Young hunters across Ohio saw strong success during the state’s special youth-only wild turkey hunting weekend, with 1,941 birds checked April 18–19, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife.
The two-day season was open to hunters ages 17 and younger, who were required to be accompanied by a non-hunting adult.
The south wild turkey hunting zone—covering 83 of Ohio’s 88 counties—accounted for all harvested birds during the weekend.
This year’s total surpassed both the 2025 count of 1,625 turkeys and the three-year average of 1,681 birds from 2023 through 2025.
Among counties in the south zone, Highland County and Tuscarawas County led the state with 65 turkeys each.
Other top counties included Guernsey County (62), Monroe County (57), Meigs County (56), Adams County (55), Gallia County (55), Harrison County (55), Carroll County (52), Brown County (50), and Noble County (50).
Meanwhile, youth hunters in Ohio’s northeast zone—covering Ashtabula County, Cuyahoga County, Geauga County, Lake County, and Trumbull County—will have their opportunity April 25–26.
As of April 19, the Division of Wildlife had issued 6,472 youth turkey permits, which can be used throughout the 2026 spring hunting season.
Hunters are limited to one bearded turkey for the season.
The regular spring turkey season for all ages opens April 25 in the south zone and May 2 in the northeast zone, with later dates in the northeast reflecting differences in nesting activity.
2026 Spring Turkey Season Dates:
- South Zone: April 25 – May 24
- Northeast Zone: May 2 – May 31
During the 2025 season, the top counties for total turkey harvest included Ashtabula County (516), Monroe County (462), Belmont County (459), Guernsey County (419), and Muskingum County (406).
Hunters must have a valid hunting license and spring turkey permit unless exempted.
All harvested birds must be game-checked by 11:30 p.m. on the day of harvest.
Game check and licensing are available through the HuntFish OH app, the Ohio Wildlife Licensing System, participating license agents, or by phone at 1-877-TAG-IT-OH.
Officials with the Division of Wildlife say their mission is to conserve and improve fish and wildlife resources and habitats for sustainable use and public enjoyment.
