Please refer to the Turkey Hunting Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the turkey drawing and preference point systems. Wisconsin offers numerous licenses and now offers a First-time Buyer license. However, using a call can still be effective in hunting these birds. As it has been for decades, the season was separated into six time periods and seven geographical zones. The first zone went on sale on March 20. Overall, Wisconsin's statewide wild turkey population remains strong. https://wildlife.ca.gov/Hunting/Upland-Game-Birds, https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/Hunting-and-Trapping-Information, https://dnrec.alpha.delaware.gov/fish-wildlife, https://myfwc.com/license/limited-entry/springturkey-permit/, https://myfwc.com/license/limitedentry/youth-spring-turkey-permit/, idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-uplandturkey-2022-2023.pdf, https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations/turkey, http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/fish-wildlife, https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey/. Zone 1 encompasses the entire southwest portion of Wisconsin. As it has been for decades, the season was separated into six time periods and seven geographical zones. In general, upland birds like wild turkeys have behaviors and prefer habitats that make them less likely to encounter avian influenza viruses in the wild. Focusing on public and private edges will likely be one of the best tactics, as much of the food turkeys depend on will be found on private lands. Photo courtesy of The U.S. Forest Service. The 2021Wisconsin fall turkey hunting season opens Sept. 18. We provide a collective of state fall wild turkey hunting information to assist with your fall hunting plans. The three states with over-the-counter bird tags and a large number of birds are Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont, Budz explains. Shell in the barrel or magazine is Hunters are limited to purchasing one per day. In Missouri, biologists have reported a decline in the states turkey population. Wild turkeys are native to Wisconsin but were extirpated by unregulated hunting in the 1800s. FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Sept. 1, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023; half-hour before sunrise until half-hour after sunset, BAG LIMIT:10 during fall, check regulations:https://fwp.mt.gov/hunt/regulations/turkey, FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Sept. 15, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023, half-hour before sunrise to sunset, BAG LIMIT:Each hunter can have two fall permits that are good for two turkeys, FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:No Fall Turkey Season, FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Archery season: Sept. 15 to Dec. 8 in Wildlife Management Unit A; Sept. 15 to Dec. 15 in Wildlife Management Units B-M. Once the Wisconsin DNR draws applicants, they're notified of which season/zone combinations they've been awarded. After you recover, you must register your turkey at 5 p.m. the next business day. The application period for both runs Jan. 15 to Feb. 15. Wisconsin has all of that and its turkey population is made up of Eastern wild turkeys, which is my favorite subspecies to pursue.". Wisconsin hunters can use a variety of firearms. BAG LIMIT:Residents only, one per license up to two licenses. If you'd prefer a fully guided hunt on private land, Wisconsin is also home to several hunting outfitters. Residents will pay $10.00, and non-residents will pay $15.00. Wearing a safety gear and adhering to all state and local regulations are the best ways to stay safe on the road. Use live or electronic decoys for the purposes of enticing wild turkeys. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources 101 S. Webster Street PO Box 7921 Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7921 Call 1-888-936-7463 (TTY Access via relay - 711) from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Secretary's Office; Customer . Allows hunting of wild turkey during the Fall season. The bag limit is two birds per hunter. Applications are only valid on designated private land. When applying for the lottery, hunters can list their preferred seasons and zones. With a combination of classroom and in field instruction often facilitated by conservation clubs, the program teaches students hunting tactics and safety information. That makes Wisconsin a relative newcomer to wild turkey hunting; some states in the eastern and southern U.S. had seasons for the native game bird throughout . Resident tags are $15; $60 for non-residents. Fish and Wildlife Service could make adjustments for 2022. Don't miss a story! A good scope will allow you to see the target clearly, and good ammo will ensure that your shot hits it. The Wisconsin Learn to Hunt program provides a comprehensive range of hunting education for participants. Wisconsin. http://www.dem.ri.gov/programs/fish-wildlife; (401) 789-0281, DEADLINES FOR SPRING DRAWINGS:Applications available in January, closes March 1, FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Nov. 1, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023; half-hour before sunrise to sunset, DEADLINES FOR SPRING DRAWINGS:Aug. 10 to Sept. 9, FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Archery: Sept. 24 to Oct. 28 and Oct. 31 to Nov. 4 (same as deer archeryonly season); Shotgun/Archery: Oct. 15-28; Shooting hours are half-hour before legal sunrise to legal sunset, BAG LIMIT:One bearded turkey per county (note: not all counties are open for fall turkey season, check regulations), DEADLINES FOR SPRING DRAWINGS:Dec. 14, 2022 to Jan. 11, 2023, FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:https://bit.ly/3oCPYXk, IS FALL WILD TURKEY HUNTING WITH DOGS ALLOWED? That state has a healthy population of turkeys, vast amounts of publicly accessible lands, inexpensive non-resident tags, and liberal limits. Its time to head outside and enjoy the spring turkey season. In the fall you can hunt either a gobbler or a hen. Hunters Register 3,792 Birds During 2019 Fall Turkey Hunt. For answers to frequently asked questions, visit the DNR's Turkey Hunting in Wisconsin webpage . "The first axiom of hunting the wild turkey is to hunt where there are turkeys. Spring turkey harvest authorization bonuses are $10 for residents and $15 for non-residents. Turkeys will not be very visible given the landscape, and hunters are going to have to work hard to get on birds. Turkey registration is mandatory. Over 30,000 acres of private land are accessible to the public and can be found using the, Harvest authorization number (formerly known as a tag number), Harvest location (county and turkey management zone). The wild turkeys, originally from Missouri, took hold of prime habitat in the southwest portion of the state. With a fall turkey hunting permit, hunters may harvest turkeys with either a shotgun or legal archery equipment. The mentee must still obtain a hunting license and harvest authorization, plus stay within arm's reach of the mentor the entire hunt. For the 2021 spring gobbler season, the Wisconsin DNR reported a total harvest of 37,266 birds and a hunter success rate of 16.9 percent. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources | Site requirements | Accessibility | Legal | Privacy | Employee resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and The Wisconsin DNR reported that 34,115 turkey harvest authorizations were sold last spring, over 17,000 fewer than Zones 1, 2, and 3. THAP is a program where landowners open their properties to the public from March 1 to May 30for spring turkey scouting and hunting. Overall, Wisconsin's statewide wild turkey population remains strong. There are a few things to know before heading out on a turkey hunt in Wisconsin. Spring turkey licenses ring in at $60 for out of staters, while resident adults pay just $15. Bag limits and season lengths have already been set for the season in North Dakota, Wisconsin and other states. There's also a late January youth season in both the north and south regions. See Whats Happening in Wisconsin Turkey Hunt Zone 3. According to registration reports, the 2022kill included 32,244adult toms, 6,442jakes (1-year-old males) and 321hens. Wisconsin's turkey season model varies from many surrounding states, but leaves the door open for dedicated hunting in a single area from week to week. Two day hunts are $600 plus WI sales tax (arrive afternoon prior) Four day hunts are $950 plus WI sales tax. Some special regulations and exceptions are in place for youth and disabled hunters. Our subscribers make this reporting possible. The Wisconsin Game Regulators can assist you with this process by visiting GameReg.wi.gov or calling 844-426-3734. For fall, Wisconsin has one to two seasons, and the application deadline is usually in March. Even for out of state hunters or residents who don't have access to private hunting land, Wisconsin is a great turkey state. Based on this year's data, the Adaptive Harvest Management system administered by the U.S. If you plan to hunt on public land, you also need a public land permit. You must have a high-powered scope and appropriate rounds. White turkeys are legal to hunt in Wisconsin during the spring, but only if you shoot them with a firearm. Note: This does not apply to hunters possessing a Class A or B disabled hunting permit which authorizes hunting from a stationary vehicle and which is issued for more than one year or to hunters who are deaf or severely hard of hearing as verified by a medical professional. Wildlife Management Districts 15-17, 20-25 may take up to five wild turkeys; Wildlife Management District 26 may take up to three; Wildlife Management District 28 may take up to two; Wildlife Management District 6, 10-13, 18, 19, 27 and 29 may take one; Wildlife Management Districts 1-5, 7-9, 14 closed to fall wild turkey hunting. The state divides the overall hunt into six one-week hunt periods. This First-time Buyer license is a reduced rate license offered to customers to introduce them to hunting or fishing. No in-person registration stations areavailable. They have released a new Whitetail Deer Hunting Guide that will assist hunters in learning more about the