With spring turkey season under way, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources encourages hunters to purchase a wild turkey cooperator patch.The 2017 turkey patch, designed by Sylvia Smith of Lake Orion High School, now is available for purchase. Each year, Michigan students in grades K-12 are given the opportunity to submit designs for the DNR’s annual wild turkey management cooperator patch. The Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in partnership with DNR, coordinates the wild turkey patch program.
“We feel privileged to be able to partner with the Michigan DNR on this project,” said Art Pelon, president of the Michigan chapter of the National Turkey Federation.
The patch design award was presented to Smith at the Natural Resources Commission meeting in Lansing April 13.
Proceeds from patch sales are used to fund wild turkey-related projects and management in Michigan.
Young hunters, 17 years old and younger, who have a valid wild turkey hunting license may receive a free patch. To receive a patch, please send name and complete address, along with a legible copy of the youth’s valid wild turkey hunting license, to National Wild Turkey Federation, Wild Turkey Patch Program, P.O. Box 8, Orleans, MI, 48865. Please allow four to six weeks for delivery. If you have questions, please e-mail michiganwildturkeypatch@yahoo.com.
Adult hunters, collectors and other interested individuals may purchase the patch for $5, including postage and handling. Only the current-year patch is available for purchase. You do not have to harvest a turkey to purchase a patch. Send orders to the address above and make check or money order payable to the National Wild Turkey Federation.
The DNR also reminds hunters that spring turkey season started Monday, April 17, and runs through May 31, with several different hunt periods to choose from. Information about spring turkey hunting can be found at michigan.gov/turkey.
A base license is required for every resident and nonresident who hunts in Michigan. Hunters may purchase a spring turkey license only after they have obtained a base license for the year. The base license is also a small game license.
