This can often be done from your vehicletaking a few Sunday drives can pay dividends when looking for turkeys. Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR. Look: Bring binoculars when scouting and look carefully. See the West Virginia DNR Hunting and trapping regulations summary for details. It's possible conditions will improveover the coming weeks. FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Dates vary by WMU. Smith: Wild turkey restoration efforts in Wisconsin have been a model Last spring, 37,266 turkeys were slaughtered, down from 44,982 in the previous season (for pandemic season). As you move west in the zone, you will also find more variable terrain as you get closer to the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers where deep ravines and bluffs become present. Hunting. As it has been for decades, the season was separated into six time periods and seven geographical zones. The terrain in Zone 3 is very similar to that in Zone 2. FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Fall Archery Season: Sept. 15 to Nov. 11 and Nov. 23, 2022 to Jan. 15, 2023; half-hour before sunrise to half-hour after sunset, Fall Firearms Season: Oct. 1-31; half-hour before sunrise to sunset. Seasons span from Aug. 30, 2022 to Jan. 31, 2023. Some other hunters might think you're a turkey. Individuals must also possess a current year Fall turkey permit and turkey stamp. Much of the region, known as Wisconsins Driftless Area, is along the Mississippi River, the states western border. A limited spring hunt was initiated in 1983; a fall turkey hunt was added in 1989. Slugs are illegal. A few things you should keep in mind while shooting a turkey with a rifle. By zone, the 2021 turkey registrationswere 8,964 in Zone 1, 9,302in Zone 2, 9,847in Zone 3, 5,792in Zone 4, 1,854in Zone 5, 909in Zone 6 and511in Zone 7. RELATED:Wisconsin spring turkey hunting seasons began this year with the statewide youth hunt. 2022 Fall Hunt Guide - The National Wild Turkey Federation They have released a new Whitetail Deer Hunting Guide that will assist hunters in learning more about the states deer hunting seasons. Register online at GameReg. Hunters are reminded to review the spring turkey hunting regulations and hours. . FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Varies by location, check regulations. In order to distribute harvested turkey, a drawing is used to account for all preferences. In zones 6 and 7, the season closes Nov. 19. Research into the cause or causes is underway. Our hope is you will use the Fall Hunt Guide in the coming months to plan your next outdoor escape, check season dates and regulations and look ahead to spring application deadlines. You can hunt in any zone you want, but hunting in a specific zone will determine how long you can hunt. How To Get Licensed To Hunt Turkey In Wisconsin All participants will be paired with a qualified mentor to provide the highest level of instruction and safety. Buy a license/application Find a place to hunt Hunters are required to register their turkeys by 5 p.m. the day after harvest. In the fall you can hunt either a gobbler or a hen. Turkey huntingis the second-most popular hunting opportunity in Wisconsin (behind deer hunting), attracting about 150,000 participants each spring. The Learn to Hunt Program is an educational opportunity outside of the normal hunting season, designed to help inexperienced hunters of all ages have a high-quality, safe, and rewarding first-time hunting experience under the guidance of qualified Hunter Education instructors and hunting mentors. Unveiling The Mystery Of CA: Understand Chromatic Aberration And Get The Best View Through Your Binoculars, Exploring Nature With 8 X 32 Binoculars Understanding The Power Of Magnification, Make Outdoor Watching Easier: Discover Why You Should Use A Camera Tripod For Your Binoculars, How To Mount Leica Trinovid Binoculars To A Tripod: A Step-By-Step Guide, Unlock The Power Of Binoculars In Pokemon Learn Where To Find And How To Use Them, Maximizing Your Binoculars Performance: The Importance Of Using Eyecups, Exploring The Phenomenon Of Ghosting In Binoculars What You Need To Know Before Shopping For A Pair, Bring Your Binoculars To The French Open Everything You Need To Know. The Wisconsin wild turkey population showed strong growth as the birds filled unoccupied habitat. As a resident or non-resident, Wisconsin offers affordable tags and tons of opportunity to have exceptional turkey hunting. A good scope will allow you to see the target clearly, and good ammo will ensure that your shot hits it. Anyone with a Class A, B, or C disabled permit is eligible to take part in the states Wild Turkey Hunt for People with Disabilities. In addition to insects, berries, seeds, and small animals, a variety of small birds can be found in the wild. Turkey hunting is permitted in Wisconsin with shotguns, crossbows, and vertical bows. NOTE:A person authorized to purchase a license for a permit or harvest authorization issued under a cumulative preference drawing, may transfer their awarded permit or harvest authorization to another who meets the required qualifications on the Authorization Transfer webpage. Subsequent trap-and-transfer work of the growing Wisconsin flock helped seed more areas of the state. First, you must have a valid hunting license. Possess a firearm, bow or crossbow during the spring turkey season without also possessing a turkey hunting license, stamp and valid, unused harvest authorization if you or a member of your hunting party posses a turkey decoy or calling device while afield. Eastern wild turkeys are among the largest of the five subspecies of wild turkey. With a combination of classroom and in field instruction often facilitated by conservation clubs, the program teaches students hunting tactics and safety information. Wisconsins spring turkey season is just around the corner. DOWNLOAD THE APP: Get the latest news, sports and The state divides the overall hunt into six one-week hunt periods. There are many different types of turkey to hunt in Wisconsin, so you can choose the one that best suits your preferences. The Wisconsin fall turkey hunting season opensSept. 