states deer hunting seasons. Know your gun and the loads it shoots. Just shy of 5,800 birds were harvested in 2021, producing a harvest success rate of 17%. Hunters may buy leftover harvest authorizations on a one-per-day basis until they are sold out or the season is over. To harvest your turkey, you should make a registration online. That includes reading both audio and visual turkey sign, knowing hard- and soft-mast tree species, and being aware of the habits of fall birds. Harvest authorizations issued for any spring 2022 turkey hunting time period may be used during the youth hunt. The eastern wild turkey differs from the wild turkey that lives in the Western United States in that it does not reside there. For more information, visit dnr.wi.gov, and search turkey.. In addition to purchasing a spring turkey license, a fall turkey license is required for Wisconsin residents. Make sure to still print all turkey license documents, as the hunter will need the info on the harvest authorization for registration purposes. Note: A hunter who applies for a disabled turkey hunt on private lands may not apply for a harvest authorization through the regular spring turkey drawing. No in-person registration stations areavailable. Third, turkeys may only be hunted during the spring turkey season, which runs from mid-April to late May. FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Oct. 8, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023, depending on location, check regulations; Shooting hours are half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Wisconsin hunters with a Class A, B, or C disabled permit can apply for the state's Wild Turkey Hunt for People with Disabilities, which takes place on designated private land only. NEBRASKA TURKEY HUNTING SEASONS, LICENSES, AND MORE. . You can hunt in any zone you want, but hunting in a specific zone will determine how long you can hunt. Learn More Hunting Layers WI Private Lands In order to hunt spring turkey in Wisconsin, you need a few different licenses. Yes, DEADLINES FOR SPRING DRAWINGS:Tentative drawing deadline dates for 2023: Junior Hunts application deadline Feb. 25; Archery Hunts application deadline March 4; Opening Weekend Hunts application deadline March 4; Balance of Season Hunt application deadline March 8. WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 30,000-35,000 (+) AVERAGE ANNUAL HARVEST: 5,000 (+) SEASON DATES: April 10 - May 31, 2023 BAG LIMIT: Two - bearded turkeys only 1973 POPULATION ESTIMATE: 15,000 Connecticut WEBSITE/PHONE: https://portal.ct.gov/DEEPHunting; (860) 719-3152 WILD TURKEY POPULATION: 30,000-35,000 (-) AVERAGE ANNUAL HARVEST: 1,250 (+) Last year, a total of 245,468 turkey harvest authorizations were made available by the Department of Natural Resources. That brings to a total of almost 38,000 private acres open to spring turkey hunting this year. When asked what state would be the most appealing to a former turkey calling champion, Wisconsin came to mind. Visit the DNR's wildlife diseases page for more information on avian influenza and other diseases affecting wildlife health. TheNorthDakotaGame and Fish Department released data Wednesday from its 2021 breeding duck survey. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Wild turkey The fall turkey season runs from Sept. 15 to Jan. 6 in Turkey Management zones 1-5, and Sept. 15 to Nov. 16 in zones 6 and 7. 449 S 12th St.Tampa, Florida 33602United States, How To Get Your Hunter Education Certificate In Tennessee, Designing Lanyards for Corporate Events: Dos and Donts, Unlock The Benefits Of Stabilized Binoculars: Discover Why You May Need Them And Which Ones Are Best For You. Combine that with our world class lodging and you have one of the best values for guided turkey hunts in North America. Based on recent estimates, the state of Wisconsin now has a healthy population of eastern wild turkeys of around 350,000. Participants will receive both classroom and field instruction before hunting. If you observe a turkey that appears sick, contact the DNR's Wildlife Hotline by emailing DNRWildlifeSwitchboard@wisconsin.gov or by leaving a voicemail for a return phone call at 608-267-0866. Bonus harvest authorizations will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. All seven turkey management zones will be open for hunting. The state record spring turkey harvest was set in 2008 with 52,880 birds registered. In 2022, a youth turkey hunt will be held in Wisconsin as part of the states spring turkey season. If Wisconsin is not already under your My Layers tab, simply click Layer Library and add all of Wisconsins layers. With significantly fewer hunters than the more premier southern turkey zones but still excellent bird numbers, Zone 4 is a great option for hunters seeking a little solitude. By : Jack Hanson; 2002-10-29; Fiction; Wildgun: Winter Hunt. In Wisconsin for 2022, the hunting season runs from September 17th through December 31st. The percentage-based change in the number of wetlands holding water is the greatest seen in the history of the survey. The application fee is only $3 for both resident and non-resident hunters. Over the last