Turkey Hunting Regulations

Managing 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 management goals. Learn more about turkey management in Michigan.

Healthy habitat is an important part of managing turkeys, including preventing the spread of invasive species. Protect habitats by starting each day with clean gear and equipment and decontaminate before leaving the site.

Spring turkey hunting season dates and license quotas

Spring turkey licenses are valid for specific turkey management units and hunting dates. In many TMUs, license availability is subject to a license quota.

Private-land-only licenses

If I get a private-land-only license, are there any exceptions that allow hunting on public lands?

The private-land-only license, Hunt 0301, can only be used on private lands within TMU ZZ. You must have permission from the landowner. Hunt 0301 is not valid on county, state or federal lands. Exception: Licenses valid for Hunt 0301 can be used to hunt Fort Custer military lands with permission.

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 (TMU M) and in the northern Lower Peninsula (TMUs A, B, E, F, J and K).
• Private lands only in the southern Lower Peninsula (TMU 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 17 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. This license has no quota and can 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 per license year.

Special hunting opportunities

Are there special spring turkey hunting opportunities for youth or hunters with disabilities?

Yes. The Fort Custer Training Center near Battle Creek offers turkey hunting opportunities periodically for properly licensed youth (Hunt0301) and hunters with disabilities (Hunt 0234). Learn more about current hunting opportunities, dates and more information, or call 269-282-7878.

I am new to 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 the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Turkey webpage.

Spring turkey management units

Where can I find descriptions of spring turkey management unit boundaries?

For detailed descriptions of spring turkey management unit boundaries, visit the DNR Laws page 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 defined in the Wildlife Conservation Order. Each year, the spring turkey season is: The second to last Saturday in April through a defined number of days thereafter.

Bag limits

How many turkeys can I harvest with a spring turkey license?

You can harvest one bearded turkey per spring turkey license.

Can I harvest a turkey without a beard during the spring turkey season?

No. You can only harvest a bearded turkey during the spring turkey season.

How does the spring turkey drawing system work?

Hunters are selected for a spring turkey license using a random drawing system. In the annual drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase. Learn more about the spring turkey drawing.

Application information

When is the application period for the 2025 spring turkey drawing?

The application period is Jan. 1 – Feb. 1, 2025.

How much is an application?

An application is $5.

How many spring turkey applications can I purchase?

You can only purchase one spring turkey application per year. You can apply for a spring turkey license valid for a specific TMU during specific season dates.

What identification do I need to purchase an application?

To purchase a spring turkey application in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:

• Valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Valid nonresident driver’s license.
• State of Michigan ID card (issued by the Secretary of State).
• Michigan DNR Sportcard.

Where can I purchase an application?

You can purchase an application from any license agent, online, 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 near you.

Eligible applicants

Who is eligible to apply for the drawing?

The following people are eligible to apply for a spring turkey license (unless they have an active revocation or are otherwise ineligible):

• A person who is or will be 10 years old or older during the hunt period for which the person is applying for and has a hunter education certificate or is licensed as an apprentice hunter.

I am licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program. Can I apply for the drawing?

No. If you are licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program, you automatically receive a spring turkey license, so there is no need to apply. See the Mentored hunting section for more information.

I am an apprentice hunter. Can I apply for the drawing?

Yes. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you can purchase an application for a spring turkey license. See theApprentice hunting section for more information.

I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I apply for the drawing?

Yes. You can apply for the Michigan spring turkey drawing as a nonresident.

Application process

How do I apply for the drawing?

1. Look at the spring TMU map on page 6 and choose the TMU(s) you want to hunt.
2. Look at the spring turkey hunt tables on pages 4–5 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).

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 hunt number 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 number.

Party applications

Can I apply to hunt with other hunters?

Yes. You can apply in a party with one other person. If you apply with more than one person, you will be ineligible for the drawing. Everyone in the party will receive a license if the party is selected, except for those who submit an invalid application.

How do I apply with someone else as a party?

The first person to apply (either you or the other member of the party) selects the hunt number(s) and receives a “party ID” number, which is printed on the application receipt. A new party ID number is issued each year. Then, the other person uses the party ID number when applying to complete the party. Make sure to verify the party ID number is identical on both receipts.

Application assistance

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 am having trouble applying. What do I do?

You can call 517-284-9453 for assistance.

Drawing results

When will drawing results be available?

Drawing results will be available on March 3, 2025.

How do I check my drawing results?

You can check your drawing results online, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453. You are responsible for obtaining your drawing results.

What happens if I am selected for a license in the drawing?

You can purchase the license for which you were selected. See the License types and fees section for more information.

Can I sell my drawing success?

No. You cannot sell your spring turkey drawing success to another person.

