A tom turkey spreads his tail fan while standing in a meadow.
As the weather cools off, a turkey’s diet begins to shift. In early fall, turkeys turn to berries and other mast-producing shrubs. If you’re lucky enough to be hunting where Washington’s only oak species (Oregon white or Garry oak) persist, you might find that turkeys are after the acorns beneath them.

Five techniques to help you bag a turkey in Washington this fall

Helpful tips for hunting this sharp-eyed game bird

Winning strategies

1.Turkeys have excellent eyesight. If you plan on using the sit-and-wait method, then prepare to be patient and make as little movement as possible. Use of natural blinds, a pop-up, or ground blind will help keep your movements hidden.

A tom turkey spreads his tail fan while walking in a clearing.
Fall turkey hunting is different from the spring because turkeys are no longer motivated by the instinct to compete for mates.
A turkey scans its surroundings from a grassy hillock.
If you purchased a turkey tag in the spring but didn’t harvest a bird, you can use that tag for a fall harvest.

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The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating the state’s fish and wildlife resources.

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The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife is dedicated to preserving, protecting and perpetuating the state’s fish and wildlife resources.