When to Get Ready: Turkey Season Opening Dates in Wisconsin

For many hunters in Wisconsin, spring turkey season is a highly anticipated tradition. The excitement starts building early as you gather gear, scout properties, and apply for your turkey tag. But when exactly does turkey season open up in the Badger State?

I’ll cover all the key dates for Wisconsin’s spring and fall turkey seasons Read on to find out when you can finally head to the field and start your turkey hunt.

Overview of Turkey Seasons in Wisconsin

Wisconsin offers both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons annually

The spring turkey season opens up in mid-April and runs through late May It’s divided into different 7-day time periods across 7 turkey zones

The fall turkey season runs from mid-September through January depending on the zone. The season dates and bag limits differ from the spring hunt.

Specific opening days vary every year, so be sure to check the current DNR regulations. But this guide will walk through what you need to know about timing for both spring and fall turkey in Wisconsin.

When Spring Turkey Season Starts

The opening day of Wisconsin’s spring turkey hunt is highly variable depending on your zone and time period. But some key dates can help you plan.

• Early April – Spring turkey license sales open. Apply early because licenses can sell out.

• Mid April – The first time periods open in certain zones, marking start of spring season.

• Late May – The last time periods close, wrapping up the spring season.

Spring turkey is carefully regulated through a permit drawing system. Hunters must apply by December 10 each year for a zone-specific harvest authorization.

If drawn, you can hunt your authorized zone during a 7-day window between mid-April and late-May. Unfilled permits go on sale as bonus tags starting in March.

So opening day really depends on which zone and period you draw. But the first hunters generally take the field around the second week of April.

Youth Turkey Hunt Dates

Wisconsin also hosts a special youth-only hunt before the regular spring season. In 2023, the youth turkey hunt will be:

• April 15-16 – Spring youth turkey hunt weekend

This gives young hunters a chance to get out before the more competitive main season. Youth under 16 must be accompanied by an adult mentor.

Fall Turkey Season Opening Dates

The fall turkey season in Wisconsin looks quite different than spring.

• Mid September – Fall turkey licenses go on sale in August. Opening day is in September for most zones.

• January – Fall turkey can run through early January depending on the zone.

• Zone-Specific – Fall season dates differ across the 7 turkey zones. Check regulations.

Rather than a drawing, the DNR issues one fall tag per license. Hunters choose their preferred zone during purchase.

So you can start fall turkey hunting as soon as the season opens in your zone, unlike the spring permit system. Just buy your license and tag when they go on sale in August.

Register for Spring Permits Early

To hunt spring turkeys in Wisconsin, you’ll need:

• Spring turkey hunting license
• Wild turkey stamp
• Harvest authorization for your zone-period combination

Be sure to register for the drawing by December 10 to get your zone-specific spring harvest permit. Then you’ll be ready to hunt as soon as your time period opens in April or May.

I recommend applying for multiple zones and periods to increase your chances if drawn. See the DNR website for details on the spring permit process.

Don’t wait until the last minute to buy your license and stamp either. Approvals often sell out early before opening day.

Buy a Fall License and Tag

When fall turkey rolls around, you can easily get your license, stamp, and tag in one purchase.

Fall turkey licenses go on sale in August each year. I recommend buying early once they become available.

With your fall tag, you can hunt your chosen zone for the entire fall season. No drawings or time periods to deal with.

Be sure to review the season dates and bag limits, as they differ from spring. Then you’ll be set to start hunting opening day.

Check Regulations Before Heading Out

Turkey seasons, zones, and regulations change yearly in Wisconsin. So it’s essential to review the DNR’s current hunting regulations before any hunt.

Key items to verify before opening day include:

• Season dates for your zone
• Shooting hours
• Bag limits
• Tagging requirements
• Harvest registration rules

You can find the official DNR turkey hunting regulations online or pick up a printed guide. This will ensure you hunt legally and avoid issues.

Get Ready Before the Season Starts

I like to spend the months leading up to opening day preparing for a successful turkey hunt.

Here are some tips:

• Scout prospective hunting properties well in advance
• Sight in your shotgun, bow, or other firearms
• Practice your turkey calling techniques
• Check your camo and gear to refresh anything worn or damaged
• Stalk flocks to pattern turkey movement and habits
• Ask landowners for permission to access private lands

Doing your homework improves your odds when that first morning finally arrives.

The Countdown is On!

Waiting for turkey season to start in Wisconsin can feel like an eternity. But knowing the opening dates helps build excitement through the winter.

Be sure to apply for spring permits, buy fall tags, review regulations, scout properties, and sharpen your skills. Before you know it, early April will be here and the 2023 turkey season will commence!