When Does Turkey Season Open in Canada? 2026-2027 Province-by-Province Breakdown
If you’re planning a wild turkey hunt across Canada in 2026-2027, here’s the fast answer: Ontario and Quebec offer the most robust opportunities, with Ontario’s spring season running April 25–May 31, 2026, and Quebec’s main spring window open April 24–May 18, 2026. Alberta runs May 1–31, Manitoba opens April 11–May 17, New Brunswick expanded to a full three-week season (May 4–24), and British Columbia offers spring, fall, and a December LEH draw. Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland & Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and Yukon have no open turkey season for 2026-2027. Whether you’re a seasoned gobbler chaser or booking your first spring hunt, knowing exactly which provinces are open — and what tags, draws, and bag limits apply — will save you time, money, and a potential conservation violation.
Not every province is turkey country. In fact, half of Canada’s jurisdictions don’t have a single legal turkey tag available right now. But for the provinces that do? The 2026-2027 season is shaping up to be one worth circling on your calendar. Let’s break it all down — province by province, season by season — so you can plan with confidence.
Canada Wild Turkey Season Status by Province 2026-2027
| Province / Territory | Spring Season | Fall Season | Season Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Apr 25 – May 31, 2026 | Oct 1–31 (bow); Oct 13–25 (shotgun/bow) | ✅ Open |
| Quebec | Apr 24 – May 18, 2026 (main zones) | Oct 24–30, 2026 | ✅ Open |
| Alberta | May 1 – May 31, 2026 | Sept – late Dec (select WMUs, draw) | ✅ Open |
| British Columbia | Mid-Apr – Mid-May | Late Oct – Nov + Dec LEH | ✅ Open (LEH) |
| Manitoba | Apr 11 – May 17, 2026 | No fall window | ✅ Spring Only |
| New Brunswick | May 4 – May 24, 2026 | Sept – Dec (where open) | ✅ Open |
| Saskatchewan | No open window | No open window | ❌ Closed |
| Nova Scotia | No open season listed | No open season listed | ❌ Closed |
| Prince Edward Island | No season | No season | ❌ No turkeys |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | No season | No season | ❌ Closed |
| Northwest Territories | No season | No season | ❌ Closed |
| Nunavut | No season | No season | ❌ Closed |
| Yukon | No season | No season | ❌ Closed |
Ontario Wild Turkey Hunting Season 2026-2027
Ontario is arguably Canada’s premier turkey province — home to one of the largest Eastern Wild Turkey populations north of the border. The province runs both a spring and fall season, with opportunities spread across dozens of Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) in southern Ontario.
Ontario Season Dates & Bag Limits
| Season | Dates | Weapon Types | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | April 25 – May 31, 2026 | Shotgun, bow | 1 bearded bird per tag (up to 2 tags) |
| Fall (bow only) | October 1 – 31, 2026 | Bow only | 1 turkey, either sex |
| Fall (shotgun/bow) | October 13 – 25, 2026 | Shotgun, bow | 1 turkey, either sex |
| Youth Spring Weekend | Earlier April weekend | Shotgun (supervised) | 1 bearded bird |
Key Ontario Regulations:
- All hunters must carry a valid Outdoors Card (3-year card) — this is the mandatory first step
- Firearms accreditation is required for anyone carrying a gun (PAL, Minor’s Licence, or CFSC proof)
- Not every WMU is open — always verify your specific unit against the open-unit list before purchasing tags
- Youth hunters aged 12–14 can participate in the apprentice hunter program
- Fall season allows either-sex birds, which is a notable difference from most spring hunts
For complete Ontario wildlife management unit details and species-specific dates, visit the Ontario Hunting Seasons Guide at CanadaHunting.org.
Quebec Wild Turkey Hunting Season 2026-2027
Quebec operates a zone-based system, and turkey hunters need to know exactly which zone their hunting area falls under before stepping into the field. The province is generous with its annual bag limit — up to 3 birds per year — making it one of the more productive destinations for dedicated turkey hunters in Canada.
