Blue skies, budding greens, and early morning mist can only mean one thing in Michigan: Spring has arrived.
For hunters, the shift in temperature, the vibrant plantlife, and the chorus of birdsong herald a different kind of season, the start of the Michigan turkey season.
That first electrifying gobble of the season is a moment of pure anticipation. With a vast 7.4 million acres of forest open on public hunting land in the Lower and Upper Peninsula, the 2024 season promises unforgettable hunting experiences for Michigan hunters.
Heres everything you need to know about the Michigan turkey season, plus some expert strategies to bag your bird.
Turkey hunting is a beloved tradition for many outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan With over 74 million acres of public hunting land across the Lower and Upper Peninsula, there are abundant opportunities to bag a turkey during the spring and fall hunting seasons. But when exactly does turkey season start in Michigan?
Overview of Michigan Turkey Seasons
Michigan has both a spring and fall turkey hunting season. Here are the key dates for 2025:
- Spring Turkey Season: April 19 – June 7, 2025
- Fall Turkey Season: Mid-September – Mid-November 2025 (exact dates TBD)
The spring season is more popular, while the fall season provides a chance to hunt turkeys again later in the year.
Spring Turkey Season Details
The spring turkey season in Michigan runs for around 7 weeks from mid April through early June. Here are some key details:
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The 2025 spring turkey season dates are April 19 – June 7.
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Hunting is allowed in the morning until noon.
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There are several turkey management units (TMUs) covering different regions of Michigan. Specific season dates and bag limits vary by TMU.
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Hunters are issued a single, valid tag that can be used in any open TMU.
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Both adult gobblers and jakes (younger males) can be hunted in the spring.
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Hunting is allowed on both public and private land with appropriate permissions.
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Licenses are issued through a lottery drawing system ahead of the season.
Applying for a Spring Turkey License
To hunt wild turkeys in Michigan during the spring season, you must apply for and receive a license through the lottery drawing:
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Applications are open from January 1 – February 1, 2025.
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You can only apply for one spring turkey hunting license per year.
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Applicants must be at least 10 years old.
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Drawing results are posted online on March 3, 2025.
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If selected, you can purchase your license. Unselected applicants lose their chance for a spring license.
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Licenses cost around $15 for Michigan residents plus additional fees.
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Your license will be valid for harvesting one bearded turkey across any open TMUs.
In addition to individual TMU licenses, there is also an option to purchase Hunt 0234, which allows hunting statewide.
Fall Turkey Season Overview
Michigan also offers a fall turkey hunting season typically running from mid-September through mid-November. Key details include:
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The fall 2025 dates are yet to be finalized but generally span this timeframe.
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Fall licenses can be bought over the counter without an application.
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Only male turkeys are legal to harvest in the fall season.
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Fall turkey hunting is allowed with bow and arrow only. No firearms are permitted.
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The bag limit is one turkey per fall license.
For those seeking another turkey hunt after the spring season, Michigan’s fall turkey hunt presents a nice opportunity on both public and private lands.
Top Areas for Turkey Hunting
Though turkeys can be found across much of Michigan, some areas tend to produce more success for hunters:
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The central lower peninsula has relatively high turkey populations and good public land access.
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State game areas and recreation areas allow hunting and can hold turkeys.
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Private farmland and woodlots with a mix of open and forested habitat tend to attract turkeys.
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Public lands like the Manistee National Forest provide vast acreage to hunt.
With preparation and scouting, you can identify properties holding turkeys to target come opening day.
Tips for Hunting Wild Turkeys
Hunting turkeys can be challenging, as these birds are extremely wary. Here are some tips to help tag a spring tom:
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Use turkey decoys and calls to draw in reluctant toms during the breeding season.
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Wear camo and facemasks to conceal yourself in the woods. Turkeys have excellent vision.
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Hunt field edges at dawn and dusk as turkeys move between roosting and feeding areas.
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Sneak into set-up areas well before fly-down time in the morning.
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Sit still and remain patient. Moving around will spook turkeys.
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Scout ahead of the season to find signs like tracks, scratching, and droppings to locate active birds.
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Be sure of your target and what’s beyond it. Accidents happen quickly with turkeys.
With preparation and smart hunting strategies, the spring turkey season offers a chance at harvesting one of Michigan’s top game birds.
Buying Licenses and Checking Regulations
When planning your Michigan turkey hunt, be sure to get a license and check the regulations. Licenses can be applied for online through the Michigan DNR. And regulations covering season dates, bag limits, and legal firearms are available online or through the DNR’s guidebooks.
Staying up to date on the rules and securing your tag well ahead of opening day will ensure you have a legal and ethical turkey hunt in Michigan.
The Gobbler Awaits
For many hunters, the spring turkey season kickstarts a new year of exciting hunts. From applying for a coveted license to scouting properties, securing permission, and getting your gear tuned up, make sure to begin preparing early.
Before you know it, the first gobbles of spring will sound off, signaling that turkey season has arrived in Michigan. Stay safe, hunt responsibly, and enjoy the challenge of matching wits with these cagey birds. Your next spring tom could be just around the corner.
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When Is Michigan Turkey Season? – The Midwest Guru
FAQ
What are the dates for turkey hunting in Michigan?
Michigan Offers both a Spring and Fall season to ticketed hunters. The Spring turkey season runs from April 19 – June 7, 2025. The Fall season typically runs from mid-September 15 to mid-November.
How many turkeys can you shoot a year in Michigan?
You cannot take or possess more than 1 bearded turkey during the spring season.
What day does turkey season start?
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has set the 2025 Spring Turkey Season as follows: Regular Season: March 30 – May 5, 2025. Youth Spring Turkey Hunt: March 23 – March 24 and May 6 – May 12, 2025.
Can you hunt turkey from a tree stand in Michigan?
Turkeys can be hunted from a raised platform during the spring and fall seasons on private lands. However, due to separate public land regulations, treestands may only be set up and used on public lands in Michigan from Sept. 1 to March 1.
When can I get a turkey hunt license in Michigan?
In Michigan, the spring schedule shall last from April 20 to June 7. When can I apply for a limited-quota license for a specific spring turkey hunt unit? A single limited-quota license may be requested between January 1 and February 1 for a particular spring turkey game area. To register, you must be at least ten years old.
When do turkeys mate in Michigan?
Mating: As a northern state, turkey breeding in Michigan begins in late March and runs until early April to match the increasing daylight hours. Male turkeys (what we know as toms) will attract females by fanning their tails and puffing feathers.
Where can you hunt turkeys in Michigan?
Mid-central Michigan has proven to be a haven for patient hunters, consistently providing successful turkey hunting experiences. Regarding zoning, public hunting can take place on the forest land of both the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula, as well as private land opportunities.
Is turkey hunting legal in Michigan?
In addition to the season dates, bag limits, and licensing procedures, there are several important regulations pertaining to turkey hunting in Michigan. Baiting: It is illegal to use bait to aid in the taking of a wild turkey. Baiting includes placing, depositing, tending, or scattering of bait to lure or attract wild turkeys.
What kind of turkeys live in Michigan?
The primary species in Michigan is the Eastern turkey, which is known for its cautious nature. It is the most widely distributed turkey subspecies in the US. Here are some additional facts about the Eastern turkey in Michigan to help you prepare for your hunt as the season arrives:
When is spring turkey season 2024?
The schedule, permits, rules, units, etc., will be covered in detail in this article to make the most of your hunting journey. The application period for Spring Turkey was from January 1, 2024, to February 1, 2024. Beginning on March 11, 2024, the season’s lottery outcomes have been posted online.