The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced that the 2025 spring turkey season in Suffolk County will be held Thursday, May 1, through Saturday, May 31. This season marks the third year DEC is offering the opportunity to go spring turkey hunting on Long Island.

Long Island's wild turkey population is an example of the State’s successful restoration and management efforts. Populations of wild turkey on Long Island disappeared in the late 19^th Century due to a reduction in forested habitat, as these environments were cleared for colonial farms and firewood. In the mid-1990s, DEC trapped approximately 75 wild turkeys in upstate New York and released those birds at three locations in Suffolk County. The Long Island population is now estimated at more than 3,000 birds and growing. Wild turkeys have become a common sight at many locations in Suffolk County and some locations in Nassau County.

Suffolk County Spring Wild Turkey Season Specifics
All of Wildlife Management Unit 1C (Suffolk County) is open for spring turkey hunting.

Season Dates: May 1 through May 31.

Hunting Hours: One half hour before sunrise until noon.

Manner of Taking: Hunters may hunt with a shotgun loaded with shot no larger than number 2 and no smaller than number 9, or with a bow. Hunters may not use crossbows or rifles. Handguns are not permitted while hunting on state lands, but if used elsewhere, must use shot pellets no larger than number 2 and no smaller than number 9.

Valid License and Tags: Hunters must have a valid New York State hunting license and a turkey permit to participate in the hunt.

Spring Turkey Season Bag Limit for WMU 1C:

• No more than one bearded turkey per day; and
• No more than one bearded turkey in WMU 1C.

• Calverton Pine Barrens State Forest – Archery only, no reservations required
• East Bartlett Pine Barrens State Forest – Archery only, no reservations required
• Carmans River Pine Barrens State Forest – Archery only, no reservations required
• Ridge Conservation Area – Archery only, no reservations required
• Rocky Point Pine Barrens State Forest – Shotgun and archery, reservation required
• Westhampton Dwarf Pine Plains Preserve – Shotgun and archery, reservation required
• Henrys Hollow Pine Barrens State Forest – Shotgun and archery, reservation required

Cooperative Hunting Areas that will allow a spring hunting season are:

• Barcelona Neck Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and archery, reservation required
• David A. Sarnoff Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and archery, reservation required
• Otis Pike Preserve Cooperative Hunting Area - Shotgun and archery, reservation required
• Kings Park Cooperative Hunting Area – Archery only, no reservations required

Tidal Wetlands Properties (archery only, no reservation required):

• Fireplace Neck
• Havens Point
• Long Beach Bay

DEC-managed lands open to shotgun turkey hunting will be closed to other users from two hours before sunrise until noon throughout the season.

Visit DEC’s website for more information on hunting seasons and regulations.  For tips and further details on regulations on turkey hunting, contact DEC regional wildlife office at (631) 444-0310 or visit DEC’s Turkey Hunting Regulations webpage.

Additional helpful information:

• Hunting on Long Island
• Long Island Public Hunting Areas
• Public Hunting Opportunities in Suffolk County, Long Island
• Conditions for Use of NYSDEC Managed Lands in Suffolk County