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LINCOLN — Turkey hunters will take to the woods for Nebraska’s spring shotgun season April 18. They can expect a season consistent with the past five years, according to Carlie Gizel, wild turkey program manager for Nebraska Game and Parks.
Statewide spring population indices indicated an 18% increase from 2024 to 2025. Regionally, the average number of turkeys observed increased from 2024 in all regions except the Sandhills and Northeast.
Gizel said while overall turkey numbers are slightly higher, hunters might see fewer younger birds, which is reflected in the summer turkey brood surveys. These surveys estimate annual hens’ production and poult survival through the summer brood rearing period. Heavy spring rains in May and June last year may have contributed to reduced production, as young turkey poults are more susceptible to wet and cold conditions.
Gizel said statewide production in 2025 was relatively good.
Spring turkey hunting season with shotguns opened for youths April 11. The season has been open to all archers since March 25, with all spring seasons closing May 31.
While the Panhandle is a popular destination among nonresident turkey hunters, Gizel said the hunting pressure might be lighter later in the season, and certainly heavier on public land during weekends. She said the Southeast region had the lowest nonresident harvest rate last year, so hunters might consider wildlife management areas and other public access opportunities in that region. Hunters also shouldn’t discount the regions that saw drops in turkey observation numbers. Many hunters may assume they are not worth hunting, leaving them with low hunting pressure.
Gizel reminds hunters all turkey harvests must be reported via Telecheck, and mechanical turkey decoys may not emit sound.
Because drought conditions persist across Nebraska, hunters should: Restrict driving to established roads and trails.
Avoid parking vehicles in tall vegetation.
Dispose of cigarettes and other flammable objects appropriately.
Ensure vehicle, trailers, and other equipment are well-maintained.
