While turkey hunting is often associated with parts of eastern Washington, hunters may be surprised to discover the wealth of opportunities available in southwest Washington this fall with a new expanding bag limit.
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 with the previous limit of one.
“This increased bag limit offers a win-win situation for hunters and landowners in southwest Washington,” said Stefanie Bergh, district wildlife biologist with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (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, according to a news release from WDFW.
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 fishhunt.wa.gov.
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.
Before heading out, it’s essential to verify property ownership through mapping apps or the Skamania County and Klickitat County GIS websites.
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.
Access and regulations
Before heading out, hunters should make sure they 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 turkey hunting tips, read the WDFW blog, or learn more about wild turkeys at mywdfw.com.
For more information about the wild turkey fall general season, please 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.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