Can I transfer my drawing success?

No. You cannot transfer your spring turkey drawing success to another person.

What happens if I am not selected for a license in the drawing?

If you applied in the drawing and were unsuccessful, you can purchase a leftover license for another hunt number with quota remaining beginning March 10 at 10 a.m. ET. Depending on how many hunters apply, leftover licenses may or may not be available for some spring turkey management units and/or hunt period dates. See the Leftover licenses section for more information.

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 0234license. Leftover licenses and the Hunt 0234 license will go on sale March 17 at 10 a.m. ET. See the Hunt 0234 and Leftover licenses sections for more information.

License types and fees by age

Hunter education

Is hunter education required for purchasing a license?

Yes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter education certificate or previous hunting license (other than a base apprentice license) to purchase your license. Individuals who are qualified to hunt with inclusive mentored licenses are exempt from the hunter education requirements (see the Mentored hunting section for more details). A valid hunter education certificate from another state meets this requirement.

Michigan’s hunter education courses are offered throughout the year around the state. The online course is available for those who prefer remote learning. For a replacement Michigan hunter education certificate, visit the Recreational Safety page.

What are the rules for a youth hunter 10–16 years old who has a hunter education certificate?

A youth hunter 10–16 years old who has a hunter education certificate must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older while hunting, unless the youth is hunting on land where a parent or guardian regularly lives.

Mentored hunting

What is the Mentored Hunting Program?

The Mentored Hunting Program is a set of rules that establishes the mentored youth license package and the inclusive mentored license package. Complete program details can be found on the Mentored Hunting page.

What are the rules for a mentor participating in the Mentored Hunting Program?

A mentor is responsible for the mentored hunter’s actions in the field. A mentor must ensure the hunting device (shotgun, rifle, bow, etc.) used by the mentored hunter is properly fitted and appropriately suited for the mentored hunter. A mentor can only carry two hunting devices in the field. To participate as a mentor in the Mentored Hunting Program, you must meet all of the following qualifications:

• Be at least 21 years old.
• Have previous hunting experience.
• Possess a current-year Michigan base license that is not an apprentice license.

What is the mentored youth license?

The mentored youth license is a license package that allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey(spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers, and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored youth hunter to apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear, elk and fall turkey. The mentored youth license and kill tags will remain valid for the duration of the license year, even if the mentored youth hunter turns 10 years old during the year.

• The spring turkey license issued with the mentored youth license is valid for one bearded turkey in any open spring turkey management unit on public or private lands.

I am 9 years old or younger and not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a mentored youth license?

Yes. The mentored youth license is available to both residents and nonresidents who are 9 years old or younger.

What is the inclusive mentored license?

The inclusive mentored license is a license package that allows individuals with developmental disabilities to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored hunter to purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear, elk and fall turkey.

• The spring turkey license issued with the inclusive mentored license is valid for one bearded turkey in any open spring turkey hunt unit on public or private lands.

Who qualifies for the inclusive mentored license?

To qualify for the inclusive mentored license, one of the following must apply:

• The mentored individual is a minor child with a developmental disability and is unable to complete hunter education.
• The mentored individual is an adult with a developmental disability, has a guardian appointed under chapter 6 of the mental health code (1974 PA 258, MCL330.1600 to 330.1644) and is unable to complete hunter education.

Apprentice hunting

What is the Apprentice Hunting Program?

The Apprentice Hunting Program allows a person who does not have a hunter education certificate and is 10 years old or older to hunt during the current hunting seasons with a qualified mentor. An apprentice hunter will need to purchase a base apprentice license to participate. Additional licenses are required to hunt big game, furbearers and waterfowl. Complete program details can be found on the Mentored Hunting page.

• Apprentice youth hunters can hunt on public lands and private or Commercial Forest lands for turkeys.

I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a base apprentice license?

Yes. The base apprentice license is available to residents and nonresidents who do not have a hunter education certificate.

How many times can I purchase a base apprentice license? You can purchase a base apprentice license for up to two license years before you must successfully complete a hunter education course and purchase a regular base license.

I am an apprentice hunter. Can I purchase a spring turkey license?

Yes. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you can purchase a spring turkey license awarded in the drawing or a leftover spring turkey license, if available.

I am an apprentice hunter. Can I hunt by myself?

No. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you must be accompanied by someone 21 years old or older who has a regular, current-year hunting license for the same game you are hunting. If you are an apprentice hunter who is 10-16 years old, your accompanying mentor must be your parent, guardian or someone designated by your parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old. A mentor can accompany no more than two apprentice hunters while hunting.

Does my accompanying mentor need to have a spring turkey license for the same TMU or season dates as me?

