Can You Hunt Turkey From a Tree Stand? A Complete Guide

Turkey hunting season is an exciting time of year for many hunters After months of preparation and scouting, the opening day finally arrives As you head out to your favorite turkey spot, an important question comes to mind – can you hunt turkeys effectively from a tree stand?

Tree stands provide hunters with an elevated vantage point and can be a useful tool for turkey hunting. However, there are some important factors to consider before heading up a tree in pursuit of spring gobblers. In this complete guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons, tips, safety considerations, and more when it comes to hunting turkeys from tree stands.

Overview of Hunting Turkeys From Tree Stands

While most turkey hunters opt for ground blinds or natural cover when going after spring gobblers hunting from tree stands certainly has its benefits. Here’s a quick overview of the pros and cons

Pros:

Elevated vantage point allows you to see and hear approaching turkeys from further away
Being above ground level can help conceal your scent and movements
Provides a good angle for shooting down on turkeys
Removes you from eye level of turkeys compared to ground hunting

Cons

Turkeys have excellent vision and can easily spot unnatural shapes and movement in trees
Restricts mobility compared to still hunting on the ground
Increased risk of injury from falls – safety harnesses are a must
Shooting angles can be more difficult compared to ground level

So while tree stands have their advantages, it’s clear that hunting turkeys from above comes with its own set of challenges. Hunters must plan and prepare accordingly to find success.

Tips for Hunting Turkeys From Tree Stands

If you decide to hunt turkeys from an elevated perch, here are some tips to improve your chances:

Pick the right tree: Look for a straight, sturdy tree that allows for plenty of cover. Stay away from trees grouped close together.
Set up early: Get your tree stand set up well before the hunt, preferably the day before opening day. This prevents spooking birds with noises from setting up.
Use a blind: A blind on your platform or built into your tree can greatly conceal movement that turkeys can easily spot.
Consider a decoy: Place a decoy within view to catch the eye of gobblers and pull them closer to your stand.
Pack patience: Be prepared to sit for hours waiting for a gobbler to finally commit. Avoid excess movement and noise.
Practice shooting: Spend time at the range from elevated platforms to simulate tree stand shots at turkeys. Prepare for angles.
Play the wind: Make sure you’re positioned downwind of suspected turkey travel corridors.
Be safe: Always use a fall restraint harness and follow the manufacturer’s safety guidelines. Your safety is paramount.

Best Types of Tree Stands for Turkeys

All tree stands are not created equal when it comes to turkey hunting. Some types work better than others for pursuing spring gobblers. Here are the best options to consider:

Ladder Stands – Ladder stands provide a fixed position and are easy to get into quietly. They offer a stable platform for bowhunting turkeys.
Hang-On Stands – Lightweight hang-on stands allow you to choose the perfect tree in a location. With a climbing system, you can get in and out quickly and quietly.
Box Blinds – While not a true “stand,” box blinds offer ample concealment around the hunter for stealthy bowhunting.

Many hunters prefer to avoid climbing stands, as ascending the tree can make too much noise and spook wily gobblers below. Ladder stands and box blinds allow the quietest option for getting set up.

No matter the type of elevated platform you choose, the most important factor is finding a location that gives you the best chance to intercept turkey traffic while keeping hidden.

Safety Considerations When Using Tree Stands

Hunting from an elevated perch always requires extra safety precautions. Here are some key safety tips for using tree stands for turkeys:

Always wear a fall-arrest system (safety harness) attached to the tree from the moment you leave the ground.
Inspect tree stand straps and platforms for wear/damage before the season. Replace worn parts.
Carefully follow manufacturer instructions for set up and use of your specific tree stand.
Choose healthy trees that can support your weight and are straight. Avoid leaning or damaged trees.
Clear shooting lanes of all limbs and obstructions to ensure clear, safe shots at all times.
Use a haul line to raise and lower unloaded guns or bows. Never climb in or out with them in hand.
Take it slow and always maintain three points of contact when climbing in or out of stands.
Let someone know your exact location and when you plan to return from the hunt.

