STATE OF WASHINGTON
2011 pamphlet edition
WILD TURKEY
Spring Season
Photo by Bob Inouye
Special Note: See Page 4 for
mandatory reporting information
Special Note: See Page 1 for
Youth Turkey Season Information
2011 Wild Turkey Season
Since 1960, three subspecies of wild turkey have been introduced in Washington: the Merriam’s, Rio Grande, and eastern.
Currently, the Merriam’s subspecies occupies portions of Ferry, Klickitat, Pend Oreille, Skamania, Stevens, Spokane, Okanogan,
Chelan, Kittitas, and Yakima counties. Rio Grande turkeys can be found in Asotin, Columbia, Gareld, Lincoln, Walla Walla, and
Whitman counties. Turkeys of the eastern subspecies can be found west of the Cascades in Cowlitz, Grays Harbor, Lewis, Mason,
Pacic, Thurston, and Wahkiakum counties.
2011 Spring Season
A total of three (3) turkeys in the spring season with following
restricitions. Only two (2) turkeys may be taken in eastern Washington
and only 1 of those may be taken in Chelan, Kittitas, and Yakima
counties (combined); only (1) turkey may be taken in western
Washington per year. Two (2) turkeys may be taken in Klickitat County.
Area Dates Open Restrictions Bag/Possession Limit
Statewide
April 15 - May 31, 2011
Hunting hours are one-
half hour before sunrise
to sunset during spring
seasons
Gobblers and
Turkeys with
visible beards
ONLY
Additional turkey tags may be purchased at any time. In appropriate areas, two turkeys can be harvested in one day.
Spring turkey season is open for shotgun (10 gauge or under •
capable of holding 3 or fewer shells or muzzleloader with
shot) and bow-and-arrow hunting only. Crossbows are allowed
in rearm restricted areas.
A valid hunting license and an unaltered, unnotched turkey •
transport tag are required for hunting turkey.
Immediately after killing a turkey, hunters must validate their •
own tag by completely removing notches for month and day
of kill and securely attach tag to carcass.
It is unlawful to use dogs, electronic calls or electronic decoys •
to hunt turkeys.
Baiting game birds is illegal.•
Turkey hunters must report hunting activity (see page 4).•
Turkey hunters must use #4 shot or smaller (eg. #6 shot).•
It is illegal to possess in the eld or transport game birds •
unless a feathered head is left attached to each carcass, except
falconry-caught birds.
Special Regulations Wild Turkey License Fees
Small game license $38.00 $182.00 $20.00
Small game, with $21.20 $98.00 $11.60
proof of big game
package purchase
Three-day small game n/a $62.00 n/a
Primary turkey tag $17.30 $48.50 free
Additional turkey $17.30 $72.50 $11.30
transport tags
* Youth hunters are dened as under 16 when they buy a license.
Non-
Resident resident Youth*
Reward
The Washington Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation
will pay $250.00 for information leading to the arrest and
conviction of individuals responsible for illegal taking of wild
turkeys.
Stop Washington Poachers! To report poaching in progress dial
911. Individuals that witness and would like to anonymously
report a sh or wildlife violation can call toll free 1-877-933-
9847 (1-877-WDFW-TIP). Remember this is not an information
hotline. Other reporting tools can be found at http://wdfw.
wa.gov/poaching/.
It could pay in more ways than one. The Department of Fish and
Wildlife pays rewards for the arrest of people violating wildlife laws.
Youth Turkey Season
A youth spring turkey season for hunters under 16 years of age
will be held on April 2-3, 2011:
The youth season is open in ALL GMUs.
Standard hunting methods (shotgun or bow and arrow only) and
all other turkey hunting regulations apply to the youth season.
WAC Summary Information
This pamphlet is a summary of the hunting regulations and
seasons (chapters 232-12 and 232-28 of the Washington
Administrative Code) adopted by the Washington Fish and
Wildlife Commission. This pamphlet does not contain all
department regulations. Regulations specic to the hunting
seasons described in this pamphlet are found in section 232-28-
342 of the Washington Administrative Code.
Advisory on Emergency Regulations
Caution: Emergency regulation changes may occur while
the seasons described in this pamphlet are in effect and will
supersede information contained herein. Area news media will
be informed of changes as they occur.
1
Estimated Spring Turkey Harvest
NOTE: Turkey
populations in PMU 40
and 50 have low densities
and are often found on
private land. Make sure
you have appropriate
landowner permission
when hunting these units.
Fall Turkey Season
Fall seasons may change, so it is important to check with
WDFW after the April meeting of the Fish and Wildlife
Commission each year to see what the fall turkey season
regulations will be during any particular year. Fall season
information will also be made available in the big game
pamphlet.
