Turkey Hunting Regulations
Managing Wild Turkeys
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. License quotas are developed to harvest the desired number of turkeys to meet the management goal. For more information on turkey management in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey.
Spring turkey drawing system
Michigan residents and nonresidents are eligible to purchase a spring turkey license. Spring turkey licenses are valid for specific areas and hunting dates. In many turkey management units (TMUs), license availability is subject to a license quota. Hunters can apply for one spring turkey license. Successful applicants will be selected by a random drawing system. Leftover licenses that remain after the drawing will be available on a first-come, first-served basis until quotas are met. Hunt 0234 is a statewide, guaranteed spring turkey license that does not have a license quota. An application is not required to purchase a Hunt 0234 license or leftover license, if available. Hunters can only purchase one spring turkey license per year.
2024 Hunting Information
How many licenses can I apply for?
From Jan. 1 - Feb. 1, you can apply for one spring turkey license valid for a specific spring turkey management unit during specific season dates. You must be at least 10 years old to apply.
How much is an application?
An application is $5.
How do I know if I was successful in the drawing?
You are responsible for obtaining your drawing results. Drawing results will be available on March 11 online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453 (WILD).
What happens if I’m selected in the drawing?
You can purchase the license for which you were selected. See the License purchase section for more information.
What happens if I’m not selected in the drawing?
If you applied for the drawing and were unsuccessful, you can purchase a leftover license for another hunt period with quota remaining beginning March 18 at 10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. Depending on how many hunters apply, leftover licenses may or may not be available for some management units and/or dates.
What happens if I didn’t apply for the drawing?
If you didn’t apply for the drawing, you have two options. You can purchase a leftover license, if available, or you can purchase a Hunt 0234 license. Leftover licenses and the Hunt 0234 license will go on sale March 25 at 10 a.m. EST. See the Hunt 0234 and Leftover licenses sections for more information.
Where can I buy a license?
You can buy a license from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The app is available for download at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Find a license agent at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents.
How many licenses can I purchase?
You can purchase one spring turkey license.
How many turkeys can I harvest with a license?
You can harvest one bearded turkey.
I’m a mentored youth hunter. Can I get a spring turkey license?
If you are licensed under the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, you automatically receive a spring turkey license. See the Mentored youth hunting section for more information.
How to Apply for a Limited-License Hunt
What identification do I need to apply for the drawing?
You will need a valid driver’s license issued by the state where you live or a State of Michigan ID card (issued by the Secretary of State) or a DNR Sportcard (issued by any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or on the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app).
I’m only 9 years old. Can I apply for the drawing?
If you are licensed under the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, you automatically receive a spring turkey license, so there is no need to apply. See the Mentored youth hunting section for more information.
I’m an apprentice hunter. Can I apply for the drawing?
Yes. See the Apprentice hunting license section for more information.
How do I apply for the drawing?
1) Look at the 2024 spring turkey management units map on page 8 and choose the TMU(s) you want to hunt.
2) Look at the 2024 spring turkey hunts on pages 9-10 to find your desired season dates for the TMU(s) you chose. Make note of the corresponding hunt number(s) and be sure to select this number when purchasing your application.
3) Purchase an application for the hunt number(s) you chose (you can select two hunt numbers — first and second choice). You can purchase an application at any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
4) Check your receipt for accuracy and retain it as proof of your application.
What is the difference between “first hunt choice” and “second hunt choice”?
First hunt choices have priority for selection. When applying, you must choose a first hunt choice and may also choose an optional second hunt choice. If you choose a second hunt choice, it will be considered only if licenses remain for that TMU and hunt period after all first hunt choices have been awarded for all applicants. There is no guarantee that licenses will be available for second hunt choices in any hunt period.
How many times can I apply?
You can only apply one time. It is unlawful to apply more than once.
Can I apply to hunt with other hunters?
Yes. You can apply in a partnership with one other person. If you apply with more than one partner, you will be ineligible for the drawing.
