Turkey season in Michigan runs from mid-April through early June. Spring turkey hunting offers a great chance to not only pursue turkeys, but to see Michigan green-up and enjoy the warming weather.
Turkey hunting is a beloved tradition for many outdoor enthusiasts in Michigan The state provides ample opportunities for hunters to pursue wild turkeys during specified seasons Here is a complete guide to turkey hunting seasons in Michigan, including key dates, license info, regulations, and tips for a successful hunt.
Overview of Michigan Turkey Hunting Seasons
Michigan hosts two main turkey hunting seasons each year:
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Spring Turkey Season – This is the most popular season, with the highest hunter participation. It takes place in April and May.
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Fall Turkey Season – A secondary season happens in the fall. This sees lower hunter numbers than spring. The timing is September and October.
Exact season dates shift annually, so be sure to check the DNR’s website each year for the updated calendar.
These seasons correspond with the natural breeding cycle of wild turkeys in Michigan:
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Spring – Male turkeys, known as “gobblers,” are actively seeking hens for mating. This makes calling and decoying effective for hunters.
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Fall – Turkey flocks have dispersed and regrouped after breeding. Hunting requires more scouting to locate roaming flocks.
Spring Turkey Hunting Season
Spring is prime time for turkey hunting in Michigan. Here are key details:
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Timing – Usually from mid/late April to early/mid June. Be sure to check exact dates each year.
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Application Deadline – Apply for a spring tag by early February. Draw results are posted in March.
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License – Need a spring turkey hunting license + tag for each hunted animal.
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Bag Limit – Can harvest 1 bearded turkey per tag in the spring.
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Methods – Effective tactics include calling, decoying, and ambushing roosted birds.
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Areas – Huntable regions are divided into management units with designated hunt dates.
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Outlook – Spring offers the most action with willing gobblers. Great for beginners and veterans alike.
Apply early each winter for your spring turkey tag. Good spots fill up quickly in the drawing.
Fall Turkey Hunting Season
While more overlooked than spring, Michigan’s fall turkey season provides a unique hunting experience:
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Timing – Typically from early September to late October. Check annual dates.
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License – A base license covers you for the fall season. No application required.
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Bag Limit – Can harvest 1 turkey of either sex per license in the fall.
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Methods – Scouting flocks pre-season is key. Still hunting and stalking work well.
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Areas – The entirety of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is open in fall. Parts of the U.P. are closed.
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Outlook – Less calling activity than spring, but a great time to introduce new hunters.
No pre-planning is needed for fall turkey hunting. Just purchase your license and start scouting for flocks.
Turkey Hunting Licenses and Permits
To hunt turkeys in Michigan, you will need:
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Base Hunting License – Required as the foundation for all hunters in Michigan. Available over the counter.
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Spring Turkey Tag – Apply in February lottery for tag. 1 tag allowed per hunter. Valid for harvesting 1 bearded turkey in spring.
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Fall Turkey License – Your base license suffices for fall turkey hunting. No application needed.
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Hunter Orange – Must be worn during fall turkey season. Not required in spring.
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Hunter Safety Card – Mandatory for all hunters in Michigan. Complete a certified hunter education course.
Be sure to carry your valid licenses and wear hunter orange when required. Know your unit’s regulations.
Top Turkey Hunting Areas in Michigan
Michigan offers great turkey habitat across public and private lands. Top areas include:
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Southcentral Lower Peninsula – Hillsdale, Jackson, and Lenawee Counties hold high turkey densities on public and private lands.
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Southeast Lower Peninsula – Monroe and Washtenaw Counties provide excellent turkey hunting on state game lands.
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Thumb Region – The top thumb counties of Huron, Sanilac, and Tuscola are turkey hotspots.
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Northern Lower Peninsula – Check Gladwin and Ogemaw public lands for quality spring opportunity.
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Southwest Upper Peninsula – Menominee County offers the U.P.’s best spring turkey hunting.
