The hunting regulations summaries are a condensed summaries of the full regulations and legal descriptions found in this Wildlife Conservation Order, issued by the Natural Resources Commission.
Drawing results available March 2.
Managing turkeys in Michigan involves the complex interactions of turkey populations, their habitat and their relationship to people. Hunting plays an important role in managing turkeys by regulating their numbers. The goal of the spring turkey hunting season is to maximize hunter opportunity while maintaining a satisfactory hunting experience. License quotas are developed to harvest the desired number of turkeys to meet management goals. For more information on turkey management in Michigan, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey.
Return to table of contentsSpring turkey licenses are valid for specific turkey management units and hunting dates. In many TMUs, license availability is subject to a license quota.
| TMU | Season dates | License quota | Hunt number |
|---|---|---|---|
| M | April 18 – May 31 | 6,000 | 0110 |
| NN | April 18 – May 1 | 18,000 | 0134 |
| Statewide | April 25 – May 31 | Unlimited | 0234 |
| ZZ* | April 18 – May 31 | Unlimited | 0301 |
| ZZ | April 18 – May 1 | 8,000 | 0302 |
| ZZ | May 2 – 31 | 8,000 | 0303 |
|
*Private land only |
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A general license is valid on all public and private lands within the TMU.
Hunt 0234 is a statewide, guaranteed spring turkey license that does not require an application in the drawing.
With the Hunt 0234 license, you can hunt on:
Hunt 0301 is a guaranteed spring turkey license, valid only for private lands within TMU ZZ. You must have permission from the landowner. Hunt 0301 is not valid on county, state or federal lands. Exception: Licenses valid for Hunt 0301 can be used to hunt Fort Custer military lands with permission. Hunt 0301 does not require an application in the drawing.
You can purchase a Hunt 0234 license or a Hunt 0301 license when leftover licenses go on sale March 16 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Hunt 0234 and Hunt 0301 have unlimited quotas and can be purchased throughout the entire spring turkey hunting season.
No. You can only purchase one spring turkey license per license year.
Return to table of contentsFor detailed descriptions of spring turkey management unit boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR customer service center, listed at Michigan.gov/ContactDNR.
Isle Royale (not pictured), part of Keweenaw County, is closed to spring turkey hunting.
Return to table of contentsSpring turkey season dates are determined by a formula defined in the Wildlife Conservation Order. Each year, the spring turkey season is the second to last Saturday in April through a defined number of days thereafter.
Return to table of contentsYes. The Fort Custer Training Center near Battle Creek offers turkey hunting opportunities periodically for properly licensed youth (Hunt 0301) and hunters with disabilities (Hunt 0234). For current hunting opportunities, dates and more information, visit FortCusterHunt.org and click on the “Turkey Hunts” tab or call 269-282-7878.
Yes. The DNR, Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association, National Wild Turkey Federation and other groups may offer wild turkey hunter orientation courses. A fee may be charged, and space may be limited. For details about events, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey.
Return to table of contentsYou can harvest one bearded turkey per spring turkey license.
No. You can only harvest a bearded turkey during the spring turkey season.
Return to table of contentsHunters are selected for a spring turkey license using a random drawing system. In the annual drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase. For more information on the spring turkey drawing, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey.
Return to table of contentsThe application period is Jan. 1 – Feb. 1, 2026.
An application is $5.
You can only purchase one spring turkey application per year. You can apply for a spring turkey license valid for a specific TMU during specific season dates.
To purchase a spring turkey application in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:
You can purchase an application from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The app is available for download at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Find a license agent at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents.
Return to table of contentsThe following people are eligible to apply for a spring turkey license (unless they have an active revocation or are otherwise ineligible):
No. If you are 10–16 years old, you can purchase a spring turkey youth license, so there is no need to apply. See the Spring turkey license section for more information.
Yes. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you can purchase an application for a spring turkey license. See the Apprentice hunting section for more information.
Yes. You can apply for the Michigan spring turkey drawing as a nonresident.
Return to table of contentsFirst hunt choices have priority for selection. When applying, you must choose a first hunt choice and may also choose an optional second hunt choice. If you choose a second hunt choice, it will be considered only if licenses remain for that hunt number after all first hunt choices have been awarded for all applicants. There is no guarantee that licenses will be available for second hunt choices in any hunt number.