How do I apply with someone else as a partnership?
The first person to apply (either you or your hunting partner) selects the hunt number(s) and receives a “party ID” number, which is printed on the receipt. A new party ID number is issued each year. Then, the other partner uses the party ID number when applying to complete the partnership. Make sure to verify the party ID number is identical on both receipts.
The receipt I received is not printed clearly or has an error. What do I do?
You are responsible for obtaining a DNR application receipt that correctly states your customer ID and hunt choice. Do not accept a receipt that is not legible. Check your receipt for accuracy and retain as proof that you applied. Ensure any application errors are corrected prior to the application deadline. If you submit an invalid application, you will be ineligible for the drawing.
I’m having trouble applying. What do I do?
You can call 517-284-9453 (WILD) for assistance.
2024 Spring Turkey Hunt Units
For detailed descriptions of turkey management unit boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center.
Spring turkey season structure
Why do the spring turkey season dates change each year?
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.
2024 spring turkey hunts
General licenses
What type of land can I hunt with a general license?
The general licenses listed below are valid on all public and private land within the unit.
TMU | Season dates | License quota | Hunt number |
A | April 20 – May 3 | 5,500 | 0101 |
B | April 20 – May 3 | 1,000 | 0102 |
E | April 20 – May 3 | 1,700 | 0103 |
F | April 20 – May 3 | 5,000 | 0105 |
J | April 20 – May 3 | 4,000 | 0107 |
K | April 20–26 | 4,000 | 0108 |
K | April 27 – May 3 | 4,500 | 0109 |
M | April 20 – May 31 | 6,000 | 0110 |
ZA | April 20–26 and June 1–7 | 1,200 | 0111 |
ZA | April 27 – May 10 | 1,800 | 0112 |
ZA | May 11–31 | 1,800 | 0113 |
ZB | April 20–26 and June 1–7 | 650 | 0115 |
ZB | April 27 – May 10 | 975 | 0116 |
ZB | May 11–31 | 975 | 0117 |
ZC | April 20–26 and June 1–7 | 600 | 0119 |
ZC | April 27 – May 10 | 900 | 0120 |
ZC | May 11–31 | 900 | 0121 |
ZD | April 20–26 and June 1–7 | 10 | 0123 |
ZD | April 27 – May 10 | 15 | 0124 |
ZD | May 11–31 | 15 | 0125 |
ZE | April 20–26 and June 1–7 | 500 | 0127 |
ZE | April 27 – May 10 | 750 | 0128 |
ZE | May 11–31 | 750 | 0129 |
ZF | April 20–26 and June 1–7 | 1,300 | 0131 |
ZF | April 27 – May 11 | 1,300 | 0132 |
ZF | May 11–31 | 3,000 | 0133 |
Private-land-only licenses
If I get a private-land-only license, are there any exceptions that allow hunting on public land?
The private-land-only license, Hunt 0301 (Unit ZZ), can only be used on private land, with permission from the landowner. Hunt0301 (Unit ZZ) is not valid on county, state or federal lands. Exception: Licenses valid for Hunt 0301 (Unit ZZ) can be used tohunt Fort Custer military lands with permission.
TMU | Season dates | License quota | Hunt number |
ZZ | April 20 – May 31 | 50,000 | 0301 |
Hunt 0234
What is Hunt 0234?
Hunt 0234 is a statewide, guaranteed spring turkey license that does not require an application in the drawing.
Where can I hunt with a Hunt 0234 license?
With the Hunt 0234 license, you can hunt on:
- Both public and private lands in the Upper Peninsula (Unit M) and in the northern Lower Peninsula (Units A, B, E, F, Jand K).
- Private land only in the southern Lower Peninsula (Unit ZZ).
- Fort Custer military lands with permission.
When can I purchase a Hunt 0234 license?
You can purchase a Hunt 0234 license when leftover licenses go on sale March 25 at 10 a.m. EST. This license has no quota andcan be purchased throughout the entire spring turkey hunting season.
