When is the Youth Turkey Hunt in Wisconsin?

The youth turkey hunt in Wisconsin is a special weekend set aside just for young hunters to gain valuable experience in the field before the regular turkey hunting season opens. The 2024 youth turkey hunt weekend will take place on April 13-14 across the state.

This youth-only hunting opportunity allows resident and nonresident hunters 15 years of age or younger the chance to hunt turkeys and gain real-world skills without competing against adult hunters It’s a perfect chance for mentors to pass along their passion for the outdoors and introduce newcomers to turkey hunting

Overview of the Youth Turkey Hunt

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) provides the important details on the youth turkey hunt:

• The 2024 youth turkey hunt will be April 13-14. This is one weekend before the start of the regular spring turkey season.

• Youth must be 15 years old or younger. They must be accompanied by an adult mentor 18 or older.

• A valid spring turkey harvest authorization, license, and stamp are required. Limits are one bearded or male turkey per harvest authorization.

• Hunters can use any harvest authorization they have, but it must match the turkey zone they hunt in.

• Youth must have completed a Hunter Education course or participate in the Mentored Hunt program.

• All other spring turkey hunting rules and regulations apply

The youth hunt gives young hunters two full days to hunt turkeys across Wisconsin’s 7 turkey management zones before the seasoned adult hunters head to the woods. It’s a prime opportunity for youth to gain real experience and success in the field.

Why Participate in the Youth Turkey Hunt?

Getting youth involved in turkey hunting is critical for maintaining Wisconsin’s traditions. The youth hunt weekend provides the perfect venue for young hunters to:

• Hunt without competition from adult hunters.

• Gain confidence and build skills in a welcoming environment.

• Learn from experienced mentors in a one-on-one setting.

• Experience the thrill of the hunt and connect with nature.

• Carry on the torch of Wisconsin’s hunting heritage.

• Create lifelong memories while making the most of a youth-only season.

Having youth participate keeps these traditions alive. A new generation of ethical, responsible hunters is vital for conservation well into the future.

What Are the Requirements for Youth Hunters?

While the youth hunt provides special opportunities, there are still requirements young hunters must meet:

• Must be 15 years old or younger on the date of the hunt.

• Must possess a valid spring turkey harvest authorization, license, and stamp.

• Harvest authorizations are valid only for the zone printed on the permit.

• Youth can hunt with any firearm or bow legal for turkey hunting.

• Must follow all standard spring turkey hunting rules and regulations.

• Must be accompanied by an adult mentor 18 or older.

• Must have completed a Hunter Education course or participate in the Mentored Hunt program.

While adult guidance is required, only youth are allowed to harvest turkeys during the special hunt. Mentors may call and provide direction but cannot shoot or tag birds for their youth hunter.

How Youth Can Get Their Spring Turkey Harvest Authorization

To hunt during the spring youth weekend, young hunters will need a valid turkey harvest authorization. Youth have a few options to get their permit:

• Win one through the drawing: Apply through Go Wild by December 10. The drawing happens in January, and successful youth are notified by mail.

• Buy a leftover bonus permit: Any permits left after the drawing are sold over the counter on a first-come, first-served basis beginning in March.

• Use an unfilled permit from the regular drawing: Youth can hunt with any unfilled permit they or a parent/guardian received through the standard spring drawing.

As long as youth possess a valid harvest authorization for any zone, they can participate in the youth hunt weekend. Permits must match the zone hunted. Applying early gives hunters the best chance at securing a permit.

Tips for Mentors Taking a New Hunter

The youth turkey hunt is meant to be an enjoyable, educational experience for young hunters under the guidance of experienced mentors. Here are some tips for mentors to make the most of this special weekend:

• Scout areas ahead of time: Do some legwork scouting public lands or private property you have access to. Locate areas holding birds and set up a game plan.

• Review hunting basics: Make sure young hunters are comfortable with their equipment and remind them of gun safety, shooting procedures, tracking, tagging, and regulations.

• Set them up for success: Position beginners in spots giving them the best chance at a shot. Call in birds for them and let them take it from there.

• Help, don’t take over: Provide guidance and advice, but let the youth hunter make the critical decisions when it matters most. Maintain patience and stay positive.

• Prioritize safety: Stress the importance of safe firearm handling, identification of targets, and care when taking a shot. Your top priority is keeping hunters safe.

• Make it fun: Share stories from the field, take photos, and celebrate the whole experience – not just harvests. Create exciting memories to last a lifetime.

Following these tips will lead to a quality hunt and a rewarding experience for new turkey hunters in the field for the first time.

How to Register a Turkey During the Youth Hunt

A key responsibility for mentors is ensuring any turkeys harvested are registered properly. Here are the steps for youth to register their first turkey:

• Register by 5pm the day after harvest. Registration is mandatory.

• Register online at GameReg or by phone 1-844-426-3734. No in-person registration.

• Have your authorization number, date, time, location, sex, and age of the turkey ready.

• Record the 10-character confirmation number provided after registering.

• Consider applying for a first turkey certificate to commemorate the memorable harvest.

Proper registration is crucial, so mentors should guide youth hunters through the process. Registering quickly eliminates worry about forgetting later on.

Why Youth Hunting Opportunities Matter

Participation in hunting has declined across many age groups, especially among youth. Providing a special youth turkey hunt gives the next generation of conservationists a pathway into the sport. It simultaneously:

• Ensures the future of hunting by recruiting new hunters.

• Allows family hunting traditions to carry on.

• Teaches youth safe, ethical, responsible behavior in the field.

• Encourages appreciation and care for wildlife and nature.

• Gets kids outdoors away from TV, phones, and tablets.

• Builds confidence, patience, focus, and life skills.

Hunting does far more than put food on the table. The youth turkey hunt passes on a treasured Wisconsin heritage to a new wave of thoughtful hunters and conservation stewards.

Start Planning Now for Youth Turkey Hunting

Wisconsin offers incredible turkey hunting opportunities across public and private lands statewide. The youth turkey hunt gives young hunters a chance to go after these birds in a welcoming environment focused just on them.

Now is the time for hunters, parents, and mentors to start planning for the April 13-14, 2024 youth hunt weekend. Mark your calendars, scout areas, apply for permits, gather gear, review regulations and safety procedures, and pick out some good spots to take the next generation of turkey hunters.

The youth turkey hunt is the perfect time to pass the passion along by providing youth with a high-quality first turkey hunt. Doing so ensures the future of this treasured tradition while making memories that will last a lifetime.