Prioritizing safety is a must for hunters who choose the aerial option for hunting turkeys in the spring. With caution and proper preparation, tree stands can be very effective with minimal risk.

Alternatives to Traditional Tree Stands

Beyond upright tree stands, there are a couple modern alternatives that offer the advantages of getting above ground while being safer and easier to use:

Saddle Hunting – With lightweight, ergonomic saddles that allow free standing on branches, you can easily move along limbs and reposition as needed.
Hang-On Pods – Compact pods allow you to hang from tree limbs in a seated position. You’re ready to shoot quickly after hanging.

Both saddle hunting and hang-on pods allow hunters to be highly mobile and adjustable while up a tree. For turkey hunters who want to be able to reposition and quickly adapt as birds move, these alternatives are worth considering.

Final Thoughts on Hunting Turkeys From Trees

While most turkey hunters traditionally opt for ground blinds when targeting spring gobblers, hunting from tree stands can definitely be an effective technique if done properly. The elevated perch allows concealed visibility on approaching birds.

However, turkeys have incredibly sharp vision and tree stands come with inherent safety risks to manage as well. Choosing the right stand type, preparing shooting lanes, and always using fall restraints are critical. With adequate planning and caution, tree stands can be a great tool for bowhunters and firearm hunters alike when targeting spring gobblers. As with any hunting strategy, scouting specific spots, being adaptable, and using your best judgement will be key for success.

can you hunt turkey from a tree stand

Using spur length to age a turkey

Spur length (in.)	Curvature	Sharpness	Age of gobbler
Less than 0.5â	None	Rounded	Younger than 1 year
0.5â to 1â	Straight	Blunt	1 to 2 years
1â to 1.25â	Slightly curved	Pointed	2 to 3 years
Over 1.25â	Curved	Sharp	Older than 3 years

2024 spring turkey hunts

General licenses

What type of land can I hunt with a general license?

The general licenses listed below are valid on all public and private land within the unit.

TMU	Season dates	License quota	Hunt number
A	April 20 â May 3	5,500	0101
B	April 20 â May 3	1,000	0102
E	April 20 â May 3	1,700	0103
F	April 20 â May 3	5,000	0105
J	April 20 â May 3	4,000	0107
K	April 20â26	4,000	0108
K	April 27 â May 3	4,500	0109
M	April 20 â May 31	6,000	0110
ZA	April 20â26 and June 1â7	1,200	0111
ZA	April 27 â May 10	1,800	0112
ZA	May 11â31	1,800	0113
ZB	April 20â26 and June 1â7	650	0115
ZB	April 27 â May 10	975	0116
ZB	May 11â31	975	0117
ZC	April 20â26 and June 1â7	600	0119
ZC	April 27 â May 10	900	0120
ZC	May 11â31	900	0121
ZD	April 20â26 and June 1â7	10	0123
ZD	April 27 â May 10	15	0124
ZD	May 11â31	15	0125
ZE	April 20â26 and June 1â7	500	0127
ZE	April 27 â May 10	750	0128
ZE	May 11â31	750	0129
ZF	April 20â26 and June 1â7	1,300	0131
ZF	April 27 â May 11	1,300	0132
ZF	May 11â31	3,000	0133

If I get a private-land-only license, are there any exceptions that allow hunting on public land?

The private-land-only license, Hunt 0301 (Unit ZZ), can only be used on private land, with permission from the landowner. Hunt0301 (Unit ZZ) is not valid on county, state or federal lands. Exception: Licenses valid for Hunt 0301 (Unit ZZ) can be used tohunt Fort Custer military lands with permission.

TMU	Season dates	License quota	Hunt number
ZZ	April 20 â May 31	50,000	0301

What is Hunt 0234?

Hunt 0234 is a statewide, guaranteed spring turkey license that does not require an application in the drawing.