Can I purchase a Hunt 0234 license in addition to a private-land-only license or a general license?
No. You can only purchase one spring turkey license.
TMU | Season dates | License quota | Hunt number |
Statewide | May 4–31 | None | 0234 |
License purchase
Licenses by age | Age: up to 9 | Junior age: 10-16 | Resident age: 17-64 | Resident senior age: 65+ | Nonresident* age: 17+ |
Mentored youth license | $7.50 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Application for license drawing | N/A | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
Base license | N/A | $6 | $11 | $5 | $151 |
Spring turkey license | N/A | $15 | $15 | $6 | $15 |
DNR Sportcard | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 |
*Nonresidents under 17 years old may purchase a resident base license.
Resident active-duty U.S. military personnel and Michigan veterans with disabilities Resident active-duty military personnel and residentveterans with a 100% disability rating can obtain a leftover spring turkey license, if available, free of charge beginning March 25. Licenses are fullprice for those who apply for a license and are selected in the drawing.
I was selected for a license. Where can I purchase my license?
You can purchase your spring turkey license at any license agent, online at
Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
I was selected in the drawing, but cannot purchase my license. Why not?
A base license is required for everyonewho hunts in Michigan. While an application can be purchased prior to obtaining a base license, you must purchase a 2024 base license before you can purchase a spring turkey license.
When can I purchase a 2024 base license?
The 2024 base license will be available for purchase from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, beginning March 1, 2024.
What is a kill tag?
A kill tag is a license that must be affixed to a harvested wild turkey. You cannot harvest a wild turkey without the physical kill tagin your possession. Harvest information must be recorded as indicated on the kill tag (date of harvest, sex of animal, etc.). Seethe Validating harvest section for more information.
I purchased my spring turkey license online. When will I get my kill tag?
If you purchased your spring turkey license online, your kill tag will be mailed to you seven to 10 business days after yourpurchase.
Can I purchase more than one spring turkey license?
No. You cannot purchase more than one spring turkey hunting license per year.
Do I have to carry my spring turkey license when hunting?
Yes. You must carry your spring turkey license and the identification used to purchase that license and present both upondemand of a Michigan conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer when hunting.
Leftover licenses
Are there always leftover licenses available?
There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit, except Hunt 0234, which has no quota.
When can I purchase a leftover license if I was unsuccessful in the drawing?
If any licenses remain after the drawing and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover spring turkey license ona first-come, first-served basis for a one-week period beginning March 18 at 10 a.m. EST.
When can I purchase a leftover license if I didn’t apply in the drawing?
If any licenses remain as of March 25 at 10 a.m. EST and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover springturkey license on a first-come, first- served basis.
How do I purchase a leftover license?
A leftover spring turkey license can be purchased, if available, from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses orthrough the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app is available for download at the Google Play Store orthe Apple App Store.
How many leftover licenses can I purchase?
You can purchase only one spring turkey license.
Apprentice hunting
What is a base apprentice hunting license?
A base apprentice hunting license allows anyone at least 10 years old who does not have a hunter safety certificate to hunt duringthe current hunting seasons with a qualified mentor. An apprentice hunter may purchase this license for two license years before they must complete a hunter safety course. Complete information about the apprentice hunting license can be found in the Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary or online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.
As an apprentice hunter, can I apply for the drawing?
Yes. You can apply for a spring turkey license in the drawing if you are an
apprentice hunter.
As an apprentice hunter, can I purchase a spring turkey license?
Yes. If you have a current base apprentice hunting license, you can purchase a spring turkey license awarded in the drawing or aleftover spring turkey license, if available.
Does my accompanying hunter need to have a spring turkey license for the same unit and hunt period as me?
For hunting turkey, your accompanying hunter needs a current-year spring turkey license, but it does not have to be for the same management unit or season dates as your spring turkey license.
Mentored youth hunting
What is the Mentored Youth Hunting Program?
The Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt with a mentor who is at least 21 years old, has hunting experience and has a valid Michigan hunting license other than an apprentice license.
What can mentored youth hunt with their license?
The mentored youth license is a “package” license to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trapfurbearers, and fish for all species. Additional restrictions apply; complete program details can be found in the Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary or online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.
I’m a mentored youth hunter. How many turkeys can I kill in the spring, and where can I hunt?
As a mentored youth hunter, you get one spring turkey kill tag, which is valid for one bearded turkey in any open spring turkeyhunt unit on public or private land.
As a mentored youth hunter, can I apply for the spring turkey license?
No. You will receive one spring turkey kill tag with your mentored youth license. All
hunters are allowed only one spring turkey kill tag.
As a mentored youth hunter, do I need an application for the mentored youth license?
No. An application is not required for the mentored youth license.
Special hunting opportunities for youth and hunters with disabilities
Are there special opportunities for youth or hunters with disabilities?
Yes. The Fort Custer Training Center near Battle Creek offers turkey hunting opportunities periodically for properly licensedyouth (Hunt 0301) and hunters with disabilities (Hunt 0234). For current hunting opportunities, dates and more information,please visit FortCusterHunt.org and click on the “Turkey Hunts” tab or call 269-282-7878.
Hunting hours
When is it legal for me to hunt spring turkey?
Actual legal hunting hours (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset) for Zone A are printed in the table. Todetermine the opening (a.m.) or closing (p.m.) time in another zone, add the minutes shown on the map for the zone to the timefrom the Zone A hunting hours table. The hunting hours listed in the table reflect Eastern Standard Time adjusted for daylightsaving time where appropriate. If you are hunting in Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson or Menominee counties (Central StandardTime), you must make an additional adjustment to the printed time by subtracting one hour.
Hunting hours map
Bag limit
How many turkeys can I harvest with my spring turkey license?
You can harvest one bearded turkey per spring turkey license.
Can I harvest a spring turkey without a beard?
No. You can only harvest a bearded turkey during the spring turkey hunting season.
Can I purchase more than one spring turkey license?
No. You can only purchase one spring turkey license per year.
Can I put my kill tag on a spring turkey someone else harvested?
No. You cannot put your kill tag on a spring turkey you did not harvest.
Can I use the same kill tag on more than one spring turkey?
No. You cannot use a kill tag more than once.
Can I use my friend’s kill tag, or can they use mine?
No. You cannot use another person’s kill tag or allow another person to use your kill tag.
Hunting methods
What equipment can I use to hunt a spring turkey?
You can use a bow and arrow, a crossbow, a firearm that fires a fixed shotgun shell or a muzzleloading shotgun. It is illegal to use or carry afield any other firearm.
I have a concealed pistol license. Can I carry my pistol while hunting?
Yes. The prohibition on carrying any other type of firearm does not apply to pistols carried under authority of a concealed pistol license, or under a specific exception from the CPL requirement.
What kind of ammunition can I use in my firearm while spring turkey hunting?
When spring turkey hunting, you cannot use or carry afield any ammunition except shotgun shells loaded with No. 4 or smaller shot or No. 4 or smaller loose shot for use in muzzleloading shotguns.
Can I use a pneumatic gun for spring turkey hunting in Michigan?
Yes. A pneumatic gun can be used for spring turkey hunting if it is muzzleloading or designed to fire a fixed shell. Fixed shells for pneumatic guns must contain No. 4 shot or smaller. Muzzleloading pneumatic guns must contain loose shot that is No. 4 or smaller.
Do I have to use nontoxic shot when spring turkey hunting?
While not required by law, it is recommended that you use nontoxic shot when spring turkey hunting.
I hunt with a crossbow. Are there any restrictions on which arrows I can use?
Yes. You can only use arrows, bolts and quarrels at least 14 inches in length, tipped with a broadhead point at least 7/8 inch wide.
Do I need to wear hunter orange while spring turkey hunting?
No. If you are spring turkey hunting, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement.