Quebec Turkey Season Dates by Zone
| Season Type | Dates (2026) | Dates (2027) | Permitted Zones | Allowed Birds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (main) | Apr 24 – May 18, 2026 | Apr 30 – May 24, 2027 | Zones 3–11, 26, 27 | Bearded only |
| Spring (shorter) | Apr 24 – May 5, 2026 | Apr 30 – May 11, 2027 | Zones 2, 12, 13, 15 | Bearded only |
| Fall | Oct 24 – Oct 30, 2026 | Oct 23 – Oct 29, 2027 | Zones 3–11 | Bearded or unbearded |
Quebec Bag Limit Summary:
- Spring: Maximum 2 birds per year
- Fall: 1 additional bird in eligible fall zones
- Total annual limit: Up to 3 wild turkeys per licence year
All firearms, crossbows, bows, and muzzleloaders are permitted. Baiting of wild turkeys for hunting purposes is prohibited in Quebec. Confirm your zone boundaries using the official Quebec hunting zone maps before heading out.
Turkey seasons are typically split into spring and fall, with varying dates across provinces. If you’re also interested in planning around the rut should pay close attention to both provincial season dates and expected rut timing, which are covered together in our guide to Elk Hunting Seasons and Rut Timing Across Canada.
Alberta Wild Turkey Hunting Season 2026-2027
Alberta’s wild turkey population is concentrated in the foothills and river valleys of the province’s southwestern regions. The spring season is open to general licence holders, while the fall window requires success in a draw — so plan ahead.
Alberta Turkey Season at a Glance
| Season | Approximate Dates | Weapon Options | Bag Limit | Licence Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 2026 | May 1 – May 31, 2026 | Shotgun, bow, crossbow | 1 bird per hunter | Special licence |
| Fall (draw) | Sept – late Dec (select WMUs) | Any legal upland weapon | 1 bird | Draw licence |
- Open WMUs: Primarily 300–308, 400, 402 and surrounding units — verify your specific WMU before purchase
- A Wildlife Identification Number (WIN) and Wildlife Certificate are mandatory baseline requirements
- The fall draw is competitive; applications are outlined in the annual Alberta Hunting Draws booklet
- Turkey country in Alberta is not widespread, so scouting your unit before opening day pays dividends
See full Alberta hunting season dates and regulations at CanadaHunting.org.
British Columbia Wild Turkey Hunting Season 2026-2027
British Columbia is unique because every turkey hunt window runs through the LEH (Limited Entry Hunting) system in at least one part of the season. Turkeys are concentrated in a handful of southern regions, and the province offers three distinct hunting windows across the calendar year.
BC Turkey Season Windows
| Season | Approximate Dates | Weapons Allowed | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (gobblers) | Mid-April – Mid-May | Shotgun, archery, muzzleloader | Up to 2 birds (regional) | Bearded-only in many areas |
| Fall | Late October – November | Shotgun, archery | Up to 2 birds (regional) | Either sex in some units |
| December LEH | December (select units) | As per LEH draw | As per draw | Southern units only |
- The two-bird regional bag limit applies across the licence year in most open regions
- Bearded-only restrictions are common during spring — check your specific management unit
- All LEH applications are submitted through the provincial system, with deadlines well before season opens
- The 2026–2028 BC Hunting and Trapping Regulations Synopsis is the definitive document for unit-specific rules
Manitoba Wild Turkey Hunting Season 2026-2027
Manitoba keeps it simple: spring-only turkey season, one bird per licence year, specific Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) only. That said, the province has been gradually expanding its open GHAs, so more hunters have access than in previous years.
Manitoba Spring Turkey Season Details
| Season | Dates | Open GHAs | Bag Limit | Weapons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Spring | Apr 11 – May 17, 2026 | 22, 23, 24, 25B, 27–35A, 36 | 1 turkey per licence year | Shotgun or bow |
| Youth Spring | Opens Apr 11 (zone-dependent) | Same as general | 1 turkey | Shotgun (supervised) |
- There is no fall turkey season available for general resident hunters in Manitoba
- Non-resident hunters face additional restrictions — check the most current provincial regulations
- Private land hunting requires written permission from the landowner; landowners must also purchase a Wild Turkey Licence to hunt their own property
- Non-toxic shot is mandatory across the province
New Brunswick Wild Turkey Hunting Season 2026-2027
New Brunswick made headlines in 2026 by expanding its spring turkey season by a full week — now running three consecutive weeks starting the first Monday in May. That’s a meaningful change for Maritime turkey hunters who’ve been pushing for expanded access.
