Applications for spring turkey season managed hunts open in February

Missouri hunters can start applying for spring turkey season managed hunts in February.

Missouri Department of Conservation announced the drawing results will be posted March 15.

Here's what to know before you apply for a turkey managed hunt:

• You must be 11 years old or older by the date of the managed hunt in order to apply and be between 11 and 15 years old to attend a youth managed hunt;

• Some managed hunts require hunters to attend a mandatory pre-hunt orientation. If you cannot attend the orientation, do not apply;

• You may apply for only one hunt. You may apply for that hunt individually or as a group of two or three hunters. Those applying for a youth-only hunt may apply individually or with one other youth.

Find out more details and apply on MDC's website under "Turkey: Spring Managed Hunts."

More:Missouri deer hunting season regulations are changing in 2023. Here's why.

Spring turkey hunting season begins in April

The spring turkey hunting youth portion is April 1 and 2 with the regular spring season running April 17 to May 7.

Hunters are limited to one male turkey or turkey with visible beard. Youth who take a turkey during the youth season may not harvest a second bird until April 25.

"This is because the bird taken during the youth season counts as the first bird for the first week of the regular season," MDC stated on its website.

Allowed hunting methods include:

• Shotguns with shot not larger than No. 4;

• Longbows, recurve bows, or compound bows. Hand-held string releasing devices, illuminated sights, scopes, and quick point sights are allowed;

• Crossbows;

• Atlatls.

Prohibited hunting methods include:

• No shotguns capable of holding more than 3 shells in magazine and chamber combined;

• No shot larger than No. 4 (in use or in possession);

• No sighting device that casts a beam of light on the game;

• No thermal imagery equipment or night vision equipment (in use or in possession);

• No recorded calls (in use or in possession);

• No use of dogs or live decoys;

• No use of bait, which includes grain or other feed placed or scattered so as to attract turkeys.

"An area is considered baited for 10 days even after complete removal of the bait," MDC stated. "A hunter can be in violation even if (they) did not know an area was or is baited. It is illegal to place bait in a way that causes others to be in violation of the baiting rule."

To purchase a hunting permit, visit mdc.mo.gov/buypermits or through MDC's mobile app "MO Hunting."Sara Karnes is an Outdoors Reporter with the Springfield News-Leader. Follow along with her adventures on Twitter and Instagram @Sara_Karnes. Got a story to tell? Email her at skarnes@springfi.gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Applications for spring turkey season managed hunts open in February