The Ultimate Guide to Hunting in April

Hunting season usually brings up thoughts of autumn, bucks, and rifles. However, in much of the United States, the spring hunting season brings on a much warmer climate with an entirely different variety of small game, including turkey and fowl. This presents outdoorsmen with different considerations and equipment needs. Fortunately, there are multiple companies that provide tools and equipment for the hunter with a preference for warmer hunting grounds.

Packing for Spring: Must-Have Gear for Spring Hunting

Must-have gear can vary for the different seasons, however, it's good to know the essentials and understand that clothing, Footwear, and quality firearms are all essential considerations that don’t change too much from season to season. However, making sure you understand the different hunting licenses required for Spring as well as bag limits is very critical and requires information to ensure the legality and liability considerations for a good hunt.

For instance, white-tail is the most common deer in North America. In Washington, the bag limit is kept to one deer per year and covers modern firearms, archery, or even muzzleloaders. However, in Texas, that limit is five, three of which can be bucks. In some cases, residency in the state may be essential for bag limits and will be specified when applying for a hunting license.

This can vary dramatically depending on the game. Big game, such as bears, can be hunted in parts of Alaska for over nine months per year. Wild turkey is one of the most common prey for Spring hunting and in Texas, only a shotgun or lawful archery equipment may be used.

Camo clothing, face cover, gloves, and rubber boots can be considered spring-specific gear. A shoulder tote, for cell phone, and additional room for AXIL hearing protection which is an essential component for any hunt in any season. At least one box call (used to make a gobble sound to attract turkey) with proper chalk. A quality twelve gauge shotgun (Remington 870) with 3-inch magnum #6 shot shells is considered an optimal setup for wild turkey.

April Hunting Tactics

Navigating the Spring Woods: Spot and Stalk Mastery

To spot and stalk a whitetail or antlerless deer is one thing. But understanding the terrain and forecasting wind and frequents when not deer hunting, but stalking for wild turkey, furbearers or other game animals can be very different, especially on public land versus private land where the prey can be disturbed or warned by other hunters. Glassing is still the name of the game when it comes to spot and stalk mastery. High-quality binoculars benefit any hunt and can be used to great effect for varmint and small game animals like hogs and coyote hunting.

Waterfowl and pheasant become more entertaining and technical with the introduction of hunting dogs, including pointers which can also be considered essential when it’s open season (when the population is highest) on grouse. Equipping your dog with a good bell and even a vest in wetland environments will improve awareness for the hunter and comfort and protection for the dog.

Calling in Success: Turkey Tactics

As mentioned above, turkey season and spring are synonymous in the hunting world. Spring turkey hunting can be rather technical, however, especially when it comes to gobbler calling. You won’t get very much information on this science in state-mandated hunter safety or hunter education classes (although you will get other critical information that will keep your hunting experience safe and legal) so consulting more experienced veterans of the thunder chicken game is recommended. Learn about diaphragms, slates, and box calls. As well as how to properly use chalk understand being very careful when using a gobbler call on public land and be aware that many hunters using public land are inexperienced.

Adapting to April: Weather and Terrain Considerations

The warmer weather of springtime is an appealing prospect for hunters making everything from shed hunting to scouting out new stand locations much more comfortable. However, springtime also brings with it rain and in some parts of the country often, hail and extreme winds. Many hunters would agree that being able to enter and exit a stand or hunting area undetected is crucial for a hunt and the spring provides excellent opportunities to exploit the natural terrain without spooking the prey. Creeks, ditches, and open crop fields can provide stealth routes to and from stands and hunting areas. And because cooling air tends to collect at the lowest points, animals have little chance of smelling and detecting you.

AXIL provides excellent hearing enhancement options that are weatherproof and ideal for the unpredictable nature of springtime rain showers and exposure to moisture when trying to stealthily get to a stand.

Usually, hunting rules and regulations are consistent statewide but can vary in some instances, so hunters should be careful to consult local rules and guidelines before choosing paths and locations.

Broader Horizons: Exploring Spring Hunting Beyond April

Spring bear hunts are very popular, particularly in Alaska where wildlife management has been very effective at maintaining robust numbers allowing hunters and outdoorsmen abundant opportunities. With an estimated 100,000 black bears in the state of Alaska, the annual harvest has increased steadily.

Also, migratory game birds in much of the United States provide hunters with plentiful and diverse options of fowl including coots, mergansers, grouse, snipe, and woodcock throughout the later winter and spring months, providing probably the largest window of time for different hunts.

April Hunting FAQs

• What are the key season dates for hunting in the spring, including for turkey and small game? The spring hunting season typically begins in April. This season includes opportunities for hunting a variety of game such as wild turkey and various small game species. Specific season dates can vary by state and game species, so it's essential to check local regulations for precise dates.
• Are hunting licenses required year-round for all types of game, including pheasant, quail, and black bear? Yes, hunting licenses are required year-round for all types of game, including pheasant, quail, and black bear. This requirement applies to both residents and nonresidents in all states. Ensure you have the appropriate licenses and understand the bag limits before heading out.
• Can you hunt furbearers like beavers, bobcats, raccoons, and mink in the spring, and what gear is recommended? Yes, you can hunt certain furbearers such as beaver, bobcat, raccoon, and mink in the spring, depending on state regulations. Recommended gear includes appropriate camouflage, archery equipment, or muzzleloaders, and it's crucial to be aware of the legal requirements, including bag limits and hunting licenses.
• What tactics are best for April hunting, specifically for turkey and deer? Effective tactics for April hunting include stealth and strategy, such as spot and stalk techniques, for pursuing game like wild turkey and deer, including antlerless deer. For turkey hunting, mastering the art of calling gobblers is particularly important. Always adapt your strategies to accommodate spring's varied weather and terrain.
• How does participation in spring hunting seasons, including for migratory game birds and spring bear hunts, contribute to wildlife management and conservation? Participation in spring hunting seasons contributes to wildlife management and conservation efforts by helping control population numbers of certain species, which can prevent overpopulation and ensure healthy ecosystems. Hunters play a vital role in conservation efforts through license fees and adherence to regulated seasons and bag limits, aiding in the management of game species and their habitats.