Planning and preparing a whole turkey for Thanksgiving dinner can start days ahead of the holiday itself. But those who want to hunt their own wild turkey in Florida may have to plan even further ahead, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission.

Thanksgiving turkeys are abundant in Florida

Wild turkeys are native to Florida, which has two major subspecies: the eastern wild turkey mainly in the panhandle and the northernmost part of the state and the Osceola or Florida wild turkey found everywhere else.

Turkey populations are estimated between 80,000 and 100,000 in Florida. That is a massive rebound from being nearly wiped out in the early 1900s, according to FWC.

About 20,000 turkeys are harvested per hunting season, according to a 2019 study by researchers at the University of Georgia and Louisiana State University.

Spring turkey hunting license applications open in Florida every November.

Are wild turkeys good to eat?

Yes, although a bit “gamier” tasting, the bird’s enthusiasts say. The state’s Fresh from Florida program offers tips and recipes as does the Wild Turkey Federation here.

Cost of turkey in Florida less than cost of turkey hunting license

Hunting for turkeys is just slightly more expensive (not counting gear and travel costs) than buying a turkey outright. An annual license and permit for spring turkey hunting in Florida costs a combined $27.

The price of a 16-pound turkey dropped this year to $21.50 from $25.67 in 2024. The caveat here is that the turkey hunting license could get you two turkeys within state limits rather than just one.

Thanksgiving dinner for 10 will cost about 5% less than it did last year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s annual survey. The total price for the foods needed to host the typical holiday meal has decreased each year since 2022, which saw a record high of $64.05.

Can I hunt my own Thanksgiving turkey in Florida?

It is legal to hunt for wild turkeys in Florida but only during certain times of year and with a valid hunting license. Turkey hunting is regulated by several factors, including region, type of weapon used, hunter age, species of turkey and season. Turkey hunting season in Florida takes place in the spring, meaning anyone wanting a Thanksgiving turkey will need to plan ahead and make space in the freezer. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission website.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: When is Florida wild turkey hunting season, at Thanksgiving time?