New Brunswick Turkey Season Details
| Season | 2026 Dates | Bag Limit | Licence Cost (Resident) | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | May 4 – May 24, 2026 | Zone-dependent | $25 | Draw-based ($90 outfitter licence) |
| Fall | Sept – Dec (where open) | Zone-dependent | Verify current zones | Draw required |
- Youth hunters aged 12 and older are eligible to participate
- Non-residents must apply through a draw system, with applications closing the last Friday of November the year prior — meaning 2027 spring applicants needed to apply by late November 2026
- Always cross-reference the current provincial zone maps, as fall seasons are not universally open across all Wildlife Management Zones (WMZs)
For a deeper look at New Brunswick hunting seasons and zone details, check out the complete guide at CanadaHunting.org.
Provinces With No Open Wild Turkey Season 2026-2027
This is where it’s worth being direct — several provinces simply don’t have turkey hunting, and confusing provinces that are “closed for the year” vs. “no established population” is an important distinction.
No-Season Summary
| Province / Territory | Reason | Turkey Population Present? |
|---|---|---|
| Saskatchewan | No legal framework established | Limited/expanding |
| Nova Scotia | Not listed in 2026 provincial summary | Limited/uncertain |
| Prince Edward Island | No established turkey population | No |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | No season | No |
| Northwest Territories | No season | No |
| Nunavut | No season | No |
| Yukon | No season | No |
Saskatchewan is worth watching — wild turkey populations have been quietly growing in the province’s southern agricultural regions, and many local hunters anticipate a regulated season could be established within the next few years. Until a legal framework is officially gazetted, however, turkeys remain off-limits entirely. Nova Scotia similarly has no open window; hunters planning Maritime trips should redirect to New Brunswick instead.
Licence & Tag Requirements: What Every Turkey Hunter Needs
Regardless of which province you’re hunting, there are baseline requirements that apply nearly everywhere in Canada.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Provincial Hunting Licence | Required in every open province |
| Species-Specific Tag or Draw | Needed for turkey in all provinces (draw required in BC fall, AB fall, NB non-residents) |
| Firearm Licence (PAL) | Required for anyone using a firearm; CFSC completion is the minimum threshold |
| Hunter Education Certificate | Mandatory for first-time licence buyers in most provinces |
| Federal Migratory Bird Permit | Not required for wild turkey (it is not a federally regulated migratory species) |
| Landowner Permission | Required for hunting on private land in all provinces |
Pro tip: Wild turkey is not classified as a migratory game bird under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act — which means licensing is entirely provincial jurisdiction. You do not need a federal migratory game bird hunting permit for turkey.
Permitted Weapons & Calling Methods by Province
| Province | Shotgun | Bow/Crossbow | Muzzleloader | Decoys | Calls | Baiting |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ✅ | ✅ | Not listed | ✅ | ✅ | Check regulations |
| Quebec | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ Prohibited |
| Alberta | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (spring) | ✅ | ✅ | Check regulations |
| British Columbia | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ (spring) | ✅ | ✅ | Check unit rules |
| Manitoba | ✅ | ✅ | Not listed | ✅ | ✅ | Non-toxic shot required |
| New Brunswick | ✅ | ✅ | Check regs | ✅ | ✅ | Check zone rules |
Spring vs. Fall Turkey Hunting in Canada: Key Differences
Most Canadian provinces offer spring season as the primary opportunity, and there are good biological reasons for that. Spring gobblers are call-responsive, on the move for breeding, and easier to locate. Fall hunting is a different game entirely — birds are flocked up, less vocal, and require different tactics like flock-busting and scratching calls.
| Factor | Spring Season | Fall Season |
|---|---|---|
| Bird Behaviour | Highly vocal, breeding activity | Flock-based, quiet |
| Bag Limit (typical) | Bearded birds only | Either sex (varies) |
| Best Calling Technique | Box calls, slate, mouth calls | Kee-kee runs, clucks |
| Provinces Offering | ON, QC, AB, BC, MB, NB | ON, QC, AB, BC, NB |
| Draw Required? | Rarely (BC/AB fall is draw) | Often yes |
Top Public Land Turkey Hunting Areas in Canada
For hunters who don’t have private land access — which covers a lot of us — knowing where public access is legal and productive matters enormously. If you’re also planning whitetail or other big game hunts in the same region, it’s worth reading up on Whitetail hunts in Canada to maximize your trip with multiple species targets.