For hunting spring turkey, your accompanying mentor needs a current-year spring turkey license, but it does not have to be for the sameTMU or season dates as your spring turkey license.

How close do I need to be to my accompanying mentor during the hunt?

Your accompanying mentor must be able to come to your immediate aid and stay within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal contact.

Michigan residents

Do I qualify as a Michigan resident?

To qualify for as a Michigan resident, you must meet one of the following criteria:

• Reside in a settled or permanent home or domicile within the boundaries of this state with the intention of remaining in this state. Resident status can only be claimed in one state.
• Be a full-time student at a Michigan college or university and reside in the state during the school year.
• Serve full-time in the U.S. military and be officially stationed in Michigan.
• Serve full-time in the U.S. military and maintain residency in Michigan.

I own land in Michigan but live in a different state. Can I purchase a resident hunting license?

No. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualification for a resident license. You would be considered a nonresident.

Michigan veterans with disabilities

I am a Michigan veteran with a disability. Do I get a discount?

Yes. Michigan resident veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible to obtain any hunting license that does not require a separate application free of charge, if one of the following conditions is met:

• You have been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently and totally disabled as a result of military service and entitled to veterans’ benefits at the 100% rate, for disabilities other than blindness.
• You have been rated by United States Department of Veterans Affairs as individually unemployable.

Documentation of eligibility from the Veterans Administration stating either of the above conditions should be in the possession of a veteran when obtaining free licenses and while afield.

U.S. military personnel

I am a resident of Michigan and in the military. Do I get a discount?

Yes. If you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military and have maintained Michigan resident status, your hunting license fees are waived, except for hunting licenses obtained through a drawing. You must present military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other evidence verifying that you are an active-duty member of the military, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card.

I am not a resident of Michigan and in the military. Do I get a discount?

No. Hunting license fees are not waived for nonresidents, even if you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military.

Treaty-authorized hunters

Can I hunt with a tribal member?

Yes. You can hunt with a tribal member who is present and actively hunting if you possess a state-issued hunting license for the applicable species and season for which you are hunting. You must follow all applicable state spring turkey hunting regulations.

DNR Sportcard

What is a DNR Sportcard?

A DNR Sportcard serves as a valid form of identification for people without a driver’s license. There are no age restrictions or residency requirements for purchase. A DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card. A DNR Sportcard with accurate information can be used from year to year.

Base license

What is a base license?

A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. The base license provides funding for habitat and conservation work on both public and private land and supports the work of conservation officers and field staff to ensure safe, legal hunting practices are followed. The base license is not a kill tag and is valid for hunting small game. Additional licenses are required to hunt and trap other species. Hunters are always encouraged to carry their base license when hunting.

When can I purchase a 2025 base license?

The 2025 base license will be available for purchase from any license agent, online, or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app beginning March 1, 2025.

I was selected in the drawing, but cannot purchase my license. Why not?

While an application can be purchased prior to obtaining a base license, you must purchase a 2025 base license before you can purchase a spring turkey license.

Spring turkey license

What is a spring turkey license?

A spring turkey license is a kill tag that allows an individual to harvest a turkey within a designated TMU and hunt period during the spring turkey season.

What kill tag options do I have when I purchase a spring turkey license?

When you purchase a spring turkey license, you will have the option to receive an electronic kill tag (eHarvest tag) or a traditional paper kill tag, depending on where you purchase your spring turkey license. See the Where to buy licenses and kill tags section on page 20 for more information.

What types of lands can I hunt with a spring turkey license?

A spring turkey license is valid on all public and private lands within the designated TMU, except spring turkey licenses for TMU ZZ (private lands only) and Hunt 0234 (see page 5 for location restrictions). You must have permission from the landowner to hunt on private property.

Can I purchase more than one spring turkey license?

No. You cannot purchase more than one spring turkey license per year.

I am licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program. Can I purchase a spring turkey license?

No. If you are licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program, you automatically receive a spring turkey license. See the Mentored hunting section for more information.

Can I allow someone else to hunt using my spring turkey license?

No. You cannot use another person’s kill tag or allow another person to use your kill tag. It is illegal for a hunter to harvest or attempt to harvest a turkey unless the hunter has an unused spring turkey license issued in their name for the TMU and season dates in which they are hunting.

Can I use the same kill tag on more than one turkey?

No. You cannot use a kill tag more than once.

Can I use my kill tag on a turkey someone else harvested?

No. You cannot use your kill tag on a turkey you did not harvest.

Leftover licenses

Are there always leftover licenses available?

There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt number, except Hunt 0234, which has no quota. Current leftover license and permit availability may be viewed on the DNR Licenses page.

