Experience the excitement of turkey hunting this spring!
 Winter is coming to a close, and now is a great time to start thinking about turkey hunting season. Calling in a tom turkey and chatting with them makes turkey hunting an engaging and fast-paced hunt perfect for beginner hunters and seasoned hunters alike.
Best of all, you won't have to wait long for the season to arrive! Youth day is Saturday, May 2, and the season opens to all hunters Monday, May 4 - Saturday, June 6, 2026.
Maine Outdoor Programs by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has partnered with National Wild Turkey Federation to offer a series of hands-on turkey hunting workshops to prepare hunters for the upcoming season.
Register for a workshop near you today:
Introduction to Turkey Hunting
Learn the basics of turkey hunting with this introductory workshop. 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 designed for ages 10+ and is taking place at various times in March and April in South Paris, Damariscotta, Northport, Searsmont, Bethel, Wilton, Auburn, and Oquossoc.
|
Advanced 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.
This workshop is offered in Wilton, Augusta, and Auburn in April. Must be at least 12 to participate in live fire. All firearms and ammunition will be provided.
|
This workshops combines Introduction to Turkey Hunting and Advanced Turkey Hunting into a one-day event. The morning session will discuss laws and regulations, equipment, scouting, hunting methods and tactics, shot placements, and what to do after the shot. In the afternoon we'll take to the range to learn about firearms and ammunition selection, with plenty of time to practice patterning a variety of shotguns.
This workshop takes place in Augusta and Auburn on two different dates in April. Must be at least 12 to participate in live fire. All firearms and ammunition will be provided.
|
Pattern Your Shotgun at the Range
Sign up for a one-hour timeslot at the Fryeburg or Summerhaven Range in Augusta to pattern your shotgun for turkey hunting season. A Range Safety Officer will be on-site to help you prepare for the upcoming season.
Individuals under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring your own firearm and ammunition to prepare for your hunting season. Targets and target backers will be provided.
|
Turkey Field Hunting Excursions
Take to the field through prime turkey habitat with this excursion in the hopes of hearing turkeys on the roost after fly-up. Participants should be prepared to walk up to two miles, including walking off trail in both fields and woods. This workshop will cover laws and regulations, equipment, scouting, hunting methods and tactics, shot placements, and what to do after the shot.
This workshop takes place in Rockport and Rockland on two different dates in April.
|
Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and our partners are fully committed to providing an engaging event for all. If you require an accommodation or service to fully participate, please contact Jaime Berard at [email protected] or 207-287-5220 at least 7 days prior to the event. If you have any other questions or concerns please, reach out! We are here to help and look forward to talking with you.
More information
Purchase a license or permit online
Register for a Hunter Safety Course
Wild turkey hunting tips and information
Wild turkey hunting laws
Maine hunting laws
Wild turkey registration information
Tips for Avoiding Ticks
Legal hunting hours
Where to hunt
Exploring the outdoors on private land
|