[Text of section effective until July 1, 2007; for text of section effective from and after that date, see infra.]

The department may make special studies in all game zones of this State which have been restocked with wild turkeys and, after such studies the department may declare open or closed seasons of such duration as it considers advisable for the taking of turkeys in areas concerned. However, in Game Zones 6 and 11, the open and closed seasons for the taking of wild turkey are as provided in Section 50-11-560 except in those areas under restocking agreements with the department.

[Effective July 1, 2007, this section reads as follows and is named "Wild turkey season; declaration of open or closed seasons"; for text of section effective until that date, see supra.]

The season for hunting and taking male wild turkeys (gobblers) in Game Zone 6 is March 15 through May 1 inclusive; in all other game zones the season for hunting and taking male wild turkeys (gobblers) is April 1 through May 1 inclusive. The department may make special studies in all game zones of this State and, after such studies the department may declare open or closed seasons of such duration as it considers advisable for the taking of turkeys. The department may declare an open season in any of the game zones and on WMA lands by promulgating regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act to establish the dates, places, and bag limits and may set the season and other conditions for hunting and taking wild turkeys on WMA lands.