Do your scouting to find the best concentrations of birds in your chosen turkey hunting spot.
Tips for Turkey Hunting Success
Here are some key strategies for filling your spring or fall turkey tag in Michigan:
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Use Scouting Data – Learn flock patterns early by locating roost sites, feeding areas, and travel routes.
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Be In Position Early – Set up well before fly-down time in the morning to intercept returning birds.
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Play the Wind – Make sure wind travels from roost to your setup so your scent stays hidden.
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Concealment is Key – Use camo, facemasks, and natural blinds to stay hidden from turkey eyesight.
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Be Patient – Resist overcalling. Sometimes less is more when tempting in spring gobblers.
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Safety First – Positively identify your target and what’s beyond it. Avoid risky shots.
With smart preparation and execution, your next Michigan turkey hunt can result in a rewarding harvest.
Turkey Hunting FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about turkey hunting in Michigan:
What are the bag limits?
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Spring: 1 bearded turkey per tag
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Fall: 1 turkey of either sex per license
What shot size is best?
- #4, #5, and #6 lead or nontoxic shot is recommended.
What is the effective range for turkeys?
- 30-40 yards maximum. Pattern your shotgun accordingly.
Can I bait turkeys in Michigan?
- No. Baiting turkeys is illegal in Michigan.
How do I tell a male from female turkey?
- Males have a beard protruding from their chest. They also have leg spurs.
What clothing camo pattern works best?
- Stick to camo mimicking oak, aspen, and birch – common tree species in Michigan.
Get Ready for a Memorable Turkey Hunt
Turkey hunting in Michigan provides a pursuable spring challenge and unique fall opportunity. With the right preparation and mentality, you can experience thrilling hunts and come home with harvested birds.
Be sure to get your licenses in order, scout diligently, brush up on regulations, and sharpen your turkey hunting skills. Before you know it, you’ll be out in the spring woods or fall fields getting in on fantastic gobbler and hen action. Wishing you a safe and successful turkey season this year!
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Be Patient and Have Fun!
If youve ever thought about giving turkey hunting a try, this is your year! Turkey hunting provides good healthy local protein that you can harvest yourself in a very interactive hunt. You can use a call to sound like a turkey and get one to answer you back! So when you are crawling on your belly, trying to sneak up on some gobbling toms remember: Only a few decades ago, turkeys were hard to find and only a few people were able to hunt them. Today, everyone has a chance.
Apply for a Spring Turkey License
Turkeys can be found in every county in Michigan and anyone who wants to hunt a turkey can get a license. Michigan has several turkey seasons for you to choose from. Some you do have to apply for in advance because there are more hunters than turkey licenses available. Anyone can hunt turkeys for most of the month of May, in what’s called Hunt 234. Hunt 234 is a great, flexible option for hunters who may want to hunt in many different places and who want more than 7 days to find those turkeys. The early seasons, that have a limited number of licenses, are open for a short time, making weather and work schedules a real consideration. Mi-Hunt is a great mapping program that you can use to look for public land in Michigan that is open to hunting. With over 4 million acres of public land available, Mi-Hunt allows you to build your adventure at home from your computer!
The turkey story in Michigan is truly amazing – our state has made huge strides in wildlife management. Like most states, there was a time when today’s common animals were either gone completely or very hard to find. Wild turkeys were once a rarity in Michigan. It’s hard to imagine, but wildlife didn’t have any protections for a long time. In the late 1800’s grocery stores weren’t on the corner, families were clearing land for settlements and hunting regulations were unheard of. Now, everything has changed. The Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (aka the Pittman-Roberson Act of 1937) was enacted. A national coalition of conservationists, backed by the sporting arms and ammunition industry, persuaded Congress to direct an excise tax on those items to a special fund for wildlife restoration. With a lot of hard work and dedication in the 1950s, the turkey population was reestablished.