The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the dates for the 2024 spring turkey season. The season will run from Saturday, April 13, to Sunday, May 12, 2024.
Hunters can apply for a permit to hunt during the spring turkey season beginning on December 1, 2023. The deadline to apply is January 31, 2024. Permits will be issued through a random drawing.
## Wisconsin Spring Turkey Season 2024
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced the dates for the 2024 spring turkey season. Here are seven important points to remember:
- Season dates: April 13 – May 12, 2024
- Permit application period: December 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024
- Permits issued through random drawing
- Bag limit: 1 bearded turkey per permit
- Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
- Legal hunting methods: shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow
- Check DNR website for regulations and updates
For more information, visit the DNR website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey.
### Season dates: April 13 – May 12, 2024
The Wisconsin spring turkey season will run from Saturday, April 13, to Sunday, May 12, 2024. This 30-day season is designed to coincide with the peak breeding period for turkeys, when gobblers are most vocal and active.
- Early season (April 13-21): During the early season, turkeys are still in their winter flocks and may be more difficult to locate. However, the lack of foliage can make it easier to spot birds in the open.
- Peak season (April 22-May 5): The peak season is the best time to hunt turkeys, as the birds are actively breeding and gobbling frequently. Hunters should focus on areas with good turkey habitat, such as mature hardwood forests with open understories.
- Late season (May 6-12): The late season can be a good time to hunt turkeys in areas where there is still snow on the ground. Turkeys will often feed in open areas during the late season, making them easier to spot.
- Bag limit: Hunters are allowed to harvest one bearded turkey per permit during the spring season.
Hunters should check the DNR website for any updates or changes to the season dates.
### Permit application period: December 1, 2023 – January 31, 2024
Hunters who wish to participate in the Wisconsin spring turkey season must apply for a permit. The permit application period runs from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. Hunters can apply online or by mail.
To apply online, visit the DNR website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey. To apply by mail, download the permit application form from the DNR website and mail it to the address listed on the form.
Hunters who apply for a permit will be entered into a random drawing. The drawing will be held in February 2024, and successful applicants will be notified by mail.
Hunters who are not selected for a permit may still be able to hunt turkeys during the spring season. Unsuccessful applicants can purchase a leftover permit over-the-counter from a DNR service center or license vendor.
For more information on the permit application process, visit the DNR website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey.
### Permits issued through random drawing
Permits for the Wisconsin spring turkey season are issued through a random drawing. This is done to ensure that all hunters have an equal chance of obtaining a permit.
- How to apply: Hunters can apply for a permit online or by mail. The application period runs from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024.
- Drawing date: The drawing will be held in February 2024. Successful applicants will be notified by mail.
- Leftover permits: Hunters who are not selected for a permit may still be able to hunt turkeys during the spring season. Unsuccessful applicants can purchase a leftover permit over-the-counter from a DNR service center or license vendor.
- Odds of drawing a permit: The odds of drawing a permit vary depending on the number of applications received and the number of permits available. In recent years, the odds of drawing a permit have been around 20%.
For more information on the permit application process, visit the DNR website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey.
### Bag limit: 1 bearded turkey per permit
Hunters are allowed to harvest one bearded turkey per permit during the Wisconsin spring turkey season. This bag limit is in place to ensure that the turkey population remains healthy and sustainable.
- Definition of a bearded turkey: A bearded turkey is a male turkey that has a beard, which is a tuft of feathers that grows from the center of its chest. Beards can vary in length, but they are typically at least 6 inches long.
- Harvesting a bearded turkey: Hunters must harvest a bearded turkey in order to fill their permit. It is illegal to harvest a hen turkey during the spring season.
- Tagging and registration: Hunters must tag and register their turkey within 24 hours of harvest. Tags and registration instructions are provided with each permit.
- Penalties for exceeding the bag limit: Hunters who exceed the bag limit may be subject to fines and other penalties.
For more information on the bag limit and other hunting regulations, visit the DNR website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey.
### Shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset
Hunters are allowed to shoot turkeys during the following shooting hours:
- 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset: This means that hunters can start shooting turkeys 30 minutes before sunrise and must stop shooting at sunset.
- No shooting after sunset: It is illegal to shoot turkeys after sunset. This is because turkeys are less active at night and are more difficult to see.
- Respect for other hunters: Hunters should be respectful of other hunters and avoid shooting in areas where other hunters are present.
- Safety first: Hunters should always follow safe hunting practices, including wearing hunter orange and being aware of their surroundings.