The Land and Landowners
A true sportsman respects the land and demonstrates this
respect and appreciation while in the eld. Remember to obtain
permission from the owner before entering upon his or her land
to hunt or sh. And, while in the eld, conduct yourself in a way
that will ensure a welcome to those who follow after you.
Population Management Unit Description
P10 (Northeast): GMUs 101-136
P15 (Southeast): GMUs 139-186
P20 (North Central): All 200 GMUs
P30 (South Central): All 300 GMUs,
EXCEPT GMU 382, 388
P35 (Klickitat): GMUs 382,388,578,574,572,568
P40 (Northwest): All 400 GMUs PLUS GMUs 601-627
P50 (Southwest): All 500 GMUs EXCEPT 568,572,574,578
PLUS GMUs 633-681
2
PMU 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
P10
313 519 662 1098 1176 2382 3418 3333 3401 3445 3571 3660 2677 2870
P15
104 123 132 267 214 376 533 443 471 480 730 605 578 757
P20
21 11 20 21 32 78 119 176 209 215 220 258 232 228
P30
2 1 0 1 10 73 105 123 178 182 169 221 172 245
P35
118 109 125 183 134 190 300 329 301 345 362 487 370 447
P40
4 1 1 0 1 2 7 9 15 10 8 9 3 5
P50
26 36 40 46 48 47 54 52 54 53 77 62 50 65
Total 588 800 980 1616 1615 3148 4536 4465 4629 4730 5137 5302 4082 4617
Primary Distribution of Wild Turkey
3
IMPORTANT NOTICE:
– Mandatory Reporting –
Hunters are Required to Report Last Years Hunting Activity Prior to Purchasing a New License.
Turkey hunters must report their hunting activity whether or not they harvest an animal. Hunters not reporting by January 31 will be
subject to a $10 penalty which must be paid before they can purchase a license for the following year. One hunter report is required for
each tag acquired.
Hunters can le reports two ways: by telephone (toll free at 1-877-945-3492) or on the internet at www.shhunt.dfw.wa.gov; there
are no longer paper harvest report cards. Hunters who harvest an animal should le a report within 10 days of taking the animal.
Unsuccessful hunters must also report their hunting activity, including location and days hunted. The information will be used by
WDFW to better monitor hunter effort, distribution, harvest, and trends.
Special note for turkey hunters: Having a spring and fall season can make hunt reporting confusing. If you do not intend to apply for
a fall turkey permit or hunt in general fall season, you should report spring turkey hunting activity after May 31st. If you do intend to
hunt in the fall, you should wait to report spring activity or fall activity until after the fall season.
You will need the following information to le your report for turkey hunting.
Do NOT mail this information to WDFW; reports can ONLY be accepted through the toll free number or internet.
1. Whether or not you hunted turkeys.
2. For each turkey tag:
a. The number of the GMUs you hunted in (2 most hunted GMUs).
Please refer to a Big Game pamphlet or other source for a GMU map.
b. The number of days hunted in each GMU.
3. For each turkey you harvest:
a. Number of the GMU where turkey was harvested.
b. Month, day, and year of harvest.
c. Sex of the turkey.
d. Age of the turkey: adult, yearling, or juvenile (fall season only)
2011 Spring Turkey Season Hunting Hours
– adjusted to be ½ hour before sunrise to sunset.
4
Date
Eastern Washington Western Washington
A.M. P.M. A.M. P.M.
April 2 – April 3 5:56 7:21 6:16 7:40
April 15 - April 18 5:31 7:39 5:51 7:59
April 19 - April 22 5:22 7:46 5:43 8:03
April 23 - April 26 5:14 7:52 5:36 8:10
April 27 - April 30 5:08 7:57 5:29 8:16
May 1 - May 4 5:01 8:03 5:22 8:21
May 5 - May 8 4:55 8:09 5:16 8:27
May 9 - May 12 4:49 8:14 5:10 8:32
May 13 - May 16 4:43 8:19 5:05 8:38
May 17 – May 20 4:39 8:24 5:00 8:43
May 21 – May 24 4:34 8:29 4:55 8:47
May 25 – May 28 4:30 8:33 4:51 8:52
May 29 – May 31 4:27 8:38 4:47 8:57
Vehicle Use Permits
on WDFW Lands
The Department manages nearly 1 million acres of prime
wildlife habitat and 700 lake and river access sites across the
state for your use and enjoyment. A Vehicle Use Permit from
the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ($14 or FREE
with a hunting or shing license) is required. Decal sales
support upkeep of these areas which are currently operating
at 45% of the funding need. More information at www.dfw.
wa.gov or call a Fish and Wildlife ofce. You can do more than
hunt and sh on Department lands.
