Although the spring turkey season is a little more than a month away — April 13-May 31 — turkey hunters across the state are perfecting their calling skills and patterning their shotguns or practicing with their bows.

Soon, they will be able to obtain two critical tools needed before going afield — a hunting license and a turkey permit — on the Internet.

For those hunters who find it difficult to stop by a local sporting goods store or a Wildlife and Parks office, the agency will offer spring turkey permits online through its Web site.

Beginning the first week in March, hunters will be able to buy spring turkey permits and hunting licenses 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the convenience of their homes.

This service may be particularly handy for those participating in the early youth season — April 8-10 — which is open to youths ages 16 and under. New this year, the U-16 hunters will not need to take a hunter education course, but they must be supervised by a person 18 or older.

Youths between the ages of 12 and 15 must have hunter education to hunt without adult supervision. Hunters younger than 14 must have bowhunter education to hunt turkey with archery equipment.

Turkey hunting is one of the fastest growing outdoor activities in Kansas. With birds being abundant in most areas of the state and a long season that runs from April 13 through May 31, there is ample opportunity to bag one of the state’s eastern, Rio Grande or hybrid toms.

Online license and permit sales are available at www.kdwp.state.ks.us. Just click the “Online License Sales” icon.

Hunting licenses currently are available, and turkey permits will be online in early March.