counties, cities, and areas with a fall turkey season
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Season dates: October 18–31 and November 27 only.
Zone: Albemarle, Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Greene, Highland, Madison, Page, and Rockingham counties
Wild Turkey
Youth/Apprentice
Youth and Apprentice Spring Turkey Hunting Weekend. Hunting hours from 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Youth 15 and under or apprentice license holders must be accompanied by adult 18+ with valid VA hunting license.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Youth/Apprentice Spring Weekend
Youth hunters 15 and under or apprentice license holders. Must be accompanied by adult 18+ with valid VA hunting license. Hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Firearms
Hunting hours: one-half hour before sunrise until 12 noon each day.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Firearms
Hunting hours: one-half hour before sunrise to sunset. Unlawful to use electronic calls or dogs (except to track wounded/dead turkeys). Shotgun: no shot larger than #2 fine shot.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Archery
Archery tackle only. Broadhead widths must be at least 7/8-inch wide or expand upon impact to 7/8-inch.
Zone: Statewide except in areas where there is a closed firearm season on turkey
Wild Turkey
Youth/Apprentice Fall Weekend
Youth hunters 15 and under or apprentice license holders. Must be accompanied by adult 18+ with valid VA hunting license.
Zone: Statewide in counties, cities, and areas with a fall turkey season
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Season dates: October 18-31 and November 27 only.
Zone: Albemarle, Alleghany, Augusta, Bath, Greene, Highland, Madison, Page, and Rockingham counties
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Nearby turkey seasons
Virginia Turkey Season FAQ
When does turkey season open in Virginia?
October 4, 2025 is the earliest listed turkey opener in Virginia — archery wild turkey runs Oct 4-Nov 14, 2025. Confirm zone and permit details with Virginia DWR.
What are the 2026 turkey season dates in Virginia?
Virginia lists 10 turkey season windows: Archery Wild Turkey (Oct 4-Nov 14, 2025); Youth/Apprentice Wild Turkey (Oct 11-12, 2025); Fall Firearms Wild Turkey (Oct 18-Nov 27, 2025); Youth/Apprentice Wild Turkey (Apr 4-5, 2026); Youth/Apprentice Spring Weekend Wild Turkey (Apr 4-5, 2026); Spring Firearms Wild Turkey (Apr 11-26, 2026); Spring Firearms Wild Turkey (Apr 27-May 16, 2026); Archery Wild Turkey (Oct 4-Nov 14, 2026); and more. Always verify against Virginia DWR before hunting.
Are there different turkey seasons in Virginia?
Yes — Virginia lists separate turkey seasons for Archery Wild Turkey, Youth/Apprentice Wild Turkey, Fall Firearms Wild Turkey, Youth/Apprentice Spring Weekend Wild Turkey, Spring Firearms Wild Turkey, Youth/Apprentice Fall Weekend Wild Turkey. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Virginia DWR.
Do I need a license to hunt turkey in Virginia?
Yes. Virginia generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and turkey hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Virginia DWR.