A state with more than 350,000 Eastern wild turkeys, more hunters than virtually any other state and a
turkey hunting tradition second-to-none, Pennsylvania almost always ranks among the top five states
for turkey harvest.
With a combination of available private land, hunting outfitters and national forest for hunters to work,
43,815 turkeys were taken last spring.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 26, 2003 - May 24, 2003. (1 bird limit)

Arms and Ammunition
Spring Gobbler Season: (1) Manually-operated and auto-loading shotguns limited to a three-shell capacity in the chamber and magazine combined; (2) muzzleloading shotguns of all types and gauges; (3) long, recurve or compound bows using arrows tipped with broadheads
of cutting edge design. Shot no larger than No. 4 lead, bismuth-tin and tungsten iron, or No.
2 steel. Rifle combinations may be used if ammunition is limited to shotgun shells.
Carrying or using single-projectile ammunition, rifles or handguns is unlawful.
Decoys and Callers
In both spring and fall turkey seasons, it is unlawful to possess or use live turkeys as decoys or to use electronic callers to hunt wild turkeys. Hunters are permitted to use commercially available turkey decoys.
Blinds
Turkey hunters may use any artificial or manufactured turkey blinds consisting of all manmade materials of sufficient density to block the detection of movement within the
blind from an observer located outside of the blind.
Spring Gobbler Season Overview
Only turkeys with visible beards are legal. Hunting by calling only -- no stalking --
one-half hour before sunrise until noon. Hunters should be out of the woods by 1 p.m.
Fluorescent Orange
When moving, turkey hunters must wear at least 100 square inches of fluorescent orange
on the head, or in such a manner so that it is visible from all directions. While fluorescent orange is not required at stationary calling locations, it's strongly recommended.
These are the basic regulations. See your hunting guide for a complete list.
Safety and Courtesy During Hunting

The majority of Pennsylvania hunters are courteous and use good hunting manners in the woods. Most have been out in the woods before and know the rules. But for those few who need a refresher course in safety and courtesy:
If you get to your favorite hunting spot and someone else is there, don't insist on hunting there. Think safety and courtesy...there's plenty of area. Go somewhere else.
If you hear someone working/calling a bird--leave. Don't get between the hunter and the bird.
Treat others hunters the way you want to be treated.
Another timely reminder: always ask permission to hunt on private property--even if you hunted there last year.
It might seem silly to have to remind hunters, but never use a turkey call when you can see another hunter coming!
For safety, remember to wear blaze orange in the spring. (State law requires 100 square inches of fluorescent orange while moving.)
You need to have 360-degree visibility. Hunters tend to get keyed up. A man coming through the woods sounds a lot like a turkey!
Remember: the bird must have a visible beard to be legal.
You can remove your safety orange while using a turkey call, but it might be a good idea to put an orange band on a tree nearby.