Where can I hunt with a Hunt 0234 license?

With the Hunt 0234 license, you can hunt on:

Both public and private lands in the Upper Peninsula (Unit M) and in the northern Lower Peninsula (Units A, B, E, F, Jand K).
Private land only in the southern Lower Peninsula (Unit ZZ).
Fort Custer military lands with permission.

When can I purchase a Hunt 0234 license?

You can purchase a Hunt 0234 license when leftover licenses go on sale March 25 at 10 a.m. EST. This license has no quota andcan be purchased throughout the entire spring turkey hunting season.

Can I purchase a Hunt 0234 license in addition to a private-land-only license or a general license?

No. You can only purchase one spring turkey license.

TMU	Season dates	License quota	Hunt number
Statewide	May 4â31	None	0234

Licenses by age	Age: up to 9	Junior age: 10-16	Resident age: 17-64	Resident senior age: 65+	Nonresident* age: 17+
Mentored youth license	$7.50	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Application for license drawing	N/A	$5	$5	$5	$5
Base license	N/A	$6	$11	$5	$151
Spring turkey license	N/A	$15	$15	$6	$15
DNR Sportcard	$1	$1	$1	$1	$1

*Nonresidents under 17 years old may purchase a resident base license.

Resident active-duty U.S. military personnel and Michigan veterans with disabilities Resident active-duty military personnel and residentveterans with a 100% disability rating can obtain a leftover spring turkey license, if available, free of charge beginning March 25. Licenses are fullprice for those who apply for a license and are selected in the drawing.

I was selected for a license. Where can I purchase my license?

You can purchase your spring turkey license at any license agent, online at

Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

I was selected in the drawing, but cannot purchase my license. Why not?

A base license is required for everyonewho hunts in Michigan. While an application can be purchased prior to obtaining a base license, you must purchase a 2024 base license before you can purchase a spring turkey license.

When can I purchase a 2024 base license?

The 2024 base license will be available for purchase from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, beginning March 1, 2024.

What is a kill tag?

A kill tag is a license that must be affixed to a harvested wild turkey. You cannot harvest a wild turkey without the physical kill tagin your possession. Harvest information must be recorded as indicated on the kill tag (date of harvest, sex of animal, etc.). Seethe Validating harvest section for more information.

I purchased my spring turkey license online. When will I get my kill tag?

If you purchased your spring turkey license online, your kill tag will be mailed to you seven to 10 business days after yourpurchase.

Can I purchase more than one spring turkey license?

No. You cannot purchase more than one spring turkey hunting license per year.

Do I have to carry my spring turkey license when hunting?

Yes. You must carry your spring turkey license and the identification used to purchase that license and present both upondemand of a Michigan conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer when hunting.

Are there always leftover licenses available?

There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit, except Hunt 0234, which has no quota.

When can I purchase a leftover license if I was unsuccessful in the drawing?

If any licenses remain after the drawing and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover spring turkey license ona first-come, first-served basis for a one-week period beginning March 18 at 10 a.m. EST.

When can I purchase a leftover license if I didnât apply in the drawing?

If any licenses remain as of March 25 at 10 a.m. EST and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover springturkey license on a first-come, first- served basis.

How do I purchase a leftover license?

A leftover spring turkey license can be purchased, if available, from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses orthrough the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app is available for download at the Google Play Store orthe Apple App Store.

How many leftover licenses can I purchase?

You can purchase only one spring turkey license.

What is a base apprentice hunting license?

A base apprentice hunting license allows anyone at least 10 years old who does not have a hunter safety certificate to hunt duringthe current hunting seasons with a qualified mentor. An apprentice hunter may purchase this license for two license years before they must complete a hunter safety course. Complete information about the apprentice hunting license can be found in the Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary or online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.

As an apprentice hunter, can I apply for the drawing?

Yes. You can apply for a spring turkey license in the drawing if you are an

As an apprentice hunter, can I purchase a spring turkey license?

