California Wild Turkey Hunting Guides

Wild Turkey Hunting In California

At SC2 Outdoors, we are absolutely passionate about Spring Wild Turkey Hunting. There's nothing quite like pursuing America’s bird on a stunning spring day. Our hunts take place in Northern California on exceptional private ranches nestled in the upper Sacramento River Valley and its surrounding foothills. You'll find yourself chasing gobblers across landscapes ranging from sea level to over 5,000 feet in elevation.

The Rio Grande Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) is the primary subspecies found throughout California. Although the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) once conducted numerous relocations and transplants of other subspecies, most pure strains have hybridized over time, leaving the Rio Grande as the dominant subspecies in the state.

Our mission is to share our love for this remarkable game bird. From early mornings at the roost to strategic hunting throughout the day, we’ll employ a range of techniques, from traditional methods to more aggressive "cutting and running." While CDFW sets a daily 5:00 p.m. cutoff for shooting hours, we typically conclude hunts around 3:30 or 4:00 p.m. This timing ensures the wellbeing of the birds and keeps our hunting experience enjoyable. Rest assured, we’ll work tirelessly to make your hunt successful. These hunts are perfect for everyone—young, old, seasoned, or novice hunters—and are sure to leave you with lasting memories. The combination of the season and the thrill of hunting these birds makes Spring Wild Turkey hunting our ultimate passion.

As dedicated turkey hunting guides and outfitters, Shelley and I are true turkey hunting enthusiasts. When we're not guiding in the spring, we’re often traveling in pursuit of wild turkeys ourselves. That said, when the birds are gobbling in our home state, California offers some of the best turkey hunting in the country. You can follow our personal turkey hunting adventures on Instagram and Facebook at Turkey Hunting America.

Each year, we offer limited availability for California Spring Turkey hunts on the private ranches we manage. These hunts are a fantastic opportunity to harvest a mature tom. We love connecting with fellow turkey hunters from across the country, and if you're working toward completing "The Slams," we’d be honored to help you secure your California Gobbler. Whether you’re aiming for the Grand Slam, Royal Slam, World Slam, or checking California off your list for the U.S. Super Slam, we’re here to help.

If you’re looking for a memorable Spring Turkey Hunt in the "Golden State," Northern California is hard to beat. We’d be honored to share a few days with you in our turkey woods, with the goal of exceeding your expectations for a great California Wild Turkey Hunt.

The 2025 California Wild Turkey Forecast

California's wild turkey population remains strong and continues to expand across most areas with suitable habitat. This remarkable success story has led to turkeys being found in all but two counties across the state. The popularity of wild turkey hunting has never been higher.

As professional outfitters and guides, our job is steeped in wildlife management, but our heart and passion are as Spring Wild Turkey hunters. Currently, all the ranches we operate are located north of San Francisco. These ranches boast stable turkey populations, carefully managed with limited harvests to ensure sustainability. After several years of decline, which we believe began around 2019-2020, turkey numbers appear to be rebounding. Looking ahead, I am optimistic about the 2025 California Spring Wild Turkey Season. Our winter surveys indicate excellent carryover from an average hatch in 2023 and what appears to have been a strong hatch in 2024.

With these positive indicators, we are anticipating a productive 2025 spring turkey hunting season and have adjusted our projected gobbler harvests accordingly.

California Wild Turkey Spring Season Dates

California Spring Wild Turkey Hunting is an unparalleled experience, and the 2025 season promises to be one of the best yet. The general season traditionally begins on the last Saturday of March, running for an exciting 37 consecutive days. For 2025, this means hunters can take to the field daily from one-half hour before sunrise until 5:00 p.m., with the opportunity to harvest one bearded bird per day and up to three for the season.

California takes pride in fostering opportunities for hunters of all ages. The Junior-Only hunt kicks off the season on the Saturday and Sunday preceding the general opener, giving young hunters an early chance to experience the thrill of turkey hunting. Additionally, an extended season for Juniors (any weapon) and an Adult Archery-Only season begins the Monday after the general season closes, running for 14 more days. This remarkable schedule provides a total of 53 days of Spring Wild Turkey Hunting in the Golden State.

Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, California’s diverse landscapes and thriving turkey populations offer an incredible opportunity to pursue these magnificent birds. The 2025 Spring Wild Turkey Season is shaping up to be exceptional, and we’re ready to make it a memorable experience for every hunter who joins us in the field.

2025 California Spring Wild Turkey Season Dates 

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California Wild Turkey Hunting Package

Included With Your Hunt Package:

• 2 or 3 Days of Guided Hunting: The hunt spans two or three consecutive calendar days, concluding either upon the successful harvest of a gobbler*** or at the end of the second day, whichever comes first.
• Experienced Guide: A knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the hunt, ensuring both success and enjoyment.
• Access to Private Ranch: You will have exclusive access to a private ranch.
• Hunting Permits Assistance: Assistance will be provided in obtaining the necessary hunting permits in compliance with California regulations.
• Field Transportation: Off-road vehicles will be available for easy movement around the ranch during the hunt.
• Field Dressing Assistance: Your guide will assist in field dressing your gobbler to prepare it for processing.
• Meals and Beverages: Lunches, snacks, and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided during both hunting days.
• Photo Opportunities: Your guide will help capture memorable moments during the hunt.

Harvest Take Policy -  A reason our hunts are so successful at SC2 Outdoors is because of our strict adherence to our conservation and management goals.  While it is our objective to run as close to 100% success rate for our clients, we will consider any Gobbler knocked down or showing evidence of a hit as a taken or mortally wounded bird and consider it as harvested, which ends the hunt.  As hunters, it is our responsibility to insure an ethical pursuit.

Book Your California Wild Turkey Hunt

Gear & Essentials Check List

• A Current California Hunting License
• Upland Game Bird Stamp
• Weapon (Shotgun)
• Turkey Loads (Non Toxic)
• Turkey Vest or Turkey Cushion
• Full Camouflage Clothing, Face Mask & Gloves
• Raingear
• Binoculars
• Camera 

NonLead Ammunition California