Hey there turkey enthusiasts! Get ready to strut your stuff in the Minnesota woods, because turkey season is upon us!
With this thorough guide, you’ll have all the information you need to navigate the thrilling world of Minnesota turkey hunting, regardless of your level of experience.
So, grab your camo, polish your calls, and let’s dive into the thrilling world of turkey hunting!
Spring into Action: Your Spring Turkey Hunting Options
Spring is the prime time to chase those elusive gobblers in Minnesota. To accommodate a range of interests and ability levels, the state provides multiple spring turkey hunting seasons. Let’s break down the key dates and details:
- Youth Season: April 17 – May 31, 2024 – This season is exclusively for young hunters aged 12-17, providing them with a chance to hone their skills and experience the thrill of the hunt.
- Archery Season: April 17 – May 31, 2024 – For those who prefer the challenge and precision of archery, this season offers a unique opportunity to test your skills against wary gobblers.
- A Season: April 17 – 23, 2024 – This early season provides a chance to bag a bird before the woods get crowded.
- B Season: April 24 – 30, 2024 – The B season offers a longer window of opportunity to pursue those elusive turkeys.
- C Season: May 1 – 7, 2024 – This mid-season provides a chance to target birds during their peak breeding activity.
- D Season: May 8 – 14, 2024 – As the breeding season winds down, the D season offers a chance to target gobblers seeking hens for late-season breeding attempts.
- E Season: May 15 – 21, 2024 – This late-season provides a chance to target jakes (young male turkeys) and hens.
- F Season: May 22 – 31, 2024 – The final spring season offers a chance to fill your tag before the spring season closes.
Fall into the Fun: Fall Turkey Hunting Season
If you’re looking for a different kind of turkey hunting experience, Minnesota also offers a fall turkey season. This season runs from September 28 to October 27 2024 and provides a chance to target birds as they prepare for the winter months.
Bagging Your Bird: Licenses, Permits, and Regulations
Before you head out to the woods, make sure you have the necessary licenses and permits. You can purchase your licenses online, in person, or via telephone. Additionally, some areas require special permits for turkey hunting.
It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the regulations governing turkey hunting in Minnesota. These regulations cover aspects like bag limits, shooting hours, legal equipment, and more.
Safety First: Essential Tips for a Successful and Safe Hunt
- Always wear blaze orange clothing during the spring turkey season to ensure visibility and prevent accidents.
- Identify your target carefully before taking a shot.
- Never shoot towards roads, buildings, or other occupied areas.
- Be aware of your surroundings and other hunters in the area.
- Respect private property and obtain permission before hunting on private land.
Gobbling Up Knowledge: Resources for Turkey Hunters
- Minnesota DNR Turkey Hunting Page: This comprehensive resource provides detailed information on turkey hunting regulations, seasons, and management efforts.
- eRegulations Turkey Hunting Seasons: This website offers a user-friendly interface to view turkey hunting seasons and regulations across different states.
- National Wild Turkey Federation: This organization dedicated to wild turkey conservation offers valuable resources and educational materials for turkey hunters.
Now that you have this guide, you’re ready to take on the Minnesota turkey hunting seasons!
Remember, safety is paramount, so always prioritize responsible hunting practices.
I hope you have a delicious dinner of wild turkey after all your hard work and happiness hunting!
Wild Turkey Licenses
Licenses can be purchased online, over the phone at (888) 665-4236, or in person at any location where hunting and fishing licenses are sold. Prices listed do not include $1 issuing fee. Online and telephone purchases include additional fees.
Residents (archery only or firearm)
Ages 13 to 17………………………………………….$4.00
12 and younger……………………………………….Free ($1 issuing fee)
Nonresidents (archery only or firearm)
Ages 13 to 17…………………………………………………………………………..$4.00
12 and younger………………………………………………………………………..Free ($1 issuing fee)
The $5. 00 Wild Turkey Stamp validation is included in the license price. You do not need to purchase an additional stamp. Since the fall wild turkey license is good for both archery and firearms, obtaining a firearms safety certificate is required before purchasing a firearm.
A small game license is not required to hunt wild turkey.
See the frequently asked questions document on the wild turkey hunting website for additional information on license changes, military privileges, and other subjects.
2023 Minnesota Spring Turkey Seasons
| Youth season | April 17-May 31 |
| Archery season | April 17-May 31 |
| A | April 17-23 |
| B | April 24-30 |
| C | May 1-7 |
| D | May 8-14 |
| E | May 15-21 |
| F | May 22-31 |
Licenses for all spring 2024 wild turkey seasons go on sale Friday, March. 1. Once licenses are on sale, they will be available for purchase online, in person and via telephone.
His First Turkey | 2023 Minnesota Turkey Hunting
FAQ
How long is turkey season in MN?
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Season
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Dates
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Youth season
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April 17-May 31
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|
Archery season
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April 17-May 31
|
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A
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April 17-23
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B
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April 24-30
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Can you shoot a turkey with a 22?
What hunting season is open in Minnesota?
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09/14/24 – 12/31/24
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Deer – Archery
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Statewide
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10/17/24 – 10/20/24
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Deer – Youth
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Statewide
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11/9/24 – 11/24/24
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Deer – Firearm (Season A)
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100 Series permit areas
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11/9/24 – 11/17/24
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Deer – Firearm (Season A)
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200 & 300 Series permit areas
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11/23/24 – 12/1/24
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Deer – Firearm (Season B)
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300 Series permit areas
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How many shells can you have in a shotgun turkey hunting?
Does Minnesota have a turkey hunting season?
The only exemption is for Whitewater, Carlos Avery, and Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), with the A through C periods through lottery only. Anyone can hunt the Whitewater WMA after the B period ends. Like many other states, Minnesota also has a fall turkey hunting season. That season runs Oct. 1-30.
What does the lettered season mean for turkey hunting in Minnesota?
The Minnesota DNR kind of buries the breakdown of what these lettered seasons mean in their turkey hunting regulations, which can be confusing for nonresidents. Basically, all you need to know is that youth hunters under 18 years of age and archery hunters can pursue turkeys through the entirety of that April 12 – May 31 time frame.
Does Minnesota have a turkey hunting license?
Minnesota doles out its turkey hunting licenses over the counter beginning March 1 every year, so circle your calendar, because it is coming up fast! The bag limit is slightly different for the spring and fall eastern wild turkey seasons. In the spring, you are only allowed one bird with a visible beard.
When do wild turkey licenses go on sale?
Licenses for all spring 2024 wild turkey seasons go on sale Friday, March. 1. Purchase them online, in person and via telephone. Got a question about the season? Take the time to review our season questions and answers. Wild turkeys must be registered within 24 hours of harvest.