Update: The Wisconsin Turkey Draw for 2025 spring season tags is now closed. You can still secure Bonus authorization (leftover) tags, which we detail below. If you missed the draw you can start tracking your hunt deadlines for free with OnPoint – never miss an application! Available on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Wisconsin offers tremendous turkey hunting opportunities to sportsmen, both in quality and quantity. Both spring and fall hunting seasons are available, with the spring being the most sought after. Residents and nonresidents acquire tags in the same method, which is through the Wisconsin Spring Turkey Application. Below we’ll cover how the application works, including the Wisconsin turkey zones, available seasons, and other important information.
For young hunters in Wisconsin looking to bag their first tom turkey, the youth turkey hunt weekend is the perfect opportunity. Taking place each spring right before the regular adult season opens, this special 2-day hunting event is a chance for youth under 16 to try turkey hunting in a low-pressure setting. Read on to learn all about Wisconsin’s youth turkey hunt weekend and when it takes place annually.
Overview of the Youth Turkey Hunt
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources organizes the youth turkey hunt each spring to encourage and engage young hunters. It is open to both resident and non-resident hunters age 15 and under. To participate, youth must have completed a Hunter’s Safety course and have the required licenses and stamps.
During the 2-day youth hunt, the bag limit is one bearded or male tom turkey. The birds can be taken in any turkey management zone for which the youth has a permit Shooting hours, baiting rules, and other regulations follow the regular spring turkey season
A bonus is that mentored youth can participate even if they did not receive a permit through the normal lottery process. And adult mentors can call turkeys for the young hunters. Overall, the youth weekend provides a prime introduction to the exciting sport of turkey hunting.
When Does the Youth Turkey Hunt Take Place?
The Wisconsin youth turkey hunt always occurs on the weekend prior to the opening of the regular spring turkey season. Typically, it is scheduled for the second Saturday and Sunday in April.
Here are the recent and upcoming dates for Wisconsin’s youth turkey hunt weekend
- 2022: April 9-10
- 2023: April 15-16
- 2024: April 13-14
- 2025: April 12-13
So you can reliably add the youth turkey hunt to your calendar for the second weekend of April annually. The season dates are proposed by the DNR each year and finalized by the Natural Resources Board in August.
How to Take Part in the Youth Turkey Hunt
To fully enjoy the youth turkey hunt weekend, be sure youth hunters are prepared ahead of time with the necessary licenses stamps, and permits. Here are the requirements
- Hunter safety certificate or mentored hunting status
- Spring turkey hunting license
- Turkey stamp
- Printed harvest authorization for desired turkey zone
- Blaze orange or pink clothing
Adult mentors must also carry hunting licenses if they plan to carry a firearm. Be sure to review the season regulations as well. Then choose a promising public or private hunting property to access. Set up a ground blind if desired.
On hunt morning, try using turkey calls and decoys to bring in a nice tom within range of the youth hunter. Take care to follow safe shooting practices. Most importantly, soak up the fun and excitement of the hunt!
Why Take Part in the Youth Turkey Hunt?
Getting kids engaged with hunting at a young age is crucial for the future of the sport. The youth turkey hunt offers the perfect venue for young hunters to gain hands-on experience:
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Allows youth to try hunting without competing against adults.
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Gives beginners a chance to learn proper skills and etiquette.
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Provides a mentored environment for building confidence.
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Fosters an appreciation of nature and wildlife.
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Lets youth test their abilities in a real-world setting.
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Allows use of calls and decoys for more interactive hunting.
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Promotes time together enjoying the outdoors as a family.
Whether youth hunters bag a gobbler or not, the memories made during this special weekend will last a lifetime.
Youth Turkey Hunt Success Stories
Part of the appeal of the youth turkey hunt is the chance for young hunters to outwit these savvy birds. Here are some great examples:
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In 2021, 12-year-old Hunter Heim bagged a hefty 20-pound tom in Iowa County during the youth hunt.
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Also that year, Connor Wigdahl harvested his first turkey, a mature gobbler, in Marinette County.
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In 2020, the Sweno brothers had a triple success, with three youth tagg
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Wisconsin Turkey Season Dates
The Wisconsin Spring Turkey hunting season is divided into six individual periods, each one week in length. Turkey tags are valid only for a specific period within the season. The first period typically opens in mid-April, and the final period usually ends in late-May. Each period is one week in length, beginning on a Wednesday and ending the following Tuesday. Below is a table of the 2025 Wisconsin Spring Turkey Seasons.
| Period | Dates |
|---|---|
| Youth Hunt | April 12-13 |
| Period A | April 16–22 |
| Period B | April 23–29 |
| Period C | April 30 – May 6 |
| Period D | May 7–13 |
| Period E | May 14–20 |
| Period F | May 21–27 |
When is the Wisconsin Spring Turkey Application?
The Wisconsin Spring Turkey Application deadline is the same each year, with applications due no later than December 10th. To receive reminders for this application or others, add it to your OnPoint Account via the web, Apple, or Android app. If you miss the spring turkey deadline, you can still get a tag when leftover tags go for sale, detailed below.December 10th, 11:59PM CTWisconsin Spring Turkey Draw Deadline0000Days00Hours00Minutes00Seconds
Wisconsin is divided into seven turkey hunting zones. Tags are specific to an individual hunting zone. Below is the Wisconsin turkey hunting zone map.
Wisconsin Youth Season Turkey Hunt | A Boy’s First Gobbler – TURKEY POSSE ’24
FAQ
What day is the youth hunt in Wisconsin?
| 2023 Seasons | |
|---|---|
| Gun hunt for hunters with disabilities: This is not a statewide season. | Oct. 7–15, 2023 |
| Youth deer hunt | Oct. 7–8, 2023 |
| Gun | Nov. 18-26, 2023 |
| Muzzleloader | Nov. 27–Dec. 6, 2023 |
What day is youth turkey season?
Youth Spring Turkey Hunt: March 23 – March 24 and May 6 – May 12, 2025. Archery Season: May 6 – May 19, 2025.
What are the dates for the fall turkey season in Wisconsin?
- Youth: April 13 & 14.
- Spring Open Zones: Period A: April 17 – 23. Period B: April 24 – 30. Period C: May 1 – 7. Period D: May 8 – 14. Period E: May 15 – 21. …
- Fall Open Zones: Statewide: September 14 – November 22. Zones 1-5: November 23 – January 5.
Can a 12 year old hunt alone in Wisconsin?
Hunters who are 12-13 years of age must obtain a hunter education certificate, and be supervised by an adult.
When is the youth wild turkey hunting season?
The youth wild turkey hunting season is from April 17-18, 2021. Get in touch with experts and guides in turkey hunts to prepare for your hunt and attain success outdoors, regardless of whether you are planning your first turkey hunt or have gone through the experience before.
When is the 2024 youth turkey hunt?
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds families, mentors and young hunters that there’s still time to plan and participate in the youth turkey hunt happening statewide on April 13-14, 2024. Photo credit: iStock/Lightwriter1949
What is the youth turkey hunt?
Each year, the youth turkey hunt gives hunters under 16 the opportunity to gain valuable hunting experience and feel the excitement of turkey season before the regular season begins. The wild turkey is one of Wisconsin’s wildlife management success stories.
When is New York State’s wild turkey hunt youth weekend?
New York State’s annual Wild Turkey Hunt Youth Weekend takes places April 23-24. The hunt is open in all parts of Upstate New York north of the Bronx-Westchester County boundary, and in Suffolk County. Shooting hours each day are from one-half hour before sunrise to noon.
Where can I find information about turkey hunting in Wisconsin?
General information regarding turkey hunting in Wisconsin is able on the DNR’s Turkey Hunting In Wisconsin webpage. Registering your turkey harvest remains a critical component of wildlife population management. Turkey registration is mandatory.
Do youth hunters need a Turkey license?
To participate in the 2024 Youth Turkey Hunt, youth hunters must have a spring turkey license, wild turkey stamp, and valid harvest authorization. These items are available online through Go Wild or in person at license sales agents around the state.