Learn how to get started turkey hunting





Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife





*mefishwildlife.com*






Learn new skills with a Next Steps Workshop!
Maine Outdoor Programs

The days are getting longer and spring turkey hunting season kicks off April 26th with Youth Day and regular season opens April 28th. This leaves plenty of time to prepare with a Next Steps workshop. These workshops are a great way to learn new skills or brush up on what you've already learned ahead of the spring turkey hunting season. This is a fun way to spend time outside and take on a new challenge. No hunting license is required to attend these workshops, so register today to see if turkey hunting is for you!

"All materials are provided unless otherwise noted below."

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Introduction to Turkey Hunting - Bethel, South Paris, and Northport, ME

Spring Turkey Hunting

Learn the basics of turkey hunting with this introductory workshop. Wild turkey hunting is an excellent way to spend time outdoors, enjoy Maine’s spring and fall seasons and target Maine’s only big game bird. This workshop will cover laws and regulations, equipment, scouting, hunting methods and tactics, shot placements, and what to do after the shot.

**This workshop is intended for individuals 10 and up.*

**This workshops is offered at three different locations on 6 different days. Select which one works for you:**



Augusta, ME

Date/Time: Sunday, March 30, 2025 from 10am - 11:30am

Location: Augusta Civic Center

76 Community Drive Augusta, ME

*Register for Augusta* [ [link removed] ]


South Paris, ME

Date/Time: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 from 6pm - 9pm

Location: South Paris Fire Department

137 Western Avenue South Paris, ME

*Register for South Paris* [ [link removed] ]


Bethel, ME

Date/Time: Thursday, April 10, 2025 from 9am - 1pm

Location: Mahoosuc Land Trust Valentine Farm Conservation Center

162 North Road Bethel, ME

*Register for Bethel* [ [link removed] ]


Damariscotta, ME

Date/Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 9am - 12pm

Location: Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust - Round Top Farm

12 Round Top Lane Damariscotta, ME

*Register for Damariscotta* [ [link removed] ]


Northport, ME

Date/Time: Monday, April 21, 2025 from 9am - 12pm

Location: Maine Outdoor Sportsman

1044 Atlantic Highway Northport, ME

*Register for Northport* [ [link removed] ]


Bethel, ME

Date/Time: Wednesday April 23, 2025 from 9am - 1pm

Location: Mahoosuc Land Trust Valentine Farm Conservation Center

162 North Road Bethel, ME

*Register for Bethel* [ [link removed] ]


South Paris, ME

Date/Time: Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 6pm - 9pm

Location: South Paris Fire Department

137 Western Avenue South Paris, ME

*Register for South Paris* [ [link removed] ]


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Introduction to Turkey Hunting: Advanced - Harrison, ME

Turkey hunting

Join us at the range to learn more about turkey hunting and gain hands on experience using a shotgun. Compare the turkey patterns created at different yardage with different shotguns and ammunition. This will help you determine what to look for when selecting ammunition and purchasing a firearm for turkey hunting.

*Must be at least 12 to participate in live fire.*

*This workshops is offered on two different dates in Harrison, ME:*



Date/Time: Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 8:30am - 12pm

Location: Western Maine Fish and Game

1026 Norway Road Harrison, ME

*Register for April 12th* [ [link removed] ]


Date/Time: Saturday, April 26, 2025 from 8:30am - 12pm

Location: Western Maine Fish and Game

1026 Norway Road Harrison, ME

*Register for April 26th* [ [link removed] ]


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Introduction to Turkey Hunting Two Session Day - Augusta, ME

Setting turkey decoys

Learn the basics of turkey hunting in the morning session with laws and regulations, habits, equipment, shot placement, and what to do after the shot. After lunch we return for more tips, tricks, and strategies with live fire at the range. You'll learn how to determine the correct shot shell for your shotgun, selecting the necessary choke for turkey hunting, judging and measuring distance, and more! There will be opportunity for live fire at the range to pattern shotguns for those who are interested.

