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Minnesota

Hunting

Hunting

Turkey Hunting Regulations

Regulations

  • One turkey of either sex may be taken during the fall season.
  • Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
  • Fall turkey licenses are valid for taking wild turkeys with crossbows, vertical bows or firearms that meet legal requirements.
  • Firearms
    • A person may only use shotguns 10 gauge or smaller, including muzzle-loading shotguns.
    • Only shot size No. 4 or smaller (sizes 4, 5, 6, 7½, etc.) may be used.
    • Red dot scopes and range finders are legal.
  • Archery including crossbows
    • Crossbows may be used by any person using a valid fall wild turkey license.
    • Vertical bows must have a pull of no less than 30 pounds at or before full draw.
    • A person may use a mechanical device attached to the bowstring on a vertical bow if the person’s own strength draws and holds the bowstring.
    • Arrowheads must have at least two metal cutting edges of barbless design at least 7/8 inch in diameter, or must be of a blunt head design.
    • Expandable arrowheads must be at least 7/8 of an inch at or after impact and must be barbless.
    • No person may use an arrow that is poisoned or has an explosive tip.
    • Persons with a disability permit who have a valid license may also use a bow with a mechanical device that draws, releases or holds the bow at full draw.
  • General restrictions
    • No person may be accompanied by a dog while hunting or assisting in hunting wild turkeys.
    • Wild turkeys may not be taken with the aid of any electronic device, except red dot scopes, rangefinders and devices designed to enhance hearing may be used.
    • Live turkey decoys are prohibited.
    • Hunters may not possess any firearms or bow and arrow except those defined as legal for taking wild turkeys. This does not apply to firearms authorized under the Minnesota Personal Protection Act.
    • Hunting with aid of bait or feed prohibited