Can I use my hunting dogs to hunt a turkey during the spring season?
No. You cannot hunt a turkey with dogs during the spring season.
Can I harvest a turkey if it is in a tree?
No. You cannot harvest a turkey while it is in a tree.
Elevated platforms and ground blinds
What is an elevated platform?
An elevated platform means any horizontal surface, constructed or manufactured by a person, that increases the field of vision of a person using it beyond the field of vision that normally would be attained by that person standing on the ground. Elevated platforms include scaffolds, raised platforms, ladders, steps and any other device that is used to assist in climbing a tree.
I spring turkey hunt on private lands. Can I use an elevated platform?
Yes. You can spring turkey hunt from an elevated platform using a bow and arrow, a crossbow or a firearm on private lands.
I spring turkey hunt on public lands. Can I use an elevated platform?
No. Elevated platforms are prohibited on public lands during the spring turkey hunting season. Elevated platforms are only permitted on public lands from Sept. 1 through March 1.
What is a ground blind?
A ground blind means a structure, enclosure or any material, natural or manufactured, placed on the ground to assist in concealing or disguising a person for the purpose of harvesting an animal.
Can I use a ground blind on public lands during the spring turkey hunting season?
Yes. However, only the following three types of ground blinds are legal on public
lands:
Type 1 (portable ground blind): This blind must be clearly portable and removed at the end of each day’s hunt (if you wish to leave your blind out overnight, see Type
3 below). Fasteners, if used to attach or anchor the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed daily. No identification is required. These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public lands, including all state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3.
Type 2 (dead natural materials ground blind): This blind must be constructed exclusively of dead and natural materials found on the ground in the area of
the blind, except that a hunter may add netting, cloth, plastic or other materials for concealment or protection from the weather if these materials are not permanently fastened to the blind and are removed at the end of each day’s hunt. These items can be tied to the blind but cannot be stapled, nailed, glued or fastened in any permanent manner. No identification is required. Fasteners (nails, screws, etc.) cannot be used in construction. These blinds may be used for legal hunting on public lands, including all state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3.
Type 3 (constructed ground blind): This includes all other blinds not meeting the requirements of either Type 1 or Type 2, including portable ground blinds, if not removed daily. Identification is required. These blinds are not legal on state game areas, state parks and state recreation areas in Zone 3. Fasteners, if used to anchor or attach the blind, cannot penetrate the cambium of a tree and must be removed with the blind.
What information must I tag my ground blind with?
In legible English, you must permanently affix your name and address, or Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number, to any Type 3 ground blind if it is placed on public lands.
Can someone else use my ground blind that is on public lands?
Yes. Your name and address, or Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number, on a ground blind on public land does not guarantee exclusive use. You may not use an illegal tree stand, scaffold, step, etc., or ground blind regardless of who placed it on public lands.
Hunting zone boundary map
For detailed descriptions of hunting zone boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center.
Baiting
Can I bait turkeys during the spring turkey hunting season?
No. You cannot use bait during the spring turkey hunting season.
Can you define “bait” for me?
For the purpose of this regulation, “bait” means a substance composed of grain, fruit, vegetables or other food placed to lure or entice wild turkeys. This does not apply to standing farm crops (normal agricultural practices) or other naturally growing grains, fruits or vegetables.
Decoys and calls
Can I use mechanical, electronic or live decoys to hunt a spring turkey?
No. You cannot use mechanical, electronic or live decoys to hunt a spring turkey.
Can you define “mechanical decoy” for me?
Mechanical decoy means any device that, by design or construction, uses motion as a visual stimulus to attract a turkey.
Is a decoy moved by the wind considered mechanical?
No. A windsock or similar decoy body anchored at a fixed point into the ground, and whose only motion is derived exclusively by power of the natural wind, is not considered a mechanical decoy.
Can I stalk a turkey using handheld decoys/silhouettes?
No. You cannot stalk a turkey with a handheld decoy/silhouette.