Return to table of contentsYes. You can apply in a party with one other person. If you apply with more than one person, you will be ineligible for the drawing. Everyone in the party will receive a license if the party is selected, except for those who submit an invalid application.
The first person to apply (either you or the other member of the party) selects the hunt number(s) and receives a “party ID” number, which is printed on the application receipt. A new party ID number is issued each year. Then, the other person uses the party ID number when applying to complete the party. Make sure to verify the party ID number is identical on both receipts.
Return to table of contentsYou are responsible for obtaining a DNR application receipt that correctly states your customer ID and hunt choice. Do not accept a receipt that is not legible. Check your receipt for accuracy and retain as proof that you applied. Ensure any application errors are corrected prior to the application deadline. If you submit an invalid application, you will be ineligible for the drawing.
You can call 517-284-9453 for assistance.
Return to table of contentsDrawing results will be available on March 2, 2026.
You can check your drawing results online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453. You are responsible for obtaining your drawing results.
You can purchase the license for which you were selected. See the License types and fees section for more information.
No. You cannot sell your spring turkey drawing success to another person.
No. You cannot transfer your spring turkey drawing success to another person.
If you applied in the drawing and were unsuccessful, you can purchase a leftover license for another hunt number with quota remaining beginning March 9 at 10 a.m. ET. Depending on how many hunters apply, leftover licenses may or may not be available for some spring turkey management units and/or hunt period dates. See the Leftover licenses section for more information.
If you didn’t apply for the drawing, you have three options. You can purchase one of the following, beginning March 16 at 10 a.m. ET:
See the Spring turkey hunting season dates and license quotas and Leftover licenses sections for more information.
Return to table of contents| License type | Youth age 9 and under | Youth age 10–16 | Resident age 17–64 | Resident senior age 65+ | Nonresident age 17+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base license* – valid through March 31, 2027 | N/A | $6 | $11 | $5 | $151 |
| DNR Sportcard2 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 | $1 |
| Inclusive mentored license3 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Mentored youth license | $7.50 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Pure Michigan Hunt application | N/A | $5 | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Spring turkey application | N/A | N/A | $5 | $5 | $5 |
| Spring turkey license | N/A | N/A | $15 | $15 | $15 |
| Spring turkey youth license | N/A | $15 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|
*One dollar from each of these licenses will be used to educate the
public on the benefits of hunting, fishing and trapping in Michigan
and the impact of these activities on the conservation, preservation
and management of the state’s natural resources. |
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Yes. If you were born on or after Jan. 1, 1960, you must present your hunter education certificate or previous hunting license (other than a base apprentice license) to purchase your license. Individuals who are qualified to hunt with inclusive mentored licenses are exempt from the hunter education requirements (see the Mentored hunting section for more details). A valid hunter education certificate from another state meets this requirement. Michigan’s hunter education courses are offered throughout the year around the state. The online course can be found at Michigan.gov/HunterEducation . For a replacement Michigan hunter education certificate, visit Michigan.gov/RecreationalSafety .
A youth hunter 10–16 years old who has a hunter education certificate must be accompanied by an adult 18 years old or older while hunting, unless the youth is hunting on land where a parent or guardian regularly lives.
Return to table of contentsThe Mentored Hunting Program is a set of rules that establishes the mentored youth license package and the inclusive mentored license package.
A mentor is responsible for the mentored hunter’s actions in the field. A mentor must ensure the hunting device (shotgun, rifle, bow, etc.) used by the mentored hunter is properly fitted and appropriately suited for the mentored hunter. A mentor can only carry two hunting devices in the field. To participate as a mentor in the Mentored Hunting Program, you must meet all of the following qualifications:
The mentored youth license is a license package that allows youth hunters 9 years old and younger to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers, and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored youth hunter to apply for or purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear and elk. The mentored youth license and kill tags will remain valid for the duration of the license year, even if the mentored youth hunter turns 10 years old during the year. The spring turkey license issued with the mentored youth license is valid for one bearded turkey in any open spring turkey management unit on public or private lands.
Yes. The mentored youth license is available to both residents and nonresidents who are 9 years old or younger.
The inclusive mentored license is a license package that allows individuals with developmental disabilities to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers and fish for all species with a qualified mentor. It also allows the mentored hunter to purchase additional licenses including antlerless deer, bear and elk. The spring turkey license issued with the inclusive mentored license is valid for one bearded turkey in any open spring turkey hunt unit on public or private lands.
