Turkey season in Michigan runs from mid-April through early June. In addition to being able to hunt turkeys, spring turkey hunting in Michigan is a great way to enjoy the state’s lush vegetation and growing temperatures.
Hey there, fellow turkey enthusiasts! Are you itching to get out there and bag yourself a gobbler this year? Well, you’re in luck! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the world of Michigan turkey hunting, answering all your burning questions about the upcoming season So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and let’s get started!
First things first let’s address the elephant in the room: when does turkey season open in Michigan? Drumroll please… The 2024 spring turkey season kicks off on April 20th and runs through May 26th. Mark those dates on your calendar, folks, because you won’t want to miss out on this exciting opportunity.
Now, let’s delve into the nitty-gritty of turkey hunting in Michigan.
Types of Turkey Hunting:
- Spring Season: This is the most popular turkey hunting season in Michigan, offering a chance to bag a gobbler during their peak breeding activity. The season runs from April 20th to May 26th, with a daily bag limit of one bearded turkey.
- Fall Season: The fall turkey season provides another opportunity to hunt turkeys, this time focusing on both sexes. The season runs from October 1st to November 14th, with a daily bag limit of one turkey.
Hunting Licenses and Permits:
- Resident Hunting License: All Michigan residents aged 17 and older need a valid resident hunting license to hunt turkeys.
- Turkey Hunting License: In addition to the resident hunting license, you’ll also need a turkey hunting license. This license allows you to hunt turkeys during both the spring and fall seasons.
- DMU Permit: Depending on the specific hunting unit (DMU) you plan to hunt in, you may need a DMU permit. These permits are allocated through a lottery system, so be sure to apply early.
Hunting Regulations:
- Shooting Hours: You can only hunt turkeys during legal shooting hours, which are 30 minutes before sunrise to sunset.
- Shotguns and Ammunition: Only shotguns with a minimum 20-gauge and non-toxic shot are allowed for turkey hunting.
- Hunting Methods: Baiting and the use of electronic calls are prohibited during turkey hunting.
- Hunter Orange Requirement: Hunter orange is not required for turkey hunting.
Additional Resources:
- Michigan DNR Turkey Hunting Digest: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/LED/digests/Spring_Turkey_Digest.pdf
- Michigan DNR Turkey Hunting Page: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/turkey
Tips for a Successful Turkey Hunt:
- Scouting: Spend time scouting your hunting area before the season opens to identify potential turkey hotspots. Look for signs of turkey activity, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers.
- Camouflage: Wear camouflage clothing that blends in with your surroundings. This will help you stay hidden from turkeys, which have excellent eyesight.
- Calling: Use turkey calls to attract turkeys to your location. There are various types of calls available, so experiment to find what works best for you.
- Patience: Turkey hunting requires patience. Be prepared to sit still and wait for a turkey to come into range.
Safety First:
- Always treat your firearm with respect and follow all safety rules.
- Be aware of your surroundings and other hunters in the area.
- Wear blaze orange during the fall turkey season if you are within 150 yards of another hunter.
Happy hunting!
Be Patient and Have Fun!
This is the year to give turkey hunting a try if you’ve ever considered it. It offers a fun and engaging way to obtain high-quality, locally sourced protein. You can use a call to sound like a turkey and get one to answer you back!.
That being said, bear this in mind the next time you’re crawling around on your belly, hoping to sneak up on some gobbling toms: Several decades ago, turkeys were rare and only a few people could hunt them. Today, everyone has a chance.
Apply for a Spring Turkey License
Every county in Michigan has turkeys, and anyone wishing to hunt one can obtain a license. Michigan has several turkey seasons for you to choose from. Some you do have to apply for in advance because there are more hunters than turkey licenses available. Anyone can hunt turkeys for most of the month of May, in what’s called Hunt 234. Hunt 234 is a great, flexible choice for hunters who want to hunt in several locations and have more than seven days to find those turkeys. The weather and work schedules are crucial considerations during the early seasons because they are only open for a short time and only issue a limited number of licenses. You can find Michigan public land that is available for hunting by using the excellent mapping tool Mi-Hunt. You can begin your journey from the comfort of your home computer with Mi-Hunt, which grants you access to more than 4 million acres of public land!
The turkey story in Michigan is truly amazing – our state has made huge strides in wildlife management. In common with most states, there was a time when modern-day common animals were either extinct or very hard to find. Wild turkeys were once a rarity in Michigan. It’s hard to imagine, but wildlife didn’t have any protections for a long time. In the late 1800s, there were no hunting laws, families were clearing land for settlements, and grocery stores weren’t everywhere. Now, everything has changed. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (aka the Pittman-Roberson Act of 1937) was enacted. A national coalition of conservationists persuaded Congress to direct the excise tax on sporting weapons and ammunition to a special fund for the restoration of wildlife with the help of the sporting arms and ammunition industry. With a lot of hard work and dedication in the 1950s, the turkey population was reestablished.
MICHIGAN Spring Turkey Hunt – 2 GOBBLERS Down!
FAQ
How do I apply for spring turkey season in Michigan 2024?
What hunting season is open in Michigan now?
|
Season
|
Location
|
Dates
|
|
Liberty Hunt
|
Statewide
|
Sept. 9 & 10
|
|
Independence Hunt
|
Private land statewide
|
Oct. 19 – 22
|
|
Archery*
|
Statewide
|
Oct. 1 – Nov. 14 Dec. 1 – Jan. 1
|
|
Regular Firearm
|
Statewide
|
Nov. 15 – 30
|
How much is a turkey license in Michigan?
|
Licenses by age
|
Age: up to 9
|
Resident age: 17-64
|
|
Application for license drawing
|
N/A
|
$5
|
|
Base license
|
N/A
|
$11
|
|
Spring turkey license
|
N/A
|
$15
|
|
DNR Sportcard
|
$1
|
$1
|