Can I use electronic turkey calls to hunt a spring turkey?
No. You cannot use or possess electronic devices that imitate turkey calls while hunting a spring turkey.
Validating harvest
Can I tag my turkey after I take some photos with it first?
No. Immediately after harvesting and before moving a turkey, you must validate your kill tag and securely attach the kill tag around a leg of the turkey. You cannot transport or have in your possession a turkey unless the validated kill tag is attached to a leg of the turkey.
How do I validate my kill tag?
To validate your kill tag, you must notch out the appropriate information as instructed on the kill tag.
How should I tag my harvested turkey?
The best way to attach a kill tag is to lay a strong piece of wire or cord across
the back of the kill tag so the tag can be folded in half and to tape it in place as needed. Tie the wire or cord to the turkey’s leg in such a manner that the kill tag remains securely attached. Do not stick or wrap the kill tag directly onto the leg of a turkey. Make sure the kill tag is completely legible and visible for inspection. The kill tag must remain attached until you process or butcher the turkey or until the turkey is accepted for processing and recorded by a commercial processor or taxidermist.
Using spur length to age a turkey
Spur length (in.) | Curvature | Sharpness | Age of gobbler |
Less than 0.5” | None | Rounded | Younger than 1 year |
0.5” to 1” | Straight | Blunt | 1 to 2 years |
1” to 1.25” | Slightly curved | Pointed | 2 to 3 years |
Over 1.25” | Curved | Sharp | Older than 3 years |
Wild turkey cooperator patch
Who coordinates the Wild Turkey Patch Program?
Michigan’s Wild Turkey Patch Program is coordinated by the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in partnership with the DNR.
What is the National Wild Turkey Federation?
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the American wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting tradition. Proceeds from patch sales are used to fund wild turkey-related projects and management in Michigan. Each year the National Wild Turkey Federation, working cooperatively with the DNR, contributes more than $300,000 to wild turkey and hunter-heritage programs in Michigan.
Do I need to harvest a turkey to purchase a wild turkey patch?
No. You do not have to harvest a turkey to purchase a patch.
How much does a wild turkey patch cost for adults?
Adult hunters, collectors and other interested individuals can purchase a wild turkey patch for $7, including postage and handling.
How much does a wild turkey patch cost for young spring turkey hunters?
Young hunters, 17 years old and younger, who have a valid spring turkey hunting license can get a free wild turkey patch by sending their name and complete address, along with a legible copy of their valid spring turkey hunting license, to National Wild Turkey Federation, Wild Turkey Patch Program,
P.O. Box 471, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. If you have questions, please email [email protected].
Can I order wild turkey patches from previous years?
No. You can only purchase the current-year wild turkey patch.
How do I order a wild turkey patch?
Wild turkey patches must be ordered online at MINWTF.org. Mail-in patch orders will no longer be accepted, except for the free wild turkey patch for young hunters.
How long will it take to receive my patch?
You should receive your wild turkey patch in four to six weeks.
2024 spring turkey workshops
I’m new to spring turkey hunting. Is there a program to help new hunters like me?
Yes. The DNR, Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association, National Wild Turkey Federation and other groups may offer wild turkey hunter orientation courses.
A fee may be charged, and space may be limited. For details about events, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey.
Where can I hunt in Michigan?
Over 4.5 million acres of public land are managed by the DNR and open to hunting! Millions of additional private-land acres are leased or enrolled in programs to allow hunting by all. Visit Michigan.gov/Hunting to find out where.
What are Turkey Tracts?
Turkey Tracts are a series of actively managed, walk-in turkey hunting areas across southern Michigan. With accessible walking trails and a kiosk with maps and area information, these are great places for new hunters to explore. With the help of hunters and partners, such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, the DNR developed this program to highlight local wildlife management on public hunting areas and connect hunters with local business partners. Current sites are located in Allegan, Barry, Montcalm, Oakland, Tuscola and Washtenaw counties. The program will be expanded to more locations in the future. Visit Michigan.gov/Turkey for more information.
