For many hunters, spring in Minnesota means one thing – turkey season! The excitement of spring turkey hunting draws thousands each year. But when exactly is turkey season in Minnesota? Let’s break it down.
Overview of Minnesota Turkey Season Dates
Minnesota offers a robust spring turkey hunting season every year, The season is divided into different periods to spread out hunting pressure, Here are the basic turkey seasons for 2023
- Youth Season – April 16 to May 31
- Archery Season – April 16 to May 31
- Season A – April 16 to April 22
- Season B – April 23 to April 29
- Season C – April 30 to May 6
- Season D – May 7 to May 13
- Season E – May 14 to May 20
- Season F – May 21 to May 31
So turkey hunting spans over 6 weeks in the spring, with the earliest season opening on April 16 and the latest closing on May 31. This provides ample opportunity for hunters to bag a bird.
Breaking Down the Different Turkey Seasons
Minnesota’s turkey season is split into distinct periods, each lasting about a week This prevents too many hunters from congregating in one area at once
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The youth season allows hunters 17 and under to hunt the full season. No permit is required.
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Archery season runs concurrently for hunters using bows. Again, no lottery permit is needed.
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Seasons A to F are limited to hunters who get drawn in the lottery. Only around 5,000 permits are issued per period.
So while the youth and archery seasons are open to all, you need to apply for the lottery to hunt during Seasons A through F as a firearm hunter. Competition is stiff, so enter early!
Registration and Limits
Here are some key registration and limit regulations:
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All turkeys must be registered within 24 hours, online, by phone or in person.
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The limit is one bearded turkey per hunter in the spring season.
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The tag must be attached upon harvesting and remain until registration.
Following these rules is crucial to maintaining healthy turkey populations in Minnesota.
Where to Turkey Hunt in Minnesota
Minnesota has excellent public land options for turkey hunting:
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State Forests – Over 4 million acres of accessible forests with turkeys.
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State Parks – Many parks allow hunting – check regulations.
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WMAs – Designated Wildlife Management Areas expressly for hunting.
Top picks are Whitewater WMA, Carlos Avery WMA, Mille Lacs WMA, and the MN Valley National Wildlife Refuge. Scout online for access and recent sightings on public areas.
Tips for Spring Turkey Hunting
Here are some key tips for a successful Minnesota turkey hunt:
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Use decoys and calls – Mimic hens and gobblers to lure in toms looking to breed.
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Camouflage – Blend into the landscape; avoid loud colors and movements.
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Scout ahead – Locate flocks and roosting spots before the season. Arrive early and stay quiet.
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Be patient – Set up near roosts at dawn when birds are most active. Stay still and alert.
With preparation and knowledge of regulations, Minnesota offers awesome spring turkey hunting. Apply for limited permits early and explore both public and private lands. With minimal equipment needed, spring turkey hunting is an accessible, exciting tradition for all to enjoy. Just be sure to check the 2023 dates and rules ahead of time!
Virtual class: Learn to Hunt Turkeys 101
Check out our online turkey hunting classes. Below is the two-part series.
Here are two key points from the first class that we want to clarify:
- Turkey hunters dont need to wait 24 hours to hunt after purchasing a license. The license is valid as soon as it is purchased. But all hunters must physically possess a tag (which is printed as part of the license) and that tag must be attached to the turkey they harvest.
- Lead shot can be used on DNR wildlife management areas when turkey hunting.
When Is Turkey Season In Minnesota? – The Midwest Guru
FAQ
What are the dates for turkey hunting in Minnesota?
| 02/21/25 | Spring wild turkey WMA lottery deadline | |
|---|---|---|
| 04/15/26 – 05/31/26 | Spring wild turkey – Archery | Statewide |
| 04/15/26 – 04/21/26 | Spring wild turkey – A season | Statewide |
| 04/22/26 – 04/28/26 | Spring wild turkey – B season | Statewide |
| 04/29/26 – 05/05/26 | Spring wild turkey – C season | Statewide |
When can I hunt turkey?
California. SEASON DATES: General Season: March 30 – May 5, 2024. Archery Season: March 30 – May 19, 2024.
How many turkeys can I shoot in MN?
The bag limit for the spring hunt is one wild turkey with a visible beard. The beard is a feathered appendage protruding from the breast that is generally found only on males. The bag limit for the fall hunt is one bird of either sex.
Does Minnesota have a turkey hunting season?
The only exemption is for Whitewater, Carlos Avery, and Mille Lacs Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs), with the A through C periods through lottery only. Anyone can hunt the Whitewater WMA after the B period ends. Like many other states, Minnesota also has a fall turkey hunting season. That season runs Oct. 1-30.
When is the 2025 fall turkey season in Minnesota?
The 2025 fall turkey season in Minnesota runs from September 28 – October 27. This is a more limited opportunity compared to the long spring season. But the fall hunt can be a fun extra challenge after hunting spring birds for many years. The entire state is open during the fall season. You simply need to buy a fall turkey license to participate.
When is wild turkey season?
Dates Season Area 02/16/24 Spring wild turkey WMA lottery deadline 04/17/24 – 05/31/24 Spring wild turkey – Youth Statewide 04/17/24 -…
Does Minnesota have a turkey hunting license?
Minnesota doles out its turkey hunting licenses over the counter beginning March 1 every year, so circle your calendar, because it is coming up fast! The bag limit is slightly different for the spring and fall eastern wild turkey seasons. In the spring, you are only allowed one bird with a visible beard.
Who is eligible to hunt wild turkeys in Minnesota?
Who is eligible to hunt wild turkeys during the spring season in Minnesota? In Minnesota, the spring turkey season is open to anyone with a current weapons license, a disability permit under an archery-only license, or 60 years of age or higher under an archery-only license (no disability permit is required).
How to hunt a Turkey in Minnesota?
To maximize your hunting success during Minnesota’s spring and fall turkey seasons, keep these tips in mind: Pattern your shotgun – This ensures you know the effective range of your turkey loads. Use a blind – Concealment is key with turkeys’ excellent vision.