| Province | Top Public Access Areas | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | Crown land in southern WMUs | Check unit-specific open status |
| Quebec | ZECs (wildlife exploitation zones) | Crown land also available |
| Alberta | Green Area Crown land, WMAs | WMU 300s corridor is prime |
| BC | Crown land in southern interior | LEH draw required in most cases |
| Manitoba | Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) | GHA verification is mandatory |
| New Brunswick | Crown land, WMZ-specific access | Check zone maps before scouting |
2026-2027 Turkey Hunting Tips Specific to Canadian Conditions
Canadian spring turkey seasons overlap with unpredictable weather windows — late frosts, snow in May, and cold mornings are common across most provinces. Here are a few practical tips tailored to Canadian conditions:
- Scout before the season: Many Canadian turkey populations are still expanding into new habitat, so birds can be in unexpected locations compared to previous years
- Call conservively in cold weather: Gobblers in early May in Alberta or Manitoba can be reluctant callers during cold snaps — patience pays more than aggressive calling
- Know your zone or WMU cold: In BC and Quebec especially, being in the wrong management zone with a turkey in your hand is a serious conservation offence
- Non-toxic shot compliance: Manitoba mandates non-toxic shot — always verify your specific province’s ammunition rules before packing your shotgun loads
- Plan around youth seasons: Ontario, Manitoba, and other provinces offer dedicated youth opening days; if you’re introducing a young hunter to the sport, these early windows are a genuinely valuable opportunity
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) publishes annual spring hunt guides that include Canadian provincial data alongside U.S. state information — a useful cross-reference for regulations and habitat management updates.
FAQs: Canada Wild Turkey Hunting 2026-2027
What provinces can I hunt wild turkey in Canada in 2026?
In 2026-2027, legal wild turkey hunting is available in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, and New Brunswick. All other provinces and territories either have no established turkey population or no open regulated season.
Do I need a draw tag for wild turkey hunting in Canada?
It depends on the province and season. Alberta’s fall season and British Columbia require draw tags through a Limited Entry Hunting (LEH) or draw system. Non-residents in New Brunswick also require a draw. Spring seasons in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and the spring New Brunswick season are generally open to licence holders without a draw.
Can non-residents hunt wild turkey in Canada?
Yes, in most open provinces. However, non-residents face additional requirements — including draw applications in New Brunswick and sometimes mandatory use of a licensed outfitter. BC and Alberta require non-residents to verify their eligibility for LEH draws. Always contact the provincial wildlife authority directly before booking travel.
Is wild turkey a migratory bird in Canada?
No. Wild turkey is not classified under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act in Canada. Licensing and regulation is entirely a provincial responsibility, which means no federal migratory game bird hunting permit is required — just your provincial tag.
What is the best time to hunt spring turkey in Canada?
Generally, the first two weeks of the season see the most gobbling activity as birds are in full breeding behaviour. In Ontario, that’s late April to early May. In Alberta and Manitoba, expect peak activity in the second and third weeks of May. Cold snaps can slow activity temporarily, but gobblers will become vocal again once temperatures rise.
What is the bag limit for wild turkey in Canada?
Bag limits vary by province:
- Ontario: 1 bearded bird per spring tag (up to 2 tags), 1 either-sex bird in fall
- Quebec: Up to 3 birds annually (2 spring, 1 fall)
- Alberta: 1 bird per season
- British Columbia: Up to 2 birds (regional bag limit)
- Manitoba: 1 bird per licence year
- New Brunswick: Zone-dependent, verify current regulations
Why doesn’t Saskatchewan have a wild turkey hunting season?
Saskatchewan’s wild turkey population is still expanding into the province’s southern agricultural regions, but no formal hunting framework has been legally established yet. Until the provincial government gazetzes a regulated season, hunting wild turkeys in Saskatchewan is illegal regardless of population presence.
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