decade, the annual spring turkey harvest has ranged from 37,000 birds to 43,000 birds. Youth ages 11 and under and youth without hunter education must hunt under the Hunting Mentorship Program. Closing dates for the fall turkey season vary by management zone. Read below for more tips for pre-season scouting. Many deep draws, coulees, and wooded ridges provide great roosting and timber habitat, while the rich agriculture provides ample food for birds throughout the area. Despite the fact that firearms, such as shotguns and muzzleloadings loaded with shot, are legal in the state, firearms can still be used to shoot birds. FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS: Archery: Oct. 1, 2022 to Jan. 15, 2023 (closed during firearm deer season in counties open to firearm deer hunting); Shotgun: Oct. 22-30; Archery season hours are half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset; Shotgun hours are half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Sign up for daily stories delivered to your inbox. Seasons span from Aug. 30, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023. WEBSITE/PHONE:www.outdooralabama.com; (334) 242-3469, FALL SEASON DATES/HOURS:Nov. 20-28 and Dec. 11, 2022 to Jan. 1, 2023 only in Clarke, Clay, Covington, Monroe, Randolph, and Talladega counties; daylight hours, BAG LIMIT:One per day, four during combined fall and spring season, IS FALL WILD TURKEY HUNTING WITH DOGS ALLOWED? SMITH COLUMN:My turkey hunt required a new approach in 2020 so I found an alternative in the city. The landscape in Zone 4 begins to transition from largely agricultural to large swaths of unbroken timber. Although a few zones are already closed, most of Wisconsin (Zones 1 to 5) is still open for the fall turkey season. TURKEY REGISTRATION IS MANDATORY All harvested turkeys must be registered either online gamereg.wi.govor by phone at 844-426-3734 (844-GAME-REG) by 5 p.m. on the day after recovery. Turkey huntingis the second-most popular hunting opportunity in Wisconsin (behind deer hunting), attracting about 150,000 participants each spring. Much like Zone 2, a day spent covering ground in your vehicle can prove advantageous as the generally flat terrain with open crop fields keeps turkeys visible. "Last spring (2020) we were at the height of the safer-at-home order and many more hunters were available to hunt as there wasnt much else to do," Gerrits said. Never stalk a turkey, and don't try to approach closer than 100 yards to a gobbler. Here are the 2022 Wisconsin spring turkey dates: The application fee is only $3 for both resident and non-resident hunters. When asked where in the U.S. he'd prefer to hunt, former turkey calling champion Shane Simpson said, "The obvious choice for me would be Wisconsin. We essentially have no temporary and seasonal basins holding water on the landscape right now," saidMike Szymanski, NDGFD migratory game bird management supervisor. Possess a firearm, bow or crossbow during the spring turkey season without also possessing a turkey hunting license, stamp and valid, unused harvest authorization if you or a member of your hunting party posses a turkey decoy or calling device while afield. Hunting hours are half-hour before sunrise to halfhour after sunset. Anyone with a Class A, B, or C disabled permit is eligible to take part in the states Wild Turkey Hunt for People with Disabilities. BAG LIMIT:One turkey of either sex in the fall, DEADLINES FOR SPRING DRAWINGS:Estimated Feb. 1, check regulations, https://portal.ct.gov/DEEP/Hunting/Hunting-and-Trapping-Information; (860) 719-3152, FALL SEASON DATES:Archery: Sept. 15 to Dec. 31 (half-hour before sunrise to sunset) zones 11 and 12, archery season continues Jan. 1-31, 2023, tags and licenses for the following year are required, archery turkey season closes on state land from Nov. 16 to Dec. 20 (does not apply to bowhunting only areas); Firearms: Oct. 1-31, half-hour before sunrise to sunset, BAG LIMIT:Archery: two birds either sex; Firearms: three birds either sex; Applies to state, private or a combination of harvest, IS FALL WILD TURKEY HUNTING WITH DOGS ALLOWED? All registration is electronic and available 24 hours a day. Wisconsin's Mentored Hunting Program gives first time hunters the opportunity to try out the sport without first completing a hunter education course. For answers to frequently asked questions, visit the DNRs Turkey Hunting In Wisconsin webpage. Turkey stamps are $5.25. Wisconsin is without question one of the premier turkey hunting states in the Midwest and could be argued as a top state in the country. In zones 6 and 7, the season closes Nov. 19. Hunters will be given a harvest registration confirmation number for their records when registration is complete. Yes, but you may not hunt with a dog during the spring season. Time your shot on a calm, standing turkey in range. Thinking of taking to the Wisconsin Turkey woods this spring? Any permits left over after the lottery -- called bonus harvest authorizations -- go on sale over the counter on a first come, first serve basis until they're sold out. There are always leftover tags available, and the birds are hot. A mentor