JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – From fishing to the upcoming spring turkey season, Missourians are starting to climb out of their winter lairs to experience the state’s great outdoors.

As croppie continue their annual migration down from the dam holding up the Harry Truman Reservoir, through the Osage River and eventually into the lower mile markers of the Lake of the Ozarks, other conservationists are gearing up for one of the most popular hunting seasons in Missouri: the pursuit of the wild turkey.

Last year, turkey hunters harvested more than 43,000 turkeys statewide. The end count was more than 3% higher than the year prior.

Commissioners from the Missouri Department of Conservation set rules, regulations and dates for all hunting seasons. The spring portion of turkey hunting has been pushed back and shortened some since last season.

Youth turkey hunting weekend is April 12-13. Spring season opens up to all hunters beginning Monday, April 21, and continues through May 11.

In anticipation of another busy hunting season, the Missouri Department of Conservation’s St. Louis office is offering a free seminar on how to properly harvest a turkey.

The online event is free and takes place this Saturday, April 5, from 9 – 10 a.m. St. Charles County Conservation Agent Corporal Zach Durbin will lead the virtual event. For more information or to register, click here.

“Many people have questions regarding rules and regulations on hunting and fishing,” MDC Outdoor Education Center Manager Bryant Hertel said. “This is an ideal opportunity to ask an agent about those topics or any other related outdoor activities on MDC areas.”

There are some new changes to this year’s hunting season. Click here for the MDC’s complete 2025 turkey guide.