Due to its abundance of hunting opportunities and wild birds, Michigan has some of the finest turkey hunting in the nation. Whether you’re a seasoned or a novice hunter, Michigan is a fantastic place to experience the thrill of the pursuit. The schedule, permits, rules, units, etc., will be covered in detail in this article to make the most of your hunting journey.
Michigan Turkey Season
The application period for Spring Turkey was from January 1, 2024, to February 1, 2024. Beginning on March 11, 2024, the season’s lottery outcomes have been posted online. As noted by different regions in Michigan, those who are effective in the lottery can anticipate seeing healthy poultry numbers in the field. The event will occur from April 20 through June 7, with search unit days differing by region. Hunting permits can be purchased online, at any license dealer, or through the new Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app by hunters interested in participating in the game.
Spring
| TMU | Dates |
| A, B, E, F, J, K | April 20 – May 3 |
| K | April 20–26 |
| M, ZZ | April 20 – May 31 |
| ZA, ZB, ZC, ZD, ZE, ZF | April 20–26 and June 1–7 |
| ZA, ZB, ZC, ZD, ZE, ZF | April 27 – May 10 |
| ZA, ZB, ZC, ZD, ZE, ZF | May 11–31 |
| Statewide | May 4–31 |
Fall
| G, GB, GC, J, L, M, T, W, WA, HA, YY | 15-Sep – 14-Nov |
Bag Limits
One bearded turkey per license is the bag limit for spring hunt. It must have a beard to be killed, and another person cannot use its tag. A number can only be used on one bird at a time, and each shooter can only buy one registration.
MI Turkey Hunting Licenses
A spring license, which entitles you to take one bearded turkey during the spring period. Additionally, you must possess a basic license, which can be bought beginning on March 1 and is necessary for anyone hunting in Michigan. Using someone else’s tag or enabling someone else to use your tag is illegal, and each shooter is only allowed to buy one license. The death tag will be shipped to you within seven to ten working days following your online transaction.
You can buy a basic apprentice license and hunt as an apprentice hunter if you still need a hunter safety certificate. At most, two novice hunters may be under the supervision of an assisting hunter. Still, it would help if you were escorted by someone at least 21 years old and with a normal, current-year hunting license for the same animal species you are pursuing.
Resident & Nonresident Licenses
| Licenses by Age | Resident 17+ Yrs | Nonresident 17+ Yrs | Resident Senior 65+ yrs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Base License | $11 | $151 | $5 |
| Spring | $15 | $15 | $6 |
Child & Youth Licenses
| Licenses | Youth Age: (10-16) | Up to 9 yrs Age |
|---|---|---|
| Mentored Youth | Not Applicable | $7.50 |
| Application for Drawing | $5 | Not Applicable |
| Base License | $6 | Not Applicable |
| Spring | $15 | Not Applicable |
Reporting a Kill
Hunters are encouraged to record their game actions online, because the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) appreciates their input. Hunters can help the DNR by reporting any encounters in January. The management of the poultry population makes use of this knowledge, which is kept private. Hunters can report observations by calling a DNR location mentioned on the reverse of the hunting summary or online. Hunters can contribute significantly to managing the state’s turkey population and assist the DNR in making wise choices by offering input and documenting observations.
Cooperator Patch for Wild Turkey
In collaboration with the DNR, the Michigan Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation manages the wild turkey patch initiative. The mission of this patch initiative is to recognize and encourage the conservation and shooting of wild turkeys in Michigan. Adult shooters, fans, and interested parties can buy the patch online at MINWTF.org for $6, which includes shipping and processing. Except for juvenile hunters 17 years of age and under, who can still receive a complimentary patch by submitting their name, full address, and a clear duplicate of their current wild license to the NWTF, mail-in patch purchases are no longer allowed. Hunting enthusiasts can avoid capturing a turkey to buy a patch, which can take four to six weeks to appear.
Hunting Regulations
- Zone and season determine hunting hours. It is legal from one-half hour before dawn to one-half hour before dusk. In some areas, remove one hour.
- Can be hunted with a bow, crossbow, fixed shotgun shell weapon, or muzzleloading shotgun. No. 4-shot pneumatic guns are legal. Other firearms are prohibited.
- A hidden gun license allows you to hunt with a pistol, exempt from the weapon ban.
- Only No. 4 or lower shotgun rounds or stray shots for muzzleloading firearms can be used or brought while chasing.
- Hunting with a crossbow requires 14-inch arrows, bolts, and quarrels with 7/8-inch broadhead points.
- Bows, crossbows, and firearms can be used to hunt birds from treestands. State areas can only use them from September 1 to March 1. During spring, state areas prohibit tree stands and other mounting aids.
- Using dogs is not allowed during the spring season.
- Taking turkeys while they are in a tree is not allowed.
- It’s illegal to bait the bird. Bait is a substance made of grain, fruit, vegetables, or other food. Farm crops or other naturally growing grains, fruits, or veggies are not lured and allowed.
- Mechanical, electrical, and live decoys are prohibited. Motion-attracting bird decoys are mechanical. Wind-driven decoys like wind sail are allowed. They are illegally stalking birds with portable decoys/silhouettes. Electronic callers are also prohibited.
- After killing, you must cut out the pertinent information on your license and bind it around a leg before moving or having it. Pre-licensing turkey images is prohibited.
- Commercial hunting agents must obtain written permission and meet the conditions to lead hunters in state-owned areas. Contact a DNR customer care office or Michigan.gov/StateLandPermission for information.
- Commercial turkey hunting on National Forest land needs a special use permit. Hiawatha, Huron-Manistee, and Ottawa National Forests provide applications.
Michigan Turkey Workshops
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and other organizations provide beginning programs for studying wild turkey habitats, however there may be costs and capacity limits. Turkey Tracts, a series of well-maintained trails in southern Michigan, provide leisurely walking paths, thorough maps, and local insights, making them ideal for beginners. This program connects outdoor enthusiasts with local businesses and showcases regional wildlife management in public spaces.
Penalties & Fines
Poaching a turkey is a minor crime with a maximum 90-day jail sentence, a maximum $1,000 fine, and a maximum five-year license suspension. Additionally, the state demands $1,000 for each animal taken illegally and an additional $1,000 for a turkey with a beard. You can use SMS or phone 800-292-7800 at any moment to discreetly report hunting or other abuses of natural resources.
FAQ
When is the spring turkey season in Michigan?
In Michigan, the spring schedule shall last from April 20 to June 7.
When can I apply for a limited-quota license for a specific spring turkey hunt unit?
A single limited-quota license may be requested between January 1 and February 1 for a particular spring turkey game area. To register, you must be at least ten years old.
How much does it cost to submit an application for a license with a limited quota?
A limited-quota license application for a particular spring bird game unit costs $5.
How many limited-quota licenses can I apply for?
You can only submit a single application for a limited-quota license between January 1 and February 1 for a particular spring game area.
What is the minimum age to apply for a limited-quota license?
To qualify for a limited-quota license for a particular spring bird game area, you must be at least 10 years old.
