04/20/12 With the 2012 spring turkey season approaching, Indiana Conservation Officers want to remind Hoosier Hunters to be safe and to remember the laws before heading out to into the field.

Practicing these safety tips will help to ensure a safe season:

  • Never wear turkey colors while in the woods – red, white, and blue.
  • Don’t shoot until you identify your target and sex of the bird.
  • Never stalk a turkey – call the bird to you.
  • Always assume a turkey call or footsteps you hear are from another hunter – not a bird.
  • Carry decoys in a bag or vest so they are not visible when you are moving in the woods.

  Reminder of some of the spring turkey laws:

  • Each licensed hunter is allowed one bearded or male turkey.
  • Hunting hours – ½ hour before sunrise until legal sunset (if you are hunting on a state fish and wildlife area you need to check for specific times and dates)
  • Tag your turkey immediately upon harvesting it.
  • The turkey must be checked in to a state check station within 48 hours of the harvest.
  • A spring turkey license and game bird habitat stamp are required to hunt wild turkeys.
  • Baiting (placing food) for turkeys in illegal.

The spring hunting season 2012 is from April 25th through May 13th.  The youth season is April 21 and 22 for hunters 17 and younger.

To report violations please contact: