Fall turkey season in Michigan is a special time for hunters across the state. Unlike the limited draw of spring season, fall turkey hunting is open to all – no application required! Read on as I break down everything you need to know about hunting fall turkeys in Michigan including season dates, permits, top tips for a successful hunt, and more.
Overview of Fall Turkey Season in Michigan
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources regulates fall turkey season each year Below are key dates and info
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Season Dates: Fall turkey season runs for 2 months from mid-September to mid-November annually. In 2023, the dates are September 15th – November 14th.
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Bag Limit: Hunters can harvest 1 turkey of either sex during fall season.
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License No application is needed for fall turkey You simply need to purchase a turkey license along with a base license
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Permits: Along with your license, you’ll need to tag your turkey upon harvest with a fall turkey permit.
Scouting for Fall Turkeys
Scouting areas before the season is crucial to locate flocks of turkeys and patterns their movements. Here are effective scouting tactics:
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Look for signs: Scan for tracks, droppings, feathers, dusting areas, etc. This helps pinpoint where turkeys are located.
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Locate roosting areas: Turkeys roost in trees at night and fly down at dawn. Finding roosts will allow you to set up nearby.
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Use locators: Online tools like the HuntStand app can identify public land turkey activity.
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Pattern movements: Note turkey routes between food and roosting areas to ambush along trails.
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Avoid over-scouting: Don’t scout the exact area right before your hunt which can spook birds away.
Fall Turkey Hunting Tips and Tactics
Below are proven tips for harvesting a fall turkey:
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Use decoys and calls: Setting up hen decoys combined with calling can draw in curious gobblers. Practice your clucks, purrs and yelps.
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Sit still: Once set up, avoid excessive movement and stay quiet to not alert birds.
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Be patient: It may take hours for a turkey to finally approach so be prepared to sit for a while.
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Watch your scent: Make sure to play the wind right and use scent blockers to avoid detection.
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Be ready to shoot: Have your shotgun ready and safety off when a bird starts approaching. Turkeys can spot movement fast!
Choosing the Right Firearm and Ammo
The right gear will lead to a clean, ethical harvest:
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Shotgun: A 12 or 20 gauge shotgun is best. Tight chokes like full or extra full are recommended.
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Ammo: For turkeys, #4, #5 or #6 lead or copper plated lead shot works well. Nontoxic ammo is required on some public lands.
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Patterns: Test various ammo brands at turkey head distances to find the tightest patterns.
Proper patterning and having your firearm well-sighted in is a must. Practice at the range regularly to ensure accuracy.
Tips for Processing and Cooking Fall Turkey
Once you’ve harvested your bird, here are tips for processing and cooking:
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Field dress: Remove intestines, crop and other inedibles shortly after harvest.
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Age the meat: Hang whole turkey in fridge for 1-2 weeks at 40°F to tenderize meat.
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Portioning: Cut into breasts, legs, thighs, wings, etc. Freeze portions in sealed bags.
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Brining: Soak turkey overnight in a saltwater brine to retain moisture for cooking.
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Cooking methods: Roast whole, smoke portions, deep fry, make ground turkey, etc. Get creative!
Enjoy your seasoned fall turkey on the grill, in chili, sandwiches, casseroles and more. Nothing beats a meal featuring your own wild harvest.
Don’t Miss Michigan’s Exciting Fall Turkey Hunting
Fall turkey season gives Michigan hunters a great opportunity with relatively mild regulations. Just purchase a license and permits, scout ahead of time and use smart tactics when hunting. Before you know it, you’ll have a plump bird for the freezer. Wishing you success this fall season!
Fall turkey hunting season dates and license quotas
Fall turkey licenses are valid for specific areas and hunting dates. In many fall turkey management units (TMUs), license availability is subject to a license quota.