Vehicle Use Permits are required to park on all posted WDFW
lands. The permits generate funding for maintenance of
WDFW lands and water access sites used by hunters, anglers,
boaters, bird watchers and other recreationists. The permits
are issued only once annually to each license holder and are
transferrable between up to two vehicles. Additional permits
may be purchased for $8 each. Original permits are $14 each if
purchased separately without a shing or hunting license. The
permits must be clearly displayed and visible from outside the
vehicle. They can be placed on the dash, hung from the rear
view mirror or placed on the front seat.
The penalty for parking on WDFW lands without a permit has
been revised. The infraction for parking without a permit will
be automatically reduced if the vehicle owner shows proof he
or she has purchased a permit within 15 days of the violation.
Sex and Age of Wild Turkeys
Hen
Middle toe less
than 4 inches long
Gobbler
Middle toe greater
than 4 inches long
Breast Feathers
Tom
(Black Tip)
Tail Feathers
Mature Tom
(Adult)
Immature Tom
(Juvenile)
Tom
Spur
Outer Wing Feathers
Adult
Immature Hen
Adult
Immature Tom
5
Hen
Hen
(Bu Tip)
Safe and Ethical Turkey Hunting
1. Be absolutely positive of your target. After you pull the trigger, it’s too late.
2. ALWAYS ask permission to hunt on private land. Most landowners are cooperative if you ask.
3. Do not attempt to stalk a turkey. That gobbler you’re stalking may be another hunter.
4. Unless absolutely necessary, don’t use a gobbler call. This call can be productive, but also very dangerous.
Use this call when all else fails and then sparingly.
5. Never wear any red, white, or blue clothes. These are the colors of the gobbler’s head, the primary target of
the turkey hunter.
6. Never presume what you hear is a turkey. Many hunters are convincing callers.
7. Select a calling site that gives at least 40 yards of vision in all directions and sit with your back to a large
tree.
8. If another hunter is working a bird, don’t spoil it by calling or spooking the bird.
9. Make sure that the gobbler is within sure range of the shotgun and shoot only the neck and head.
10. Should you see another hunter (especially if he/she is close to your “line of sight”) call out to the hunter in a
loud, clear voice.
Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife
Washington Fish and
Wildlife Commission
Phil Anderson, Director
Nathan Pamplin, Assistant Director, Wildlife Program
Olympia Ofce
Mailing Address
600 Capitol Way N
Olympia, WA 98501-1091
(360) 902-2200
Visitors - Natural Resources Bldg
1111 Washington St SE
Region One - Spokane
315 N. Discovery Pl
Spokane, WA 99216
(509) 892-1001
Region Two - Ephrata
1550 Alder St NW
Ephrata, WA 98823-9699
(509) 754-4624
Wenatchee Ofce
3860 Chelan Hwy N
Wenatchee, WA 98801-9607
(509) 662-0452
Region Three - Yakima
1701 S 24th Ave
Yakima, WA 98902-5720
(509) 575-2740
Region Four - Mill Creek
16018 Mill Creek Blvd
Mill Creek, WA 98012-1296
(425) 775-1311
Region Five - Vancouver
2108 Grand Blvd
Vancouver, WA 98661-4624
(360) 696-6211
Region Six - Montesano
48 Devonshire Rd
Montesano, WA 98563-9618
(360) 249-4628
Miranda Wecker, Chair, Naselle
Gary Douvia, Vice Chair, Kettle Falls
David Jennings, Olympia
Conrad Mahnken, Ph.D., Bainbridge Island
Chuck Perry, Moses Lake
Rolland Schmitten, Leavenworth
Bradley Smith, Ph.D., Bellingham
Washington Department
of Fish and Wildlife
Commission Phone:
(360) 902-2267
6
Published by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), 2011. 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia, WA 98501. Website: www.wdfw.
wa.gov. Phil Anderson, Director, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. Miranda Wecker, chair, Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission.
This program receives Federal assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the
Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the
Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior and its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the bases of race, color, national
origin, age, disability and sex (in educational programs). If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any program, activity or
facility, please contact the WDFW, ADA Coordinator at 600 Capitol Way North, Olympia WA 98501 or write to:
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Civil Rights Coordinator for Public Access 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Mail Stop: WSFR-4020, Arlington, VA 22203
Washington Slam
The Washington Chapter of the National Wild Turkey
Federation in cooperation with the Department of Fish and
Wildlife is sponsoring brass pins in recognition of achieving the
“Washington Slam.”
