Turkey hunting continues to grow in popularity across the U.S. But to hunt safely and legally, it’s crucial to know the regulations, including whether a shotgun plug is required. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about turkey hunting plugs.
Overview of Turkey Hunting Plug Regulations
The main regulation around shotgun plugs for turkey hunting is
- Federal law mandates shotguns must be plugged to a 3-shell capacity when turkey hunting. This applies in all states.
Some key facts on turkey hunting plugs
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The plug limits the shotgun to 2 shells in the magazine, 1 in the chamber
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Plugs are not needed for bows, muzzleloaders, rifles, or handguns.
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The restriction helps prevent overharvest and ensures fairer hunting.
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All hunters must comply, regardless of age or license type.
Failing to use a plug carries penalties like fines, license revocation, and even jail time. Understanding the regulations is crucial for legal and ethical turkey hunting.
Why Plugs are Required for Turkey Hunting
There are several reasons plugs are mandatory for shotguns during turkey season:
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Prevents quickly firing multiple shots, helping control overharvest.
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Promotes fairer hunting by restricting rapid fire capabilities.
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Allows more hunters to hunt sustainably without wiping out local populations.
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Discourages unsafe behaviors like multiple rapid shots at movement in dense vegetation.
The 3-shot plug requirement balances hunting access with conservation of wild turkey populations.
What Type of Plug is Needed?
Turkey hunting regulations don’t specify a certain type of plug, as long as it effectively limits the magazine capacity to 2 shells. Common options include:
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Wooden dowels
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Rubber, plastic, or metal rods
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Commercial plug kits
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Permanent magazine restrictors
Any device that doesn’t allow more than 2 shells in the magazine is legal. Be sure it cannot be removed easily.
Where to Buy Turkey Hunting Plugs
Turkey hunting plugs are available at:
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Sporting goods stores with hunting/firearm sections
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Major outdoor retailers like Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shops
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Gun shops or ranges
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Online retailers like Amazon or hunting accessory sites
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Direct from commercial plug manufacturers
Be sure to get the right plug for your specific shotgun model. Bring your shotgun if buying in person to test fit.
Tips for Installing a Turkey Hunting Plug
Follow these tips when installing your shotgun plug:
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Carefully read your shotgun’s manual for proper plug instructions.
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Make sure the shotgun is unloaded when inserting the plug.
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Insert snugly so it can’t be removed without a tool. Friction fit alone is not sufficient.
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Consider adding glue or epoxy if plug seems loose. Don’t permanently modify magazine.
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Test cycle the shotgun’s action and try inserting dummy shells to confirm modified capacity.
A proper fitting, securely installed plug will ensure compliance and prevent violations.
Exceptions to the Turkey Hunting Plug Rule
The main exception is that plugs are not required when hunting turkeys with:
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Archery equipment like bows or crossbows
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Muzzleloader shotguns
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Rifles or handguns (where allowed)
But any hunter using a conventional shotgun must use a plug, no exceptions. This includes youth hunters.
Turkey Hunting Plug Regulations by State
Turkey hunting shotgun plug regulations are set at the federal level. This means the 3-shell plug rule applies consistently across all states.
However, some states may have additional restrictions like:
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Only allowing certain shotgun gauges
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Restricting magazine capacity further than 3 shells
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Not allowing rifles, handguns, or crossbows
Always check your state’s regulations for any extra rules beyond the federal plug requirement. But the 3-shell plug mandate applies nationwide.
Penalties for Hunting Turkeys Without a Plug
Consequences for hunting turkeys with an unplugged shotgun include:
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Fines up to hundreds or thousands of dollars
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Multi-year loss of hunting privileges
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Jail time in some cases
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Mandatory gun safety education
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Forfeiture of firearms, other equipment used
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Community service
Penalties vary by state but are universally strict due to the safety issues and potential for turkey population impacts.
Turkey Hunting Plug Takeaways
The key points to remember are:
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Federal law mandates 3-shell plugs for turkey hunting shotguns
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Allows 2 shells in magazine, 1 in chamber
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Required for ethical hunting and conservation
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No exceptions for youth or bowhunters using shotguns
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Strict penalties for violations
Understanding and following shotgun plug regulations is crucial for legal, responsible turkey hunting. Be sure to properly install a plug before heading out to hunt turkeys.
No lottery for Mille Lacs
Mille Lacs WMA hunters should not partipate in the Season A permit lottery. All seasons (A-F) in that WMA are open to the public.
Do you have a question about the turkey hunting season? Take the time to review our season questions and answers.
|
Season |
Dates |
|---|---|
|
WMA lottery deadline |
Feb. 21 |
|
Youth season |
April 16-May 31 |
|
Archery season |
April 16-May 31 |
|
A |
April 16-22 |
|
B |
April 23-29 |
|
C |
April 30-May 6 |
|
D |
May 7-13 |
|
E |
May 14-20 |
|
F |
May 21-31 |
|
Future lottery deadlines |
Future season dates |
- Wild turkeys must be registered within 24 hours of harvest.
- You may register by three methods: at a registration station, by calling 888-706-6367 or online.
- The feathers, head, and feet must remain on the wild turkey until it is registered. Once registered turkeys may be transported with just a fully feathered attached wing, or an intact leg and foot.