Make sure to register for both sessions if you want to attend the morning and afternoon, but attendance for both is not required. *The minimum age for live fire is 12.*



Part 1 - Morning Session

Date/Time: Friday, April 11, 2025 from 9pm - 12pm

Location: Sportsman's Alliance of Maine - Outdoor Center

2273 North Belfast Avenue Augusta, ME

*Register for Part 1* [ [link removed] ]


Part 2 - Afternoon Session

Date/Time: Friday, April 11, 2025 from 1pm - 4pm

Location: Sportsman's Alliance of Maine - Outdoor Center

2273 North Belfast Avenue Augusta, ME

 

*Register for Part 2* [ [link removed] ]


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Introduction to Turkey Hunting Two Session Day - Oquossoc, ME

Turkey hunting

If you can't make it to Augusta, another two session day will be held in Oquossoc.

Learn the basics of turkey hunting in the morning session with laws and regulations, habits, equipment, shot placement, and what to do after the shot. After lunch we return for more tips, tricks, and strategies with live fire at the range. You'll learn how to determine the correct shot shell for your shotgun, selecting the necessary choke for turkey hunting, judging and measuring distance, and more! There will be opportunity for live fire at the range to pattern shotguns for those who are interested.

Make sure to register for both sessions if you want to attend the morning and afternoon, but attendance for both is not required. *This workshop is intended for ages *10+**



Part 1 - Morning Session

Date/Time: Sunday, April 13, 2024 from 9am - 12pm

Location: Rangeley Region Guides & Sportsman's Clubhouse

41 Old Skiway Rd Oquossoc, ME

*Register for Part 1* [ [link removed] ]


Part 2 - Afternoon Session

Date/Time: Sunday, April 13, 2024 from 12:30pm - 3:30pm

Location: Rangeley Region Guides & Sportsman's Clubhouse

41 Old Skiway Rd Oquossoc, ME

*Register for Part 2* [ [link removed] ]


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Introduction to Turkey Hunting Two Session Day - Wilton, ME

Turkey hunting

Another two session day will be held in Wilton.

Make sure to register for both sessions if you want to attend the morning and afternoon, but attendance for both is not required. *This workshop is intended for ages *10+**



Part 1 - Morning Session

Date/Time: Saturday, April 19, 2024 from 9am - 12pm

Location: Wilton Fish and Game Club

256 U.S. 2 Wilton, ME

*Register for Part 1* [ [link removed] ]


Part 2 - Afternoon Session

Date/Time: Saturday, April 19, 2024 from 12:30am - 3:30pm

Location: Wilton Fish and Game Club

256 U.S. 2 Wilton, ME

*Register for Part 2* [ [link removed] ]


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Ladies Turkey Hunting Field Excursion - Rockport, ME

Setting turkey decoys

Take to the field through prime turkey habitat with this excursion. We'll have the possibility of hearing turkeys on the roost after fly-up. Participants should be prepared to walk up to 2 miles, including walking off trail in both fields and woods. Wild turkey hunting is an excellent way to spend time outdoors, enjoy Maine’s spring and fall seasons and target Maine’s only big game bird. 

*This workshop is offered on two different dates:*



Date/Time: Tuesday, April 15, 2025 from 6pm - 8pm

Location: Beech Hill Preserve

316 Beech Hill Road Rockport, ME

*Register for April 15* [ [link removed] ]


Date/Time: Monday, April 21, 2025 from 6pm - 8pm

Location: Beech Hill Preserve

316 Beech Hill Road Rockport, ME

*Register for April 21* [ [link removed] ]


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Shotgun Patterning for Turkey Hunting at the Summerhaven Range

Shotgun

Sign up for a one hour timeslot at the Summerhaven Range to pattern your shotgun for turkey hunting season. A Range Safety Officer will be on site to help you prepare for the upcoming season.

Bring your firearm and several rounds of lead target loads, #6 through #9 shot to practice with and the loads that you plan to hunt with to ensure the pattern stays true.

We will provide targets and target backers.

*Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.*



Date/Time: *One hour time slots*

Thursday, April 17, 2025 to Saturday, April 19, 2025

Location - Summerhaven Range

211 Sanford Road Augusta, ME

*Register Online* [ [link removed] ]






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More information

Laws of the Maine Outdoors [ [link removed] ]

Hunting with Nonlead Ammunition [ [link removed] ]

Plan your Hunt [ [link removed] ]

Where to Hunt [ [link removed] ] 

Maine Professional Guides Association [ [link removed] ]

Laminated Gazetteer [ [link removed] ]

Check Season Dates and Bag Limits [ [link removed] ]

What does my Hunting License Cover? [ [link removed] ]

Maine's Shooting Ranges [ [link removed] ]

Find a Shooting Range Near You [ [link removed] ]








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