Michigan fall turkey applications on sale through Aug. 1
The Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that applications for fall turkey hunting licenses are on sale through Aug. 1.
A total of 50,050 licenses are available – 3,350 general licenses that may be used on public or private land and 46,700 licenses for private land only. Eight wild turkey management units, totaling 42,218 square miles, are open to fall turkey hunting during the Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 season, including most of the southern Lower Peninsula, Beaver Island and the entire Upper Peninsula.
“We are in the third year of a three-year period of stabilized regulations that were developed by working with turkey hunting groups.” explained DNR upland game bird specialist Al Stewart. “Regulations are exactly the same as last year. These regulations provide fall wild turkey hunters with increased opportunities and flexibility. Fall turkey seasons are initiated to help stabilize or reduce wild turkey numbers in certain areas of the state to meet local goals based on habitat conditions and public attitudes.”
Hunters may apply for a turkey hunting license at any authorized license agent, at DNR operations service centers or online at www.michigan.gov/huntdrawings. The application fee is $4. Drawing results will be posted online beginning Aug. 15.
If any licenses remain after the drawing, unsuccessful applicants may purchase one leftover license in person at any license agent on a first-come, first-served basis for a one-week period beginning Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. (EDT). Any licenses that remain as of Aug. 27 at 10 a.m. (EDT) will be available for purchase over the counter by any hunter. The licenses will be sold until the quotas are met.
“The fall wild turkey season offers the perfect setting for experienced turkey hunters to share their knowledge and skills with other hunters or introduce the sport to new hunters,” Stewart said. “Turkey hunting is a challenging, interactive activity, which is best shared with others. In addition to passing on the great tradition of our hunting heritage, turkey hunting in the fall also is a good opportunity to bring home a bird for a Thanksgiving Day feast.”
The new Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt turkey (spring and fall), deer and small game, trap furbearers and fish for all species with a qualified youth mentor who is 21 years old. The mentored youth license is a “package” license that entitles the youth to hunt, trap and fish for the species listed above during all open seasons for the species. Additional restrictions apply; complete program details can be found online at www.michigan.gov/mentoredhunting.
