Youth wild turkey hunters in Ohio's south zone checked 1,941 birds during the state's special youth-only weekend on April 18-19, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife. The two-day season was open to hunters aged 17 and younger, and participants were required to be accompanied by a nonhunting adult.
Youth hunters checked 1,941 wild turkeys during the 2026 youth-only hunting season.
The south wild turkey hunting zone encompasses 83 of Ohio's 88 counties. The three-year average for turkeys taken in this area during the youth season (2023-2025) is 1,681 birds. In 2025, youth hunters checked 1,625 turkeys.
The top 11 counties for wild turkeys checked during the 2026 youth season in the south zone include: Highland (65), Tuscarawas (65), Guernsey (62), Monroe (57), Meigs (56), Adams (55), Gallia (55), Harrison (55), Carroll (52), Brown (50), and Noble (50).
The youth-only hunting weekend for the northeast zone, which includes Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Trumbull counties, is scheduled for Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, 2026.
As of Sunday, April 19, the Division of Wildlife has issued 6,472 youth turkey permits, which can be used throughout the 2026 turkey hunting season. The season limit is one bird, and only bearded turkeys may be taken.
Spring turkey hunting season for all ages opens this weekend in the south zone with the northeast zone opening in May.
Wild Turkey Hunting Season Dates
• South Zone: Saturday, April 25 – Sunday, May 24
• Northeast Zone: Saturday, May 2 – Sunday, May 31
Season dates in the northeast zone correspond with later turkey nest incubation in that region.
The 2026 spring wild turkey season is split into two zones.
The top five counties for wild turkeys taken during the 2025 hunting season were Ashtabula (516), Monroe (462), Belmont (459), Guernsey (419), and Muskingum (406).
Hunters are required to have a valid hunting license in addition to a spring turkey permit, unless exempted. Successful hunters are required to game-check their turkey no later than 11:30 p.m. on the day of harvest. Game check, licenses, and permits are available on the HuntFish OH app, on the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, or at a participating license agent. Game check can also be done by phone at 1-877-TAG-IT-OH (877-824-4864). Find complete details in the 2025-26 Hunting and Trapping Regulations booklet.
The mission of the Division of Wildlife is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and their habitats for sustainable use and appreciation by all. Visit wildohio.gov to find out more.
ODNR ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.