PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – It’s November, which means Thanksgiving is right around the corner and if you don’t want to hit the grocery store – good news, especially if you’re a hunter, Pennsylvania’s fall turkey hunting season starts today!

Hunters who have purchased a hunting permit receive a fall turkey hunting tag as well as a spring hunting tag. The Pennsylvania Game Commission says any turkey can be harvested and female turkeys make up more than 50 percent of the fall harvest.

“Autumn seasons were extended in several units this year, and results from the summer 2024 observation survey showed above-average poultry recruitment overall, with all UMUs (wildlife management units) showing a good number,” said Game Commission wild turkey biologist Mary Jo Casalena. “The 2024 fall turkey season is shaping up to be a good one.”

Pennsylvania’s annual turkey sighting survey was conducted during the summer in July and August, and the Game Commission said the number of turkey sightings nearly doubled from 2023, with 30,286 sightings.

“This annual summer survey allows us to estimate the number of turkeys seen per hen statewide in July and August,” Casalena said. “It’s an index of reproductive success over time. We use this in our turkey population model and to assess population trends and part of our fall turkey season recommendation process.”

Hunters are not required to wear fluorescent orange during turkey season, but the Game Commission highly recommends it. I also remind hunters that no single-shot firearms can be used during the fall turkey season. Hunters may only use fine shot rifles and archery equipment.

Those who put a turkey must tag their bird according to the instructions on the harvest tags and then report it. This can be done either online at this link or by phone at 1-800-838-4431. When hunters call the commission’s number, they will need to have their license and a copy of their harvest tag.

More information can be found on Pennsylvania Gaming Commission website about harvesting, reporting and regulations related to the fall turkey season.