All individuals regardless of land ownership and age, must have in possession a valid permit to hunt spring turkey. In addition to the permit, a valid Kansas hunting license is required (unless exempt by Kansas law). Hunters may hunt only within the management unit printed on his or her permit.

All Kansas residents and qualifying nonresident tenants may purchase a Spring Turkey Permit valid in Units 1, 2, 3, 5, or 6 over-the-counter, at GoOutdoorsKansas.com or on the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app.

Resident: A resident is defined as a person who has maintained a permanent abode in the state for 60 days immediately prior to purchase. Domiciliary intent is required, evidence of which may include the location where the person votes, pays personal income taxes or obtains a driver’s license. Members of the armed services on active duty who were Kansas residents at the time of entering the service – and immediate family members living with them – are considered residents. Members of the armed services on active duty and officially stationed in Kansas may purchase resident licenses and permits (including applying for a Unit 4 permit), except for lifetime licenses. Any holder of a Kansas lifetime hunting license who has moved from the state may apply for and purchase permits as a resident. Any person who is a registered full-time student in residence at a public or private secondary, post secondary, or vocational school located in Kansas may purchase resident licenses and permits (including applying for a Unit 4 permit), except lifetime licenses. While hunting, the student must carry evidence of being a full-time student residing in Kansas.

Resident Youth: Resident hunters age 15 or younger may purchase youth permits at a reduced fee.Youth permits are valid statewide, including Unit 4.

Landowners/Tenants: Residents who own or operate 80 acres or more of Kansas farm or ranch land located in the unit intended to hunt; or residents or nonresident tenants actively engaged in the agricultural operation of 80 acres or more of Kansas farm or ranch land for the purpose of producing agricultural commodities or livestock AND must (1) have a substantial financial investment in the production of agricultural commodities or livestock on such farm or ranch land and the potential to realize substantial financial benefit from such production or, (2) be a bona fide manager having an overall responsibility to direct, supervise, and conduct such agricultural operation and have the potential to realize substantial benefit from such production in the form of salary, shares of such production, or some other economic incentive based upon such production. Members of the immediate family who live with a resident landowner or qualifying tenant may purchase or apply for a resident spring turkey permit as a landowner or as a tenant, but at least 80 acres must be owned by such landowner or operated by such tenant for each permit sought.

Nonresidents (By Draw Only): Nonresidents are defined as those persons not meeting the requirements of a resident as defined above. Spring Turkey Permits for nonresidents and nonresident youth must be obtained through a pre-season draw. A limited number of permits are issued and are valid only within the unit applied for. A $12.50 nonrefundable application fee is due at the time of application. Successful applicants will be charged the remaining permit fee. Unsuccessful applicants will receive a preference point for future draws. A $12.50 preference point may be purchased instead of applying for the current draw. Applications can be made at GoOutdoorsKansas.com, on the GoOutdoorsKS mobile app or by calling 833-587-2164.

HUNTER EDUCATION & AGE REQUIREMENTS

There is no minimum age to hunt turkeys in Kansas. Anyone born on or after July 1, 1957, must be certified by an approved course in hunter education before they can hunt in Kansas EXCEPT that anyone age 15 and younger may hunt without hunter education certification provided they are under the direct supervision (immediate audible and visual control) of an adult age 18 or older. Persons age 16 or older who have not completed a hunter education course are eligible to purchase up to two apprentice hunting licenses, which allow the license holder to hunt while accompanied by a licensed adult age 18 or older. Hunting licenses, including apprentice licenses, are valid 365 days from date of purchase. In addition to the license, a permit is also required to hunt turkeys in Kansas. Hunters who have completed an approved hunter education course must carry their certificate, or card, while hunting until age 27. Only persons hunting on their own land are exempt from this requirement. Except during the youth season, hunters age 12 to 15 may hunt without adult supervision, provided they possess a valid hunter education certificate and valid turkey permit.