Talking turkey: Getting tags not a simple chore

HERE we are two months into the new year, and already I know that 2023 is not the year for me to purchase lottery tickets — not if the results of my turkey tag applications are an indicator of my luck.

As of mid-february, I am 0-for-2. One goose egg each for turkey tags in Utah and Nevada.

Perhaps some of you find yourself in the same boat, but that does not mean we are obligated to remain on the sideline this spring. General season turkey hunting opportunities are still available in Utah, Colorado, Idaho and California.

No doubt states a little farther away offer opportunities to bag a turkey as well; you just have to be willing to make the drive.

You will note that Arizona is not on that list. Not because the Grand Canyon State does not have turkeys, but because tags available for the 2023 spring season are already in the hands of lucky bird hunters.

Your next opportunity for a spring turkey tag in Arizona is 2024, but you need to put a draw reminder on your September calendar. The tag application period tends to sneak up on hunters due to its early timing.

Arizona sells leftover tags when they are available, but they go fast, making waiting a bit of a gamble.

Though the draw for Utah’s limited entry turkey season has passed, the Beehive State also offers a general turkey season. It begins with a youth hunt slated for April 28 to 30. The rest of us can hunt all of May.

General season tags, along with any leftover limited-entry tags, will be available for purchase March 2 at wildlife.utah.gov/licenses/licenses-permits.html.

Colorado also issues limited-access tags, or licenses, through a drawing process with an early February application deadline. Any available leftover licenses can be purchased over the counter. They go on sale March 7, along with general season turkey licenses, at www. cpwshop.com.

The general turkey season is open from April 8 to May 31 across much of the state.

Though many hunters tend to think of Idaho as an elk hunting destination, the state offers controlled

and general season hunts for wild turkey. The state is home to three turkey subspecies. Most are the Merriam’s variety, but you also might find the Rio Grande and Eastern subspecies in your wandering.

The application deadline for a controlled hunt tag is Wednesday, so there is still time to submit the digital paperwork. Any leftover tags will go on sale March 25 on a first-come, first-served basis. Idaho’s general season tags can be purchased beginning Dec. 1 for the following year.

Tags can be purchased at license vendors, Idaho Fish and Game Department offices or online at license. gooutdoorsidaho.com. The general season kicks off with a youth hunt April 8 to 14. Adult hunters can hunt April 15 to May 25.

California is home to a robust turkey population and offers hunters the chance to bag three bearded turkeys in the season, which runs March 25 to April 30. Like Idaho, California is home to three subspecies of turkey, with the Rio Grande the most common.

According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, much of the state’s turkey population is found on private lands, though there are some public land hunting opportunities available.

What this means is you need to be prepared to ask permission for hunting access.

You can purchase the required hunting license at a vendor, a California Fish and Wildlife office or online at wildlife.ca.gov.

Freelance writer Doug Nielsen is a conservation educator for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. His “In the Outdoors” column is not affiliated with or endorsed by the NDOW. Any opinions he states in his column are his own. Find him on Facebook at @ dougwritesoutdoors. He can be reached at intheoutdoorslv@gmail. com