MICHIGAN (WNEM) – Many Michigan hunters will be out in the woods on Sept. 15 for the start of the fall turkey hunting season.
Hunters applied for limited-quota licenses from July 1 to Aug. 1. The drawing was on Aug. 22. However, hunters who were not selected in multiple management units can still obtain fall turkey licenses via the DNR website. Multiple counties in mid-Michigan are part of these management units.
Fall turkey licenses are $15 for Michigan residents of hunting age and $6 for those 65 and older. Base licenses are required. They can be purchased at retail license agents or online at Michigan. gov/DNRLicenses.
Hey turkey hunters! With fall quickly approaching, it’s time to dust off your equipment and get ready for some incredible turkey hunting action in the stunning state of Michigan. However, you must be aware of the dates of your local fall turkey season before heading into the woods. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s the lowdown on fall turkey season in Michigan:
Dates: Michigan’s fall turkey hunting season begins on September 15 and ends on November 14. However, the exact dates may vary depending on your hunting zone. Thus, be sure to refer to the Michigan DNR Fall Turkey Hunting Digest to find out the exact dates that apply to you.
Zones: Michigan is divided into four turkey hunting zones:
- Zone 1: Northern Lower Peninsula
- Zone 2: Southern Lower Peninsula
- Zone 3: Eastern Upper Peninsula
- Zone 4: Western Upper Peninsula
Bag Limits: The bag limit for fall turkey season in Michigan is one turkey per hunter.
Methods: You can hunt turkeys during the fall season using a variety of methods, including:
- Shotgun: 10, 12, 16, 20, or .410 gauge with shot size #4 or smaller
- Muzzleloader: .45 caliber or larger with a single projectile
- Archery: Bow and arrow with a broadhead
Licenses and Permits: You’ll need a valid Michigan hunting license and a fall turkey hunting permit to participate in the fall turkey season. You can purchase these licenses and permits online or at any licensed retailer.
Additional Resources:
- Michigan DNR Fall Turkey Hunting Digest: https://www.michigan.gov/-/media/Project/Websites/dnr/Documents/LED/digests/fall_turkey_hunting_digest.pdf?rev=ffc57c085f0c48bdaee03a7c164e2dac
- Michigan DNR Turkey Hunting Page: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/hunting/turkey
Tips for a Successful Fall Turkey Hunt:
- Scout your hunting area: Spend some time scouting your hunting area before the season starts. This will help you locate turkeys and identify potential hunting spots.
- Use decoys: Decoys can be a great way to attract turkeys into your hunting area.
- Call turkeys: Turkey calls can be used to imitate the sounds of turkeys, which can help to lure them in.
- Be patient: Turkey hunting can be challenging, so be patient and don’t give up.
So, there you have it! Now you know everything you need to know about fall turkey season in Michigan. Get out there and have a blast!
P. S. Remember to look at the weather report before starting your hunt. And remember to always follow all safety regulations.
Happy hunting!
Turkey Hunting in Michigan with MeatEater’s Mark Kenyon
FAQ
How much is a fall turkey license in Michigan?
What is the best time to hunt turkeys in the fall?
Can you hunt turkey from a tree stand in Michigan?
What is a fall wild turkey season?
Fall wild turkey seasons are where tradition meets today’s wildlife management concerns. Fall turkey hunting represents the origin of turkey hunting heritage, as there were no spring turkey seasons until populations began to rise exponentially in the 1960s and ‘70s.
How do you manage turkeys in Michigan?
Managing turkeys in Michigan involves the complex interactions of turkey populations, their habitat and their relationship to people. Hunting plays an important role in managing turkeys by regulating their numbers. The goal of the spring turkey hunting season is to maximize hunter opportunity while maintaining a satisfactory hunting experience.
When does spring turkey season start?
Spring turkey season dates are determined by a formula. Each year, the spring turkey season starts on the second to last Saturday in April and continues for a specific number of days thereafter, as defined in the Wildlife Conservation Order. What type of land can I hunt with a general license?
What is fall turkey hunting?
Fall turkey hunting allows the DNR to stabilize or reduce wild turkey numbers in certain areas of the state to meet local goals based on habitat conditions and public attitudes. To help reach these goals, hunters are encouraged to harvest female turkeys during the fall season and are able harvest more than one bird.