program in Wisconsin allows first-time hunters to try the sport for the first time. Fall turkey hunting in Wisconsin can be a great experience. Check regulations. Hunters killed more than 50,000 turkeys in the spring hunting seasons from 2007 to 2009, including a state record 52,880 in 2008. Turkey calls--cackles to yelps If you're spring hunting, there are a number of turkey calling devices you can use to make a turkey sound. Much of Zone 1 is heavy in agriculture on the tops and bottoms of the areas very hilly to bluffy terrain. Fall Turkey Harvest Numbers And Permit Sales Increased In 2020. Your arrow's broadhead should be turkey-specific for solid flight and serious cutting diameter. A youth may fill a harvest authorization valid for the zone in which they are hunting during the youth hunt, regardless of which time period the authorization is also valid for. Mallard numbers in North Dakota dropped 48% tothe lowest level since 1993. Turkey Hunting Regulations It is illegal to record or electronically amplify bird calls or sounds while hunting wild turkeys, or to possess any type of recording or electronic amplification device capable of recording or electronicating bird calls or sounds while hunting wild turkeys. While decoys are commonly found in fields, woods work well in conjunction with e-call, causing sound to resonate through the trees. Hours: halfhour before sunrise to sunset. MADISON, Wis. - More turkeys were harvested in 2020 than the previous year, according to new . . This past spring (2021), the Wisconsin DNR reported that Zone 3 saw the highest harvest success rate at 18.8% with just over 52,000 harvest authorizations sold and 9,847 birds reported. The balance of the kill ismostly 1-year-old males, or jakes. Both bearded hens and Toms are good game animals for hunters in the spring, while any bird of any sex is fair game in the fall. The increased kill came on a similarnumber of tags to those issued in 2021 and despite a late green-up and less than optimal weather in this year's early time periods, the DNR said. Registering your turkey harvest remains a critical component of wildlife population management. Without correction for nonparticipation by hunters who bought a license but did not pursue birds this spring, the 2022 statewide success rate was 17.7%, compared with 16.9% in 2021. The hunter must be accompanied by a licensed hunter, hunt within arms reach of their mentor and comply with all of the requirements under the Mentored Hunting Program. Zones 5, 6, and 7 see a huge drop off in total hunter numbers as these three zones that make up the northernmost parts of Wisconsin are certainly not traditional turkey country. The Wisconsin DNR reported that Zone 5 saw 11,999 harvest authorizations sold and 1,854 birds harvested. Subsequent trap-and-transfer work of the growing Wisconsin flock helped seed more areas of the state. Turkey Hunting Regulations. For more information on the turkey drawing, visit dnr.wi.gov, and search turkey questions., Bonus Fall or Spring Turkey Harvest Authorizations, Spring harvest authorizations that are not awarded through the drawing, as well as bonus fall harvest authorizations, will be sold at license sales locations and at gowild.wi.gov. FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Opens Sept. 1, closing dates vary by unit. Jump to your state using the first letter of your state's name. Wisconsin Hunting Turkey Hunting Seasons. Expansive agriculture with blocks of timber throughout that start to become more expansive as you get further north in the zone. Zone 4 will be in effect from August 1 to September 30. Fall firearms turkey hunting is not permitted in Dunklin, McDonald, Mississippi, New Madrid, Newton, Pemiscot and Scott counties. Shotgun - Shotguns 10-gauge or smaller; shells containing shot size 2 and smaller. Given this, Zone 5 has expansive chunks of public ground that may not look like traditional turkey habitat but certainly hold birds. Here's why alewife die-offs are a fact of life each summer, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. If you hunt with a bow, get the turkey even closer: 10- to 20-yard shots are ideal. 19-25 Apr. Hunters can purchase a turkey authorization through the Go Wild app. Hunting can take place during the early morning and late evening hours. BAG LIMIT:Varies, check regulations (idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-uplandturkey-2022-2023.pdf), DEADLINES FOR SPRING DRAWINGS:March 1, 2023. Now, back under My Layers, tap on Wisconsin to open all of Wisconsins layers, locate WI Hunt Zones and tap the subheading Layer Settings, then tap Turkey. You will now see the seven WI Turkey Zones highlighted throughout the state. If you want to hunt the early portions of the spring, submitting an application is paramount. Wild turkeys roamed much of Wisconsin in the 1800s, but overhunting and habitat loss left them virtually nonexistent in the state by 1871. The project was a partnership of the DNR, the Missouri Department of Conservation and the National Wild Turkey Federation. No, DEADLINE FOR SPRING DRAWINGS:Special Opportunity Areas (SOAs) limited quota hunts registration: Dec. 1-14.