Where can I find public hunting lands near me?
You can find places to hunt by visiting Michigan.gov/MiHunt. You will find an interactive map application called Mi-HUNT to help you plan your hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation adventures. It is the responsibility of the users of these maps to be aware of all regulations relevant to their hunting activities and hunting locations. These maps show approximate boundaries of the lands open to public hunting. For more information on Michigan’s public lands, safety zones and other restrictions, see the current-year Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary.
What is the Hunting Access Program (HAP)?
HAP provides public hunting opportunities on private land. The DNR leases lands from private landowners to allow public hunting. Private landowners determine
if all hunters, or youth and apprentice hunters only, may hunt on their property. They also determine if hunters may harvest deer only, turkey only, small game only, sharp-tailed grouse only, all legal species or a combination of any of these options. Property owners specify the maximum number of hunters allowed on the land at any one time. Members of the public can use HAP lands only for hunting purposes; no other activities or recreation are permissible. For more information on HAP lands, see the current-year Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary or visitMichigan.gov/HAP.
Wildlife diseases
Should I be concerned about dioxin?
Health assessors from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan Department of Natural Resources determined that samples of
wild game from the floodplains of the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River downstream of Midland contained high levels of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds. Wild game tested include deer, turkey, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, wood duck and Canada goose. As a result, the MDHHS advises that hunters and their families to follow these recommendations related to turkey:
- Do not eat turkey harvested in or near the floodplain of the Tittabawassee River downstream of Midland. If you choose to eat turkey taken from this area anyway, at a minimum the skin, liver and gizzard should be removed and discarded.
- Other wild game that have not been tested in this area may also contain dioxins at levels that are a concern. To reduce general dioxin exposure from other wild game, trim any visible fat from the meat before cooking. Do not consume organ meats such as the liver or brains, and do not eat the skin.
For additional information regarding dioxin, dioxin-like compounds and wild game advisories for the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River floodplains, including
a map of the area covered by these advisories, go to the MDHHS website at Michigan.gov/Dioxin.
Should I be concerned about lead in game meat?
Turkeys shot with pellets containing lead can have particles of lead remaining in the meat, some too small to be seen or felt. Lead can be harmful to humans and wildlife, even in very low amounts. If you have questions about the health effects of lead exposure from lead shot or lead fragments, call the DNR Wildlife Disease Lab at 517-336-5030 or find information at Michigan.gov/WDM.
You can also contact the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at 517-241-3740 or visit Michigan.gov/MDHHS.
What if I see a sick-looking turkey while scouting or hunting?
The DNR encourages you to report any sightings of sick or dead wildlife, including turkeys, at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField. You should provide information about the location, number and condition of the animals you observed. Contact the DNR Wildlife Health Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030 if you have any questions.
Turkey reporting options
Is there a way for me to give the DNR feedback about my hunting experience?
Yes! We need your help. After your hunting season has ended, please report your hunting activity at Michigan.gov/Turkey. Information you provide will improve management and ensure that decisions regarding hunting seasons are based on the best information available.
Are there any other ways I can help the DNR with feedback or reporting?
You can assist the DNR by reporting any sightings of turkeys in January. This information, which is kept confidential, is used to manage the turkey population. You can make your report at Michigan.gov/Turkey or contact a DNR office listed on the back of this publication.
Poachers beware: Hunters are watching
What are the consequences of poaching?
Violations of turkey hunting regulations, including application violations, are misdemeanors, and the following penalties may apply. Misdemeanors may be punishable by up to 90 days of imprisonment, up to $1,000 in fines and license revocation for up to five years. Reimbursement to the state for unlawful taking of turkey is $1,000 per animal plus an additional $1,000 for a turkey with a beard.
How do I report suspected poaching?
If you witness a natural resource violation, report it immediately. You can do this by texting or calling 800-292-7800. Phone lines are open 24/7. You may remain anonymous.
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