April 14th, 2026 Local News
Jefferson City, Mo. (KFMO) - Young hunters across Missouri harvested thousands of birds during the state’s annual youth turkey hunting weekend, highlighting continued growth in outdoor participation among younger generations.
According to preliminary data from the Missouri Department of Conservation, youth hunters harvested 5,255 turkeys during the April 11–12 youth season. That total marks an increase from 2025, when 4,449 birds were checked during the same weekend.
The highest harvest totals this year came from Osage County with 121 birds, followed by Franklin County with 119, and Gasconade County with 107.
The 2026 season also marks a milestone, the 25th anniversary of Missouri’s dedicated youth spring turkey hunting weekend. The program began in April 2001, when young hunters were first given their own opportunity to pursue wild turkeys during a special early season.
Since then, participation has steadily increased. In its first year, just over 4,000 youth permits were sold. This spring, nearly 16,700 permits were issued. On average, about 15,500 young hunters have taken part in the youth turkey season annually since its inception.
The Missouri Department of Conservation says the continued growth reflects strong interest in conservation and outdoor traditions among young hunters across the state.
Missouri’s regular spring turkey season is set to run from April 20 through May 10.