When can I purchase a leftover license if I was not selected for a spring turkey license 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 on a first-come, first-served basis beginning March 10 at 10 a.m. ET.

When can I purchase a leftover license if I didn’t apply for the drawing?

If any licenses remain as of March 17 at 10 a.m. ET and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover spring turkey license on a first-come, first-served basis.

I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase a leftover license?

Yes. You can purchase a leftover spring turkey license as a nonresident, if available.

How many leftover spring turkey licenses can I purchase?

You can only purchase one spring turkey license (awarded in the drawing or leftover) per year.

Pure Michigan Hunt

What is the Pure Michigan Hunt?

The Pure Michigan Hunt is a chance at the hunt of a lifetime for three lucky hunters. Winners may purchase one elk (resident only), bear, antlerless deer, spring turkey, fall turkey and base hunting license at a total cost of $3. They may also participate in one reserved waterfowl hunt at a managed waterfowl area or have first selection of another hunt choice at any managed waterfowl area if approved by the local area manager. Also, winners will receive a prize package worth thousands and can choose to transfer their Pure Michigan Hunt opportunities to other individuals. Each PMH license will be valid for the applicable 2026 species hunting season and able to be used in any open hunt area for that species, except bear hunting on Drummond Island. Licenses will be subject to all 2026 hunting regulations.

How does the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing system work?

Hunters are selected for a Pure Michigan Hunt license package using a random drawing system. In the license drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase.

When is the application period for the 2026 Pure Michigan Hunt drawing?

The application period is Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2025.

How many Pure Michigan Hunt applications can I purchase?

You can purchase as many Pure Michigan Hunt applications as you wish until Dec. 31, 2025.

I am an apprentice hunter. Can I apply in the drawing?

No. You must be eligible to purchase a regular, nonapprentice base license to apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing.

I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I apply in the drawing?

Yes. You can apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing as a nonresident. However, if you are selected, you will not be eligible to receive the PMHelk license.

When will the 2026 Pure Michigan Hunt winners be announced?

Three lucky hunters will be drawn in January 2026, and the winners will be announced via Facebook video broadcast, with final confirmation by phone. Drawing results will be posted online the week following the video announcement.

Where can I find more information?

For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing, visit the Pure Michigan Hunt page.

Identification requirements

What identification do I need to purchase a license?

To purchase a hunting license in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:

• Valid Michigan driver’s license.
• Valid nonresident driver’s license.
• State of Michigan ID card (issued by the Secretary of State).
• Michigan DNR Sportcard.

Do I have to carry my hunting license(s) when hunting?

Yes. When hunting, you must carry your applicable hunting license(s) and the identification used to purchase the license(s) and present them upon demand of a Michigan conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer. If you are using an electronic kill tag, you must be able to present the electronic kill tag on your mobile device.

Where to buy licenses and kill tags

Where can I purchase a Michigan hunting license?

You can purchase a Michigan hunting license from any license agent, online, 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 near you.

I purchased my spring turkey license online. When will I get my paper kill tag?

If you purchased your spring turkey license online, your paper kill tag will be mailed to you seven to 10 business days after your purchase.You cannot go hunting without the paper kill tag in your possession.

I purchased my spring turkey license through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. When will I get my eHarvest tag?

If you purchased your spring turkey license through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, your eHarvest tag will be available on your mobile device immediately. You must be able to present the eHarvest tag on a mobile device while in the field. You will not receive a paper kill tag.

Where can I purchase the inclusive mentored license package?

You can purchase an inclusive mentored license package from any DNR office, online, or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

Lost licenses and kill tags

What do I do if I lost my hunting license?

If you originally purchased your hunting license at a license agent or online, you can visit a license agent and have your license(s) reprinted($3 for non-kill tag replacement and full price for kill tag replacement). You must provide the identification number used to purchase the original license. If you originally purchased your hunting license online, you received an email containing a PDF file of printable licenses (non-kill tag(s)), including your base license. Save your PDF so it can be reprinted if misplaced. If you have an eLicense account, you may log in to reprint your non-kill tag items. Access your purchase history to reprint current licenses. Call 517-284-6057 for licensing assistance.

Hunting hours

When is it legal for me to hunt spring turkey?

Legal hunting hours for spring turkey (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset) for Zone A are printed in the table. To determine the opening (a.m.) or closing (p.m.) time in another zone, add the minutes shown on the map for the zone to the time from theZone A hunting hours table. The hunting hours listed in the table reflect Eastern Time, adjusted for daylight saving time where appropriate. If you are hunting in Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson or Menominee counties (Central Time), you must make an additional adjustment to the printed time by subtracting one hour.

Hunting time zones map

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