When is Turkey Hunting Season in Michigan?

Turkey hunting is a popular outdoor activity for many Michigan residents and visitors The state provides ample opportunities to hunt wild turkeys across various regions, Knowing the turkey hunting seasons and regulations is crucial for hunters looking to bag a bird legally and ethically This article provides a comprehensive guide on when you can hunt turkeys in Michigan,

Overview of Turkey Hunting Seasons in Michigan

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates turkey hunting seasons and quotas. There are spring and fall turkey hunting seasons, with the spring being more popular. Here are the key details on Michigan turkey seasons:

• Spring turkey season opens on the second to last Saturday in April annually The 2023 spring season will open on April 15th

• The season length varies by management unit, lasting between 30 to 45 days. Season end dates range from May 5th to May 31st.

• Fall turkey season generally runs from mid-September through November. Dates vary by unit.

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

• Hunter quotas and permits: The DNR sets quotas for each unit. You need a valid turkey license and unused kill tag to hunt in spring. Fall hunting requires a general hunting license.

• You can hunt turkeys of either sex during the spring season Only male turkeys are legal game in the fall

Spring Turkey Hunting Season Dates and Information

Spring is by far the most popular and productive season for turkey hunting in Michigan. Here are some key details:

• The season starts on the second to last Saturday in April each year. In 2023, it will open on April 15th statewide.

• Hunting Units ZZ 1-3 in southwest Michigan have a 30 day season ending on May 14th.

• Most other southern Lower Peninsula units (Units F through R) have a 45 day season ending on May 31st.

• Northern Lower Peninsula units (Units A through E) have a 30 to 45 day season ending in early or late May depending on the unit.

• Upper Peninsula units (Units M through Y) have a 30 day season ending in early May.

• Bag limit: 2 bearded turkeys per hunter for the spring season with a valid license and unused turkey kill tag.

• Legal firearms: Shotguns, muzzleloading shotguns, and archery equipment.

• Decoys and calls are legal aids for spring turkey hunting.

Fall Turkey Hunting Season Information

While less popular than spring, Michigan offers fall turkey hunting opportunities:

• The fall turkey season runs from mid-September through November depending on unit.

• Only male turkeys are legal game in the fall seasons.

• Bag limit: 1 bearded turkey per hunter in fall.

• Archery, shotgun, muzzleloader legal firearms in fall.

• Decoys and calls can also be used in the fall season.

• Fall turkey hunting requires a valid general hunting license, not a specialized turkey permit.

Regulations and Licensing Requirements

All turkey hunters in Michigan must follow general hunting regulations and secure the appropriate licenses:

• Valid hunting license required. Special spring turkey license or general license for fall hunts.

• Must wear hunter orange if also hunting deer in the fall.

• Legal shooting hours are half an hour before sunrise until sunset.

• Safety zone rules prohibit shooting within 150 yards of occupied buildings.

• Tagging: Must tag turkey immediately upon harvest and keep tag attached until processing.

• Reporting: Must report spring turkeys within 72 hours, fall birds within 10 days.

Following the hunting seasons, regulations, and license requirements is crucial for legal and ethical turkey hunting. Careful planning and scouting will help lead to an enjoyable experience. With abundant opportunities across two distinct seasons, Michigan offers great turkey hunting for both local and visiting hunters.

Turkey Hunting Opportunities by Region

Turkey populations vary across Michigan, so hunting success depends partly on location. Here’s a brief overview of turkey hunting prospects in different regions:

Southern Lower Peninsula

This region offers the best turkey hunting success rates in Michigan. Key areas include:

• Hillsdale, Lenawee and Jackson Counties: High densities along the Ohio border. Mix of agricultural and forest land.

• Barry, Eaton and Ingham Counties: Farmland and hardwoods hold good numbers of birds.

• Berrien, Cass and St. Joseph Counties: Top harvest numbers near Indiana border.

Northern Lower Peninsula

Still good opportunities, but lower bird densities than southern areas. Prime spots include:

• Northwest Lower Peninsula: Good habitat along Lake Michigan including Oceana and Mason Counties.

• Northeast Lower Peninsula: Decent prospects in mix of forests and agriculture. Alpena and Alcona Counties.

• Huron National Forest: Large tracts of public land harbor huntable turkey populations.

Upper Peninsula

This region has the lowest turkey numbers but still provides limited hunting:

• Central UP: Offers the best opportunities in Menominee County near Wisconsin border.

• Western UP: Scattered flocks along major river valleys and in large stands of aspens and oaks.

• Eastern UP: Particularly low densities, with isolated huntable populations.

With research and legwork, hunters can find pockets of huntable birds throughout Michigan’s varied landscapes.Scouting areas with good habitat and sign ahead of season is key to pinpointing where to focus efforts.

Tips for a Successful Michigan Turkey Hunt

Here are some tips to improve your prospects of bagging a spring or fall turkey in Michigan:

• Scout thoroughly – Locate flocks, identify roost sites, find strutting zones before season. Listen for gobbles.

• Use decoys and calls effectively – Set up hen decoys and use locator calls to draw in gobblers during breeding season.

• Pick travel corridors – Set up concealed along identified travel routes between roosting and feeding sites.

• Remain still and silent – Movement and noise will spook turkey’s keen eyesight and hearing.

• Play the wind – Ensure wind carries your calls and concealed scent into turkey’s range.

• Be patient – May require sitting motionless for hours. Don’t give up if no birds on first attempts.

• Safety first – Positively identify target and what lies beyond. Avoid wearing red, white or blue.

• Process properly – Cool birds quickly and thoroughly inspect for shot and parasites.

With persistence and proper preparation, you can experience the thrill of outwitting a spring gobbler or tagging a wary old tom on a fall hunt. Good luck on your Michigan turkey hunting adventures!