While turkey hunting is often associated with Eastern Washington, hunters might be surprised to discover the wealth of opportunities available in Southwest Washington this fall — including a new, expanded bag limit.
The region, with healthy wild turkey populations, offers options for hunters looking to explore a different part of the state.
The fall general season for wild turkey began Sept. 1 and runs through Dec. 31 in several game management units (GMUs) across Klickitat and Skamania counties, including GMUs 382, 388, and 568 through 578. This year, the bag limit has been increased to two turkeys (either sex) per hunter, compared to the previous limit of one.
Increased bag limit
As turkey populations have expanded in Southwest Washington, so have turkey-related conflicts, making hunting an important tool for population management, according to the Washington state Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). Turkeys often inhabit areas that overlap with human activity, which can cause challenges for landowners.
“This increased bag limit offers a win-win situation for hunters and landowners in Southwest Washington,” said Stefanie Bergh, district wildlife biologist with WDFW. “Hunters get a chance to harvest more birds, while landowners can benefit from reduced turkey-related damage to their properties.”
Hunters can expect conditions similar to previous years, with another productive fall general season anticipated. In 2023, hunters harvested an estimated 147 turkeys during the fall general season in GMUs 382, 388 and 568 through 578, with a 34% success rate. The success rate, which represents the percentage of hunters who successfully harvested a turkey, in the region has been consistent in recent years.
Turkey hunters must possess a small game license and turkey transport tag to legally harvest turkeys. Turkey hunters can buy a small game license on its own or in combination with a big game license. Hunters also have the option to buy a three-day small game license. Licenses are available at https://fishhunt.dfw.wa.gov/login.
Turkey hunting locations
In Klickitat County, most quality turkey hunting areas are below 1,500 feet, particularly near the White Salmon and Klickitat River drainages. Turkeys can also be found east of the Klickitat River on the units of the Klickitat Wildlife Area, including as far east as the Simcoe Mountains Unit.
Landowners with turkey damage on their property may allow access to turkey hunters who request permission and practice good hunting ethics. Additionally, WDFW provides access to private lands through the Private Lands Access Program, with some access available for the fall general season.
Before heading out, it’s essential to verify property ownership through mapping apps or the Skamania County and Klickitat County GIS websites.
Outside of Klickitat County, turkey hunting opportunities in Southwest Washington are more limited. In Skamania County, turkeys are primarily found in the eastern part of the county, between Wind River and Underwood, and below 1,000 feet in elevation. There have also been reports of flocks as far west as Beacon Rock.
There are also many turkey hunting locations in Eastern Washington to consider. For hunting tips and locations in eastern Washington, access the “Basics of Turkey Hunting” guide on the WDFW website.
Access and regulations
Before heading out, make sure to have the necessary parking passes. To park at lands managed by WDFW or the Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR), hunters will need a Discover Pass. A WDFW Vehicle Access Pass grants access only to WDFW-managed lands and is issued with certain hunting and fishing licenses.
Many private industrial timberlands are currently closed due to high fire danger. Be sure to check their status in advance and follow all posted signs.
For more information about the wild turkey fall general season, refer to page 36 of the 2024 Game Bird and Small Game Hunting Regulations or visit the WDFW website. For a full list of GMUs in Southwest Washington, visit the WDFW website.