- No person may possess an unregistered wild turkey outside the wild turkey permit area where the bird was taken unless it is being transported in a direct route to a registration station.
- Although hunters are not restricted to a permit area, hunters who register a turkey will be required to provide the permit area where they harvested their bird.
- One bearded bird in the spring.
- Archery-only license holders may use crossbows.
- The tag provided with the license must be punched with the date of the kill and attached to the wild turkey immediately after taking the bird. The tag must remain attached to the bird during transit.
- The license stock (blue in color) has an eyelet hole (upper middle of each license square) that must be used to tie to the turkey leg. All hunters must carry a string or wire to attached turkey tag to leg.
- A licensed wild turkey hunter may assist another turkey hunter but may not shoot or tag a turkey for another hunter.
- An unlicensed adult age 18 or older may assist a licensed wild turkey hunter. The unlicensed adult may not shoot or possess a firearm or bow while assisting a hunter and may not charge a fee for the assistance.
- Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
- Firearms
- A person may only use shotguns 10 gauge or smaller, including muzzle-loading shotguns.
- Only shot size No. 4 or smaller (sizes 4, 5, 6, 7½, etc.) may be used.
- Red dot scopes and range finders are legal.
- Bows & arrows
- Bows must have a pull of no less than 30 pounds at or before full draw.
- A person may use a mechanical device attached to the bowstring if the person’s own strength draws and holds the bowstring.
- Arrowheads must have at least two metal cutting edges of barbless design at least 7/8 inch in diameter, or must be of a blunt head design.
- Expandable arrowheads must be at least 7/8 of an inch at or after impact and must be barbless.
- No person may use an arrow that is poisoned or has an explosive tip.
- Crossbows can be used
- By any person using a valid firearms or archery license during the spring wild turkey season.
- General restrictions
- No person may be accompanied by a dog while hunting or assisting in hunting wild turkeys.
- Wild turkeys may not be taken with the aid of any electronic device, except red dot scopes, rangefinders and devices designed to enhance hearing may be used.
- Live turkey decoys are prohibited.
- Hunters may not possess any firearms or bow and arrow except those defined as legal for taking wild turkeys. This does not apply to firearms authorized under the Minnesota Personal Protection Act.
- Hunting with aid of bait or feed prohibited
Do you value strong connections to your outdoors and the food you eat? Are you looking for a new way to interact with the fields, woods, and waters around you?
Then check out the virtual turkey hunting classes we conducted this spring and our how to turkey hunt guide.
Hunting is only one aspect of the DNRs effort to manage wild turkeys for the public trust. We are committed to socially and ecologically responsive and responsible wild turkey management for the benefit of all Minnesotans now and into the future. Visit our wild turkey management page to learn about the many things we do to manage eastern wild turkeys.
Turkey Hunting – Basic Gear | WHAT YOU NEED!
FAQ
Do you need a plug for turkey?
This means that you will not need a converter or transformer but just a travel adaptor, because Turkey operates on a 230V supply voltage, which is within the …
What do I need for turkey hunting?
Must-have items include a hunting license, a turkey tag, and any other documents required by the state you are hunting in. Additionally, you will need a shotgun (or bow), ammunition, camouflage clothing, a comfortable pair of boots, and a turkey call.
Do you need a shotgun plug for hunting?
No. The plug is usually only required for bird hunting when you are limited to just three shells total without reloading. I was told growing up that plugs are in the shotguns to keep hunters from wounding birds at long distances after missing them up close.
Do I need a choke for turkey hunting?
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Tighter constriction:Compared to other chokes, turkey chokes have a tighter constriction to create a denser shot pattern, increasing the chances of hitting vital areas on the bird.
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Ethical hunting:A good turkey choke allows for a cleaner kill by delivering more pellets to the target, even at further distances.
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Pattern testing:Always pattern your shotgun with different turkey loads and chokes to find the best combination for your specific setup.
What type of plug does Turkey use?
For Turkey, there are two associated plug types: type C and type F. Turkey operates on a 220V supply voltage and 50Hz. In Turkey the power sockets used are of type C and type F. Use the photo below to help identify the right plug and socket. Plug adapters are the interfaces between the American flat-pronged plug and Turkey’s two round-prong socket.
Do I need a plug adapter for a Turkey electrical outlet?
You’ll probably also need a plug adapter for a Turkey electrical outlet. Most travelers today have more than one or two electronic devices to charge in their hotel rooms: mobile phones, digital cameras, computers or tablets, electric toothbrushes.
Is turkey hunting gear necessary?
Whether or not you need turkey hunting gear depends on your hunting strategy. If you prefer waiting a tom out, you might not mind lugging a ton of equipment into the woods. But if you plan to run and gun, packing light is the way to go. Ultimately, the gear you need for turkey hunting varies widely.
Do you need a shotgun plug?
For many hunters, this fall will be their first year out on the water or in the dove fields. They’ve got their camo, their decoys, and their guns, but federal law requires an alteration to most shotguns, a shotgun plug. Plugs are used in shotguns to limit the capacity of a tube magazine.
Can you buy a shotgun without a plug?
Some of these states have shotgun capacity limits for ownership, which means all legal shotguns in the state must comply, hunting or otherwise. Thankfully, the typical pump or auto-loader shotgun has a capacity of only four or five rounds anyway, so most shotguns on the shelf will meet these requirements without a plug.