Turkey hunting in Wisconsin is a popular pastime that attracts thousands of hunters each year The state offers a variety of hunting opportunities, from the challenging spring season to the more relaxed fall season This guide will provide you with all the information you need to plan your next turkey hunt in Wisconsin, including season dates, regulations, hunting programs, where to hunt, safety tips, and frequently asked questions.
Season Dates and Regulations
Spring Turkey Season:
- Dates: September through November or January, depending on the zone.
- Zones: All seven turkey management zones are open for hunting.
- Shooting Hours:
- Northern Area: Refer to the 2024 Spring Turkey Northern Shooting Hours PDF.
- Southern Area: Refer to the 2024 Spring Turkey Southern Shooting Hours PDF.
Fall Turkey Season:
- Dates: November 23 – January 5, 2025 (Zones 1-5)
- Statewide: September 14 – November 22
- Shooting Hours: Same as spring season.
Regulations:
- Hunters must have a valid turkey harvest authorization, turkey license, and wild turkey stamp.
- Only shotguns, muzzle-loading shotguns, crossbows, and bows and arrows are allowed for turkey hunting.
- It is illegal to hunt turkeys with the aid of dogs or bait.
- Hunters must register their turkeys by 5 p.m. the day after harvest.
Hunting Programs
- Mentored Hunting Program: Allows hunters born on or after January 1, 1973, to obtain a hunting license and harvest authorization without completing Hunter Education.
- Learn to Hunt Program: Provides educational opportunities for inexperienced hunters of all ages.
- Disabled Hunting Opportunities: Offers a variety of hunting permits for individuals with disabilities.
- Spring Youth Hunt: Designed for young hunters under age 16.
Where to Hunt
- Turkey hunting in Wisconsin is divided into seven management zones.
- Hunters can find public hunting opportunities through the Public Land Access and Voluntary Public Access (VPA) programs.
- The Turkey Hunter Access Program (THAP) provides access to private land during the spring turkey season.
Turkey Hunting Safety Tips
- Wear blaze orange while walking.
- Find a hunting spot with good visibility.
- Never stalk a turkey.
- Follow the four rules of basic firearm safety: TABK.
- Refer to the Turkey Hunting Safety Tips PDF for more information.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I get a turkey harvest authorization?
- Spring season: Apply through the preference-based drawing system.
- Fall season: Included with fall turkey or conservation patron license.
- What is the bag limit?
- Spring season: One bearded or male turkey per harvest authorization.
- Fall season: One turkey of any age or sex per harvest authorization.
- How do I register my turkey?
- Register online or over the phone through GameReg.
- What is HPAI in wild turkeys?
- HPAI is a highly pathogenic avian influenza.
- Hunters should not harvest wild birds that appear sick.
Additional Resources
Contact Information
For more information, contact:
- Assistant Turkey and Pheasant Ecologist Alissa Kakatsch: +1-608-576-7559
- Wildlife Management Questions: +1-608-266-2621
Turkey hunting in Wisconsin offers a variety of opportunities for hunters of all experience levels. By following the regulations, safety tips, and resources provided in this guide, you can have a successful and enjoyable turkey hunting experience.