Checking Spring Gobbler Harvests Any turkeys harvested during the spring gobbler season must be reported by using either the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR) telephone, mobile app, or internet reporting systems. For information on how to access these systems, visit the website: https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/ validation/ Gobbler Hunting Parameters

The DWR provides the following parameters for the 2026 Spring Gobbler Season:

• Arrowguns are allowed.

• Modern firearms (depending on county/ local ordinances).

• Archery tackle.

• Muzzleloading firearms.

• Decoys and blinds may be used.

• It is unlawful to use electronic calls.

• It is unlawful to use dogs, except that dogs may be used to track wounded or dead turkeys (see Hunting with Dogs).

• When using a shotgun, it is unlawful to use or have in possession any shot with a diameter larger than number 2 fine shot during spring turkey season.

• A website that lists the firearms ordinances for all Virginia counties is located at: https://dwr.virginia.gov/hunting/regulations/ local-ordinances/ Blaze Orange Options

Although the display or wearing of blaze orange is not required during the spring gobbler season, there are some safety benefits if you choose to do so.

Wearing a blaze orange hat or vest when traveling to or from your hunting location is a valuable option to consider. Tying a blaze orange strip at eye level around the tree you are set up against is another useful safety tip. For those using a ground blind setup, having some blaze orange attached to the back or top can be helpful.

Blaze orange trash bags can be used to carry a harvested turkey out of the woods.

Stay in Touch

Wild turkeys have some of the best eyesight of any woodland creature, so hunting success is often dependent on both stealth and concealment. This means that most spring gobbler hunters are camouflaged from head to toe. A hunter can literally disappear inside the woodline.

This makes it even more important to ensure that someone who is not hunting with you knows exactly where your location is and what time you expect to return. Always keep that same person informed of any location or hunting schedule changes.