Don’t put your camo away yet!
Spring has arrived and prospects for Rio Grande turkeys are good this season. Bird numbers are booming after a few years of mild weather.
A youth-only weekend for Rio Grande turkey kicked off the season in the South Zone on March 11. The first youth-only weekend for Rio Grande in the North Zone is March 25-26.
Eastern turkey has a limit of 1 bird, and the general season is April 15 – May 14.
Rio Grande turkey has a bag limit of 4 birds, and the general seasons are:
South Zone: March 18 – April 30
North Zone: April 1 – May 14
Special 1 turkey bag limit (10 counties) April 1 – April 30
The Outdoor Annual lists all dates and zones and has a Spring Zone Map. You can check county listings for your specific dates, regulations and bag limits. There are no changes in this season’s regulations.
The Need-to-Know
You must have a hunting license and Upland Game Bird Stamp
Every hunter born on or after 9/2/71 must complete Hunter Education and carry proof while hunting – keep the proof in your pocket!
All turkeys must be immediately tagged with a tag from the hunter’s license
Eastern turkey must be reported and there are two easy options: on the website or with the mobile My Texas Hunt Harvest app
Before You Cook Your Bird
Turkey is a naturally lean meat, so brining your bird before you cook it should enhance its flavor and juiciness. Brining is to soak the turkey in a combination of salt, sugar and water or lemon juice. Here are instructions on how to brine and roast your bird. Don’t overcook your turkey. Use an accurate thermometer to determine when it’s done. The internal temperature of properly cooked poultry is 165 degrees.