17 and runs to Nov. 18 in Zones 6 and 7 and to Dec. 31 in Zones 1 through 5. The use of dogs to hunt wild turkey is allowed statewide for the fall seasons. Resident tags are $15; $60 for non-residents. Select a calling site from which you can see at least 40 yards in all directions. Two day hunts are $600 plus WI sales tax (arrive afternoon prior) Four day hunts are $950 plus WI sales tax. Most turkey hunting shooting accidents occur because one hunter mistakes another hunter for the game. There's also a late January youth season in both the north and south regions. Fall Turkey Harvest Numbers And Permit Sales Increased - Wisconsin DNR Over the last decade, the annual spring turkey harvest has ranged from 37,000 birds to 43,000 birds. One of the most popular game birds in North America will be available for you to hunt this fall. The mentee must still obtain a hunting license and harvest authorization, plus stay within arm's reach of the mentor the entire hunt. If you plan to hunt on public land, you also need a public land permit. This one-on-one mentoring opportunity gives first-time hunters a chance to try hunting and enables veteran hunters to pass on their passion for the outdoors and help keep Wisconsin's hunting heritage strong. For fall, Wisconsin has one to two seasons, and the application deadline is usually in March. DNR Agent Corner Turkey Hunting - Wisconsin Hunters can search for their next turkey spot through: If you're heading out in the woods for turkey hunting, be extra careful. The application deadline is in December every year and gives you the opportunity to denote which region and seven-day period you most desire to hunt. The goal of the DNR is also to encourage more people to hunt turkey, as this will help to keep the hunt clean and healthy for the turkey population. If you're selected in the drawing, you may then purchase one limited-quota license. After several unsuccessful attempts in the 20th century, arestoration effort started in 1976took hold in southwestern Wisconsin. 2023 Spring Hunt Guide - The National Wild Turkey Federation www.dnr.wi.gov. "Woodsmanship is of great importance in most hunting, but especially in the fall turkey season," Proffitt says. The kill numbers in each zone were lower than 2020. The traditional Wisconsin summer game bird broodsurveys werenot conducted in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, back under My Layers, tap on Wisconsin to open all of Wisconsins layers, locate WI Hunt Zones and tap the subheading Layer Settings, then tap Turkey. You will now see the seven WI Turkey Zones highlighted throughout the state. Depending on the number of applicants, come the middle of March, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) opens up bonus harvest authorizations for each individual zone and seven-day hunt period. Wisconsin will issue 103,610 leftover turkey hunting permits during the spring season in 2022. Registration for the Spring Turkey Season is due on Dec. 10 each year. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources | Site requirements | Accessibility | Legal | Privacy | Employee resources, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Wisconsin Turkey Hunt Zone 5 Zone 5 lies in the northeast corner of the state and borders Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Wildlife Management Districts 15-17, 20-25 may take up to five wild turkeys; Wildlife Management District 26 may take up to three; Wildlife Management District 28 may take up to two; Wildlife Management District 6, 10-13, 18, 19, 27 and 29 may take one; Wildlife Management Districts 1-5, 7-9, 14 closed to fall wild turkey hunting. 19-25 Apr. Wisconsin has four Hunt Zones, also known as Deer Management Zones (DMZ) or Turkey Zones, based on different habitat types: Northern Forest, Central Forest, Central Farmland and Southern Farmland. Books Winters Hunt (PDF-Download) | Wiscons in Reads Each zone will have a designated sales date. Photo courtesy of The U.S. Forest Service. All hunters need the Turkey Stamp to hunt turkey in spring and/or fall. Wisconsins turkey population has grown since then, but the number of hunters has not kept up. How and Where to Hunt Late Season Turkeys - Realtree Store Don't miss a story! The Wisconsin DNR reported that 34,115 turkey harvest authorizations were sold last spring, over 17,000 fewer than Zones 1, 2, and 3. When asked what state would be the most appealing to a former turkey calling champion, Wisconsin came to mind. After several unsuccessful attempts in the 20th century, a wild turkey restoration effort in the 1970s took hold in southwestern Wisconsin. Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Many Learn to Hunt events are sponsored by local conservation clubs and organizations under the supervision of the DNR. After you recover, you must register your turkey at 5 p.m. the next business day. Wisconsin hunters numbered 412 in 2017, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. If you want to hunt the early portions of the spring, submitting an application is paramount. Wisconsin. This past spring (2021), the Wisconsin DNR reported that Zone 3 saw the highest harvest success rate at 18.8% with just over 52,000 harvest authorizations sold and 9,847 birds reported. There are always leftover tags available, and the birds are hot. Wisconsin turkey hunters have an additional 7,500 acres of private land open to them this spring thanks to a pair of innovative land partnership programs that is greatly enhancing hunting access throughout much of the Badger State. We provide a collective of state fall wild turkey hunting information to assist with your fall hunting plans. Earliest start, Oct. 29, latest close, Nov. 25 (see below). That makes Wisconsin a relative newcomer to wild turkey hunting; some states in the eastern and southern U.S. had seasons for the native game bird throughout . The hunter must be accompanied by a licensed hunter, hunt within arms reach of their mentor and comply with all of the requirements under the Mentored Hunting Program. Birds in this region are highly visible due to the relatively flat terrainputting in a day of scouting through the windshield can be highly advantageous. Hunters must register their turkey by 5 p.m. the day after recovery at gamereg.wi.gov or by phone at 1-844-426-3734. Hunters flock to the Badger State each spring in search of longbeards -- here's why. Wild turkeys roamed much of Wisconsin in the 1800s, but overhunting and habitat loss left them virtually nonexistent in the state by 1871. Only bearded turkeys may be legally hunted in Wisconsin's spring season; a small percentage of hens have beards. The increased kill came on a similarnumber of tags to those issued in 2021 and despite a late green-up and less than optimal weather in this year's early time periods, the DNR said. The wingspan of an Eastern wild turkey is 26 inches, and it can weigh up to 12 pounds. Fall wild turkey hunting tips | Mass.gov Spring turkey hunting license, if hunting in spring, Fall turkey hunting license, if hunting infall, Wild turkey stamp (valid for spring and fall), An unfilled turkey harvest authorization valid for the season, period and zone you are hunting. Participants will receive both classroom and field instruction before hunting. All youth hunters must have completed Hunter Education unless they are participating in the Mentored Hunting Program. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. The importance of preparing in advance for upcoming hunts cannot be overstated, and onX Hunt makes it easy. FALL SEASON DATES / HOURS:Sept. 1 through Dec. 31 in select game management units. No, DEADLINE FOR SPRING DRAWINGS:Special Opportunity Areas (SOAs) limited quota hunts registration: Dec. 1-14. Zone 4 lies in the north-central region of Wisconsin and extends to the states western border. You must have a high-powered scope and appropriate rounds. Hunters registered 37,179 wild turkeys during the 2021 Wisconsin spring turkey hunting season, a 17% decrease from last year and lowest since 1999, according to preliminary information. The DNR issued 81,710 fall turkey harvest authorizations in 2020, and . Resident hunting licenses are $25; non-resident licenses are $315. The purchase of a spring turkey license and stamp is required at the time of purchase. Hunters do not need to contact landowners for permission to access these properties during this time period. If a turkey hunter wants to apply for a First Turkey Harvest Certificate, they should fill out the form and submit a photo of them in the field. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is in the process of increasing the number of turkey hunters. That state has a healthy population of turkeys, vast amounts of publicly accessible lands, inexpensive non-resident tags, and liberal limits. Hunting See Whats Happening in Wisconsin Turkey Hunt Zone 1. In 2022, a youth turkey hunt will be held in Wisconsin as part of the states spring turkey season. To harvest your turkey, you should make a registration online. Turkeys will not be very visible given the landscape, and hunters are going to have to work hard to get on birds. Turkey - Michigan However, using a call can still be effective in hunting these birds. The 83% adult tom proportion of the harvest was in line with averages overthe last decade. Wisconsin wild turkey population is in good shape and its management system is the envy of other states. Use a blind to conceal your movements. Much like Zone 2, a day spent covering ground in your vehicle can prove advantageous as the generally flat terrain with open crop fields keeps turkeys visible. It's a good idea to wear a blaze orange cap or gloves while walking. Youth hunters in Wisconsin under age 16 have access to a two-day youth season in mid April before the rest of the seasons kick off. Illinois registered 13,703 turkeys, up 1% from 2021;Minnesota tallied 12,290 birds (up 2%); and Missouri reported a harvest of36,252 (up5%). Despite the fact that firearms, such as shotguns and muzzleloadings loaded with shot, are legal in the state, firearms can still be used to shoot birds. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal. For information or special hunt applications (Forms 2300-271 and 2300-271A), please visit dnr.wi.gov, and search disabled turkey hunter or contact the DNR Call Center at 888-936-7463 or the assistant upland wildlife ecologist at 608-261-8458. RELATED:Hunter participation and harvest were up substantially for Wisconsin's fall turkey season. Furthermore, rifles are far more forgiving than shotguns for making mistakes.