For more information on hunting hours and other safety regulations, visit the DNR website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey.
### Legal hunting methods: shotgun, bow and arrow, or crossbow
Hunters may use the following methods to hunt turkeys during the Wisconsin spring turkey season:
- Shotgun: Hunters may use shotguns with shot sizes no larger than No. 4.
- Bow and arrow: Hunters may use bows and arrows with broadheads or expandable broadheads.
- Crossbow: Hunters may use crossbows with broadheads or expandable broadheads.
- Other methods: It is illegal to use any other methods to hunt turkeys, such as traps, snares, or electronic calls.
Hunters should choose the hunting method that they are most proficient with. It is important to practice with your chosen weapon before the season starts.
### Check DNR website for regulations and updates
Hunters should check the DNR website for the most up-to-date information on the Wisconsin spring turkey season. The DNR website contains information on the following:
- Hunting regulations: The DNR website contains the complete hunting regulations for the spring turkey season, including information on bag limits, shooting hours, and legal hunting methods.
- Season updates: The DNR website will be updated throughout the season with the latest information on turkey numbers, hunting conditions, and any other relevant news.
- Permit information: The DNR website contains information on how to apply for a spring turkey hunting permit.
- Hunter education: The DNR website contains information on hunter education courses and other resources for new and experienced hunters.
Hunters should bookmark the DNR website and check it regularly for the latest information on the spring turkey season.
### FAQ
The following are some frequently asked questions about the Wisconsin spring turkey season:
Question 1: When is the spring turkey season?
Answer 1: The spring turkey season runs from Saturday, April 13, to Sunday, May 12, 2024.
Question 2: How do I apply for a permit?
Answer 2: Hunters can apply for a permit online or by mail. The application period runs from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024.
Question 3: What is the bag limit?
Answer 3: The bag limit is one bearded turkey per permit.
Question 4: What are the shooting hours?
Answer 4: Hunters are allowed to shoot turkeys during the following shooting hours: 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset.
Question 5: What are the legal hunting methods?
Answer 5: Hunters may use shotguns, bows and arrows, or crossbows to hunt turkeys.
Question 6: Where can I find more information?
Answer 6: Hunters can find more information on the Wisconsin spring turkey season on the DNR website at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/turkey.
Question 7: What are the penalties for violating the hunting regulations?
Answer 7: The penalties for violating the hunting regulations can include fines, jail time, and the loss of hunting privileges.
Hunters are encouraged to review the hunting regulations carefully and to ask questions if they are unsure about anything. By following the regulations, hunters can help to ensure a safe and successful spring turkey season.
The following are some tips for hunting turkeys during the Wisconsin spring turkey season:
### Tips
The following are some tips for hunting turkeys during the Wisconsin spring turkey season:
Tip 1: Scout your hunting area. Before the season starts, spend some time scouting your hunting area. Look for signs of turkeys, such as tracks, droppings, and feathers. This will help you to identify areas where turkeys are likely to be found.
Tip 2: Use a variety of calling techniques. Turkeys can be called in using a variety of techniques, such as clucks, yelps, and gobbles. Experiment with different calls to see what works best in your hunting area.
Tip 3: Be patient and persistent. Turkey hunting can be a challenging sport, but it is also very rewarding. Be patient and persistent, and you will eventually be successful.
Tip 4: Respect other hunters. Turkey hunting is a popular sport, so it is important to be respectful of other hunters. Avoid hunting in areas where other hunters are already set up, and be mindful of noise levels.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success during the Wisconsin spring turkey season.
The Wisconsin spring turkey season is a great opportunity to experience the outdoors and to harvest a delicious, wild bird. By following the regulations, using ethical hunting practices, and practicing good sportsmanship, you can help to ensure a safe and successful season for everyone.
### Conclusion
The Wisconsin spring turkey season is a great opportunity to experience the outdoors and to harvest a delicious, wild bird. The season runs from Saturday, April 13, to Sunday, May 12, 2024. Hunters can apply for a permit online or by mail from December 1, 2023, to January 31, 2024. The bag limit is one bearded turkey per permit, and the shooting hours are 1/2 hour before sunrise to sunset. Hunters may use shotguns, bows and arrows, or crossbows to hunt turkeys.
Hunters should check the DNR website for the most up-to-date information on the season, including regulations, updates, and permit information. Hunters should also scout their hunting area, use a variety of calling techniques, be patient and persistent, and respect other hunters.
By following these tips, hunters can increase their chances of success during the Wisconsin spring turkey season. The DNR wishes all hunters a safe and successful season.