Episode 39: Spring Hunting Opportunities in North America and Abroad

Introduction to Spring Hunting Seasons

Spring offers an off season hunting window and a chance to extend your hunting season. In North America, focus on species like wild turkey and bears where regulations permit. Abroad, leverage reverse seasons in the Southern Hemisphere for red stag or tahr, or European options for boar and waterfowl. Use this guide to identify opportunities, then contact us so we can help you book with a vetted outfitter.

Spring Hunting in North America

North American spring hunts sometimes requiring drawing a tag, but we have many over-the-counter hunts available. Key dates for turkey seasons starting as early as March in Florida and some other southern states and extending into May farther north. Black bear hunts open in select areas from April onward.

Turkey Hunting Opportunities

Wild turkey hunting is a spring staple, with high success rates in states like Nebraska, Texas, and Florida being top choices for hunters chasing their Wild Turkey Grand Slam. For example, Nebraska offers Rio Grande and Merriam subspecies hunts from April to May. Texas spring seasons for Rio Grande’s run March 14 to April 26 in the south and March 28 to May 10 in the north. Osceola hunts in Florida start in March and run through April.

For hunters after the Royal Slam, we have some good Gould’s turkey hunts in Mexico. If you’d really like to get crazy and go after your World Slam, we can hook you up with a great Ocellated turkey hunting outfitter.

Spring Black Bear Hunts

Spring black bear hunts are viable in Idaho, Alaska, and parts of Canada, typically April to June, focusing mostly on baited or spot-and-stalk methods, with some limited hound hunts available. If you’d like to go on a good hound hunt, check out our Arizona black bear outfitter. This one’s a fall hunt, but it’s a good.

Spring Grizzly and Brown Bear Hunts in Alaska

Spring offers elite opportunities for coastal brown bear (genetically the same as grizzly but larger due to protein-rich diets) and interior grizzly hunts in Alaska. These hunts have limited availability, and near-100% success with our vetted outfitters. Nonresidents require a guide, so contact us to set that up.

Coastal brown bear on the Alaska Peninsula and Kodiak areas peak in spring (even years for Peninsula: May 10–25, 2026, 2028, etc.) when bears emerge lean and active, with prime rubbed hides. Spot-and-stalk or boat-based methods yield 9–10+ ft trophies. Interior grizzly hunts (mainland Alaska) run April–June, often baited or spot-and-stalk, with more flexible access. We can help you with applications. Ask us about our brown bear hunts in Kamchatka, they’re something special! Book 12–18 months ahead—Slots fill fast.

Hog Hunting

Wild hog hunts offer year-round action, and we have some great options for you in Texas, and California…even some heli-hunting if you’re feeling adventurous. These hunts provide quick turnaround for meat harvesting or trophy pursuits.

Other North American Spring Hunting Opportunities

Waterfowl late seasons or youth hunts extend into spring in some areas, especially for Snow geese. If you have a higher budget, you may want to consider a Nunavut muskox hunt.

Spring Hunting Opportunities Abroad

International hunts in spring capitalize on off-seasons elsewhere, offering cost-effective alternatives to domestic overcrowding. Europe and the Southern Hemisphere provide diverse terrain and species without long travel disruptions.

Europe: Boar, Chamois, and Waterfowl

Europe excels in driven hunts for wild boar in Hungary, Romania or Croatia, available year-round but ideal in spring for milder weather. Chamois hunts run March to June. Waterfowl in Hungary and Romania target ducks and geese along migratory routes. Croatia offers ibex and grouse, with easy logistics from major airports.

New Zealand and South Pacific

New Zealand’s fall (Northern spring) opens Himalayan tahr and world famous New Zealand red stag hunts go from March to July, with high success in rugged terrain. Combine with fly fishing for added value. Australia provides water buffalo in the Northern Territory.

Africa and South America

South Africa’s autumn (spring here) allows Cape buffalo and plains game from March onward. Argentina’s red stag roar peaks in April. Namibia offers similar packages. These hunts are scalable for groups, optimizing travel costs.

Thank you Outdoors International!

It was an amazing steelhead fishing trip! I brought my dad along with me and we slayed the fish. If you guys aren't applying for the OI Draws, you should. They're legit!

Tyler Kirk / OI Draw Winner

I couldn't believe we won!

We won this fully guided, all-inclusive New Zealand red stag hunt in the OI Draw! I highly recommend this hunt, and Outdoors International—fantastic company, amazing meals, and hunts that are second to none.

Brandon Ball / OI Draw Winner

I'm so grateful for the opportunity!

Thank you to Outdoors International, all the PH's and their awesome staff. I made some new friends and will be back to Africa again 100%.

Brye Mangum / OI Draw Winner

My most memorable and rewarding experience.

This was my first guided hunt, and the outfitter was amazing. He was able to keep me motivated and encouraged to hold out for true trophies. I would rate him on an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10! I never thought Africa would be a reality for me. Thank you Outdoors International.

Dason Lasater / OI Draw Winner