Spring Turkey Hunting License Application Deadline is Feb. 1

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds hunters that the deadline for application for spring turkey hunting licenses is Feb 1. Hunters may apply at any authorized license agent or online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

The 2011 season runs from April 18 through May 31 with hunts lasting from seven to 44 days, depending on the hunt unit. A total of 114,290 licenses are available, including 49,290 general licenses and 65,000 private-land licenses.

“Hunters looking for the greatest flexibility should consider Hunt No. 234, which includes all open areas of the state except the public lands of southern Michigan,” said DNRE upland game bird specialist Al Stewart. “Hunters who do not purchase a license or apply for a limited-quota license by the Feb. 1 deadline can still purchase a license for Hunt 234 until May 1.”

Hunters may purchase a license for Hunt No. 234, which runs May 2-31, so they do not have to pay the $4 fee to enter the drawing for limited-quota licenses. Hunters who do apply for a limited hunt are responsible for verifying their customer ID number. An incorrect customer ID number will disqualify an applicant from the drawing.

Applicants can check if they were drawn for a license beginning March 1 at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings.

“The current regulations were established to maximize hunting opportunity while maintaining high-quality experiences and allowing turkey populations to expand,” Stewart said. “There are now 56,433 square miles of Michigan open to spring turkey hunting.”