When Does Turkey Season Start in Michigan?

For hunters eager to bag a wild turkey, knowing the start date of turkey season in Michigan is key. Read on for a guide to turkey hunting seasons, rules, permits and more in the state of Michigan.

Overview of Michigan Turkey Seasons

Michigan offers both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons annually.

Spring Turkey Season

• Starts on the second to last Saturday in April each year
• Length varies by region, from 23 days up to 43 days
• Restricted to bearded turkeys only

Fall Turkey Season

• Starts on the second Saturday in September
• Runs for 9 consecutive days
• Open to either sex of turkeys

Spring Turkey Hunting in Michigan

Spring turkey season provides the most hunting days and opportunities for Michigan turkey hunters.

Dates

The season kicks off each year on the second to last Saturday in April. For 2023, opening day is April 22nd. The season length varies across the state from 23 days up to 43 days depending on the region.

Southern Michigan zones typically have the longest spring seasons, from 38 to 43 days. Northern Michigan zones tend to have shorter 23-30 day spring seasons Check the DNR’s map of turkey management units to confirm the exact dates for your desired hunting location

Bag Limits

Only bearded turkeys can be harvested during the spring season. The bag limit is one bearded turkey per hunter for the entire spring season.

Permits

Turkey hunters are required to purchase a spring turkey hunting permit along with a base hunting license. The permit costs residents $15 and non-residents $43. It covers your license to harvest one bearded turkey in spring within the designated season and unit.

Fall Turkey Hunting in Michigan

While less popular than spring Michigan also offers an autumn turkey season.

Dates

The fall season is much more limited, running only 9 days from the second Saturday in September. In 2023, that puts opening day on September 9th.

Bag Limits

The fall regulations allow hunters to take either sex of turkeys. The bag limit is still only one turkey total for the season.

Permits

You need a fall turkey hunting permit ($15 residents, $43 non-residents) along with a base hunting license to hunt in fall. This permit covers the harvest of one turkey of either sex.

Additional Turkey Hunting Regulations in Michigan

When turkey hunting in Michigan be sure to follow these general rules

• Hunting hours are from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset.

• Only shotguns, muzzleloading shotguns, and archery equipment can be used.

• All turkeys harvested must be registered by phone or online within 72 hours.

• Hunting turkeys with dogs is permitted in fall but prohibited in spring.

• Only portable or temporary ground blinds are allowed on public lands.

Tips for Hunting Wild Turkeys in Michigan

Now that you know when you can hunt turkeys in Michigan, here are some useful strategies to tags a spring or fall bird:

• Scout ahead of season by locating flocks, roosting sites, tracks and local food sources.

• Set up near a gobbler’s roost early in the morning. Call sparingly with hen yelps and clucks.

• Use jake yelps and aggressive calls to provoke territorial dominant gobblers.

• Try hunting dusk when toms get back together and become more vocal.

• Focus on food sources like acorns and greens in the fall to ambush feeding flocks.

• Be visible by wearing orange when moving between sites to avoid deer hunter mishaps.

With preparation and scouting, you will be ready once turkey season rolls around in Michigan. Follow the season dates for your zone, purchase the required permits, and get out there to pursue wild turkeys. Have a safe and successful spring and fall turkey hunt!