Yes. If you have a current base apprentice hunting license, you can purchase a spring turkey license awarded in the drawing or aleftover spring turkey license, if available.

Does my accompanying hunter need to have a spring turkey license for the same unit and hunt period as me?

For hunting turkey, your accompanying hunter needs a current-year spring turkey license, but it does not have to be for the same management unit or season dates as your spring turkey license.

What is the Mentored Youth Hunting Program?

The Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt with a mentor who is at least 21 years old, has hunting experience and has a valid Michigan hunting license other than an apprentice license.

What can mentored youth hunt with their license?

The mentored youth license is a âpackageâ license to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trapfurbearers, and fish for all species. Additional restrictions apply; complete program details can be found in the Michigan Hunting Regulations Summary or online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.

Iâm a mentored youth hunter. How many turkeys can I kill in the spring, and where can I hunt?

As a mentored youth hunter, you get one spring turkey kill tag, which is valid for one bearded turkey in any open spring turkeyhunt unit on public or private land.

As a mentored youth hunter, can I apply for the spring turkey license?

No. You will receive one spring turkey kill tag with your mentored youth license. All

hunters are allowed only one spring turkey kill tag.

As a mentored youth hunter, do I need an application for the mentored youth license?

No. An application is not required for the mentored youth license.

Turkey From The Tree Stand | How To Hunt Turkey

FAQ

Can you shoot a turkey from a treestand?

So, turkeys rarely will look-up. But hunting from an elevated platform like a tree stand is a two-edged sword. Yes, you’re above the turkey, and they don’t look for danger coming from the sky. The problem is you have less cover than if you’re hunting from the ground.

Is it illegal to shoot a turkey off the roost?

(Be sure to check current ammo regulations.) True enough, you can legally shoot a turkey off the roost in some states, while in others you’ll lose your license privileges for it. Right here is where some might interject the idea that just because it’s legal doesn’t make it ethical or sporting.

Can you shoot a turkey roosting in a tree?

Is it Legal to Hunt the Roost? This is the first and most important question you should ask, and the answer is easy: Check your state’s or province’s hunting regulations. I know of nowhere that it is illegal to set up near or even under a roost for a morning hunt as long as you don’t shoot before legal shooting hours.

Is it better to hunt in a tree stand?

Yes, tree stands are effective to hunt from, but if proper procedures and best practices aren’t followed, climbing up into a tree does come with elevated risks.

What is a good ambush site for turkeys?

Wooded cover between roost trees and feeding areas are also good ambush sites, particularly if there are any hawthorn, crabapple, or similar fruit trees. Many fall turkey crops have been full of small apples or fruits after shooting them.

How do you hunt a Turkey in the fall?

Most people associate hunting turkeys with ground blinds, and that is definitely the most common approach. In the fall, many people also choose a run and scatter tactic, which can use the bird’s confusion to bring them right back in for a shot.

What are the best stands for turkeys?

If you don’t have some existing ladder stands or pre-hung lock on stands, your best bet is to choose mobile stands (i.e., lock on stands). That way, you can adjust your location easily depending on where the turkeys are or are not.

Do turkeys like tree stands?

But in most cases and places, people already have tree stands in place for deer hunting throughout the fall, which means turkeys are used to seeing them. Why not use them? Generally, they are also already very concealed and located on food plots or good travel routes, which are good spots for turkeys as we’ll discuss below.

How do I hunt a Turkey?

For hunting a Turkey, a sharp knife is sufficient. You will also need nice medical hand gloves for hygiene and disposable aid during the process. Here’s how to do it:

Is it permissible to hunt from a tree stand?

If the ground cover is too heavy with palmettos, hollies, or other evergreen cover, it’s best to hunt from a tree stand due to limited vision. The main green cover on Brush’s farm is cedars and a few hollies; on Mann’s property in east-central Alabama, it’s palmettos, magnolias, young pines, and cedars.