The eastern, Merriam’s, and Rio Grande subspecies of wild
turkey currently inhabit Washington state. For the purposes
of the “Washington Slam,” subspecies are dened by county
of kill. Merriam’s: Ferry, Klickitat, Pend Oreille, Skamania,
Chelan, Kittitas, Okanogan, Yakima, Spokane and Stevens; Rio
Grande: all eastern Washington counties except Ferry, Klickitat,
Pend Oreille, Skamania, Chelan, Kittitas, Okanogan, Yakima,
Spokaneand Stevens; eastern: all western Washington counties
Washington Slam Award Winners
Single Season Pin
(all 3 subspecies taken in spring season)
Multiple Season Pin
(all 3 subspecies taken in 2
or more seasons)
1995
Dick Finch
1996
Dan Blatt, Sr.
Glen Richard
1997
Dick Finch
Ted Fleckner
Vincent Fulginitti
Russell Kuehn
1998
Quincy Atchley
B. Ray Bjork
Jeff Bolt
Eric Braaten
Ted Fleckner
Steve Hanson, Jr.
Russell Keuhn
Matt Mimnaugh
Brad Richard
1999
Ron Brockavich
Ted Fleckner (ar-
chery)
Russell Kuehn
George Martin
Art Meikel
Brad Richard
Mike Vaughn
Harry Williamson
2000
Quincy Atchley
Lee Atkins
Jay Brightbill
Douglas Burnett
Larry Harness
Ryan Kilbury
Gary Meade
Kathleen Neault
Mike Vaughn
2001
Jay Brightbill
Ted Fleckner
Randy Wherrett
2002
Quincy Atchley
Mike Cloke
Chase Olson
Alan Poe
Debbie Ruble-Lycan
Mike Tuthill
Zachary Wearstler
2003
B. Ray Bjork
Thomas Bostrom
Ron Brockavich
Raymond Lampers
Stephan Rose
Ronald Stoller
Zachary Wearstler
2004
Thomas Bostrom
Esteban Calderon
Andy Cloke
Andy Grunewald
Paul Hite
David Hoel
Darwin Koistinen
1995
William Olson
1996
Jay Brightbill
Scott Comstock
1997
Dan Blatt, Sr.
Julie McCellan
Chris Wagemann
1998
Ron Brockavich
Charles Laier
Gary Meade
1999
Cecil Bailey, Jr.
For Record Information only:
Washington State Chapter
National Wild Turkey Federation
Rich Reathaford
(509) 279-2030
7
except Klictitat and Skamania. The taking of 1 of each of these
subspecies constitutes a “Washington Slam.” This achievement
will be veried by successful hunters returning their game harvest
report cards to WDFW and completion of record forms available
upon request from the Washington Chapter of NWTF. These
forms will also be used for submission of information to establish
Washington state turkey records.
John McKeever
Kathleen Neault
Mark Simonson
Zachary Wearstler
2005
Esteban Calderon
Michael Crowder
David Hoel
Larry Kukes
Ray Lampers
John McKeever
Kathleen Neault
2006
Esteban Calderon
Ted Fleckner
Paul Hite
David Hoel
Ray Lampers
Matt Mimnaugh
Kathleen Neault
2007
Thomas Bostrom
Esteban Calderon
Jeff Cannon
David Hoel
John Hunter
Ray Lampers
Kathleen Neault
2008
Thomas Bostrum
David Hoel
Ray Lampers
John McKeever
Bob Shaw
2009
Thomas Bostrom
Seth Bynum
Esteban Calderon
David Hoel
Ray Lampers
Kathleen Neault
Dennis Olsen
Bob Shaw
2010
Steve Hanson
David Hoel
Ray Lampers
Brad Richard
Bob Shaw
Marc Shaw
Dan Blatt, Jr.
Vincent Fulginiti
Robert Hirst
Chris Wagemann
2000
George Martin
Lance Steele
2002
B. Ray Bjork
Larry Bowers
Ron Brockavich
Randy Hensley
Ambrose Ott
Mark Stahl
2003
Rhonda Toompas
John McKeever
2004
B. Ray Bjork
R. Scott Dixon
Jerry Prescott
Mark Stahl
Jim White
2005
Jay Brightbill
2006
Jay Brightbill
2007
B. Ray Bjork
2008
B. Ray Bjork
Joseph Lipczynski
Dennis Olsen
2009
Jay Brightbill
2010
Joseph Lipczynski
Alan Poe