What type of lands can I hunt with a general license? The fall turkey general licenses are valid on all public and private lands within the TMU.
| TMU | Season dates | License quota | Hunt number |
|---|---|---|---|
| G | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 200 | 0401 |
| GB | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 250 | 0402 |
| GC | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 200 | 0403 |
| J | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 1,500 | 0404 |
| L | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 500 | 0405 |
| M | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 1,500 | 0406 |
| T | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 200 | 0407 |
| W | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 200 | 0408 |
| WA | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 100 | 0409 |
If I get a private-land-only license, are there any exceptions that allow hunting on public land?
Private-land-only licenses can only be used on private land within the TMU. You must have permission from the landowner. Private-land-only licenses are not valid on county, state or federal lands. Exception: Licenses valid for Unit YY can be used to hunt Fort Custer military lands with permission.
| TMU | Season dates | License quota | Hunt number |
|---|---|---|---|
| HA | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 1,700 | 0410 |
| YY | Sept. 15 – Nov. 14 | 45,000 | 0501 |
What area does management unit YY cover?
Unit YY for fall turkey encompasses Beaver Island and private lands in southern Michigan, excluding Wayne and Monroe counties.
When Is Michigan Turkey Season? – The Midwest Guru
FAQ
What are the dates for fall turkey hunting in Michigan?
- Spring turkey season: Apr. 20 to Jun. 7, 2024. Bag Limit: one bearded turkey.
- Fall turkey season: Sept. 15 – Nov. 14, 2024. Bag limit: one turkey (any sex)
- Spring turkey application period: Jan. 1 – Feb. 1, 2024.
How much is a fall turkey license in Michigan?
Applications can be purchased for $5 online at eLicense or anywhere DNR licenses are sold. Review the season regulations and hunting details at Michigan.gov/Turkey or download an electronic copy of the Fall Turkey Digest to your phone and carry it with you wherever you go.
How many fall turkeys can you shoot in Michigan?
How many turkeys can I harvest with a fall turkey license? You can harvest one turkey (any sex) per fall turkey license.
What day does fall turkey season start?
When Does the Turkey Season Open In California? The Californian Department of Fish and Wildlife manages the turkey season and population. The season is categorized into spring and fall, with additional subcategories in the spring season. The fall season runs from November 11 to December 10.
What does fall turkey hunting mean in Michigan?
As the leaves turn vibrant shades of red, orange, and gold, and the crisp autumn breeze whispers through the trees, it can only mean one thing – fall turkey hunting season in Michigan is just around the corner. The anticipation builds as hunters gear up to embark on an adventure filled with excitement, challenge, and potential glory.
Where can I find the Michigan fall turkey hunting regulations?
Learn how to apply and find season regulations in the Michigan Fall Turkey Hunting Regulations Summary at Michigan.gov/Turkey or view the summary in the DNR Hunt Fish app to carry it with you wherever you go. If there are questions, call 517-284-9453 or email [email protected].
What to do during fall turkey season in Michigan?
4. Master Your Calling A well-executed turkey call can be your ticket to success during fall turkey season in Michigan. Prioritize practicing different calls and mastering various vocalizations like yelps, clucks, purrs, and cutting sounds.
Why should you visit Michigan during fall turkey season?
Michigan’s fall turkey season perfectly aligns with this captivating ambiance, providing avid hunters with an exciting challenge and a chance to witness the spectacle up close. Venturing into the woods during this time offers an enthralling experience that combines elements of strategy, skill, and appreciation for nature.
What is fall turkey hunting?
Fall turkey hunting allows the DNR to stabilize or reduce turkey numbers in certain areas of the state to meet local goals based on habitat conditions and public attitudes. To help reach these goals, hunters are encouraged to harvest female turkeys during the fall season and are able harvest more than one bird.
Is turkey hunting legal in Michigan?
In addition to the season dates, bag limits, and licensing procedures, there are several important regulations pertaining to turkey hunting in Michigan. Baiting: It is illegal to use bait to aid in the taking of a wild turkey. Baiting includes placing, depositing, tending, or scattering of bait to lure or attract wild turkeys.