To qualify for the inclusive mentored license, one of the following must apply:
The Apprentice Hunting Program allows a person who does not have a hunter education certificate and is 10 years old or older to hunt during the current hunting seasons with a qualified mentor. An apprentice hunter will need to purchase a base apprentice license to participate. Additional licenses are required to hunt big game, furbearers and waterfowl. Apprentice youth hunters can hunt on public lands and private or Commercial Forest lands for turkeys.
Yes. The base apprentice license is available to residents and nonresidents who do not have a hunter education certificate.
You can purchase a base apprentice license for up to two license years before you must successfully complete a hunter education course and purchase a regular base license.
Yes. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you can purchase a spring turkey license awarded in the drawing or a leftover spring turkey license, if available.
No. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you must be accompanied by someone 21 years old or older who has a regular, current-year hunting license for the same game you are hunting. If you are an apprentice hunter who is 10–16 years old, your accompanying mentor must be your parent, guardian or someone designated by your parent or guardian who is at least 21 years old. A mentor can accompany no more than two apprentice hunters while hunting.
For hunting spring turkey, your accompanying mentor needs a current-year spring turkey license, but it does not have to be for the same TMU or season dates as your spring turkey license.
Your accompanying mentor must be able to come to your immediate aid and stay within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and auditory contact.
Return to table of contentsTo qualify for as a Michigan resident, you must meet one of the following criteria:
No. The ownership of land in Michigan by itself is not a qualification for a resident license. You would be considered a nonresident.
Return to table of contentsYes. Michigan resident veterans with a service-connected disability are eligible to obtain any hunting license that does not require a separate application free of charge, if one of the following conditions is met:
Documentation of eligibility from the Veterans Administration stating either of the above conditions should be in the possession of a veteran when obtaining free licenses and while afield.
Return to table of contentsYes. If you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military and have maintained Michigan resident status, your hunting license fees are waived, except for hunting licenses obtained through a drawing. You must present military ID, leave papers, duty papers, military orders or other evidence verifying that you are an active-duty member of the military, along with a valid Michigan driver’s license or voter registration card.
No. Hunting license fees are not waived for nonresidents, even if you are a full-time, active-duty member of the federal U.S. military.
Return to table of contentsYes. You can hunt with a tribal member who is present and actively hunting if you possess a state-issued hunting license for the applicable species and season for which you are hunting. You must follow all applicable state spring turkey hunting regulations.
Return to table of contentsA DNR Sportcard serves as a valid form of identification for people without a driver’s license. There are no age restrictions or residency requirements for purchase. A DNR Sportcard is not required if you have a valid state-issued driver’s license or ID card. A DNR Sportcard with accurate information can be used from year to year.
Return to table of contentsA base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. A base license provides funding for habitat and conservation work on both public and private land and supports the work of conservation officers and field staff to ensure safe, legal hunting practices are followed. A base license is not a kill tag and is valid for hunting small game. Additional licenses are required to hunt and trap other species. Hunters are always encouraged to carry their base licenses when hunting.
A 2026 base license will be available for purchase from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app beginning March 1, 2026.
While an application can be purchased prior to obtaining a base license, you must purchase a 2026 base license before you can purchase a spring turkey license.
Return to table of contentsA spring turkey license is a kill tag that allows an individual to harvest a turkey within a designated TMU and hunt period during the spring turkey season.
When you purchase a spring turkey license, you will have the option to receive an electronic kill tag (eHarvest tag) or a traditional paper kill tag, depending on where you purchase your spring turkey license. See the Where to buy licenses and kill tags section for more information.
A spring turkey youth license is a kill tag that allows an individual 10–16 years old to harvest a turkey on all public and private lands within any open spring TMU and season dates. Spring turkey youth licenses will be available for purchase beginning March 1, 2026. You must have permission from the landowner to hunt on private property.
A spring turkey license is valid on all public and private lands within the designated TMU, except spring turkey licenses for Hunt 0234 and Hunt 0301 (private lands only). You must have permission from the landowner to hunt on private property.
No. You cannot purchase more than one spring turkey license per year.
No. If you are licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program, you automatically receive a spring turkey license. See the Mentored hunting section for more information.
No. You cannot use another person’s kill tag or allow another person to use your kill tag. It is illegal for a hunter to harvest or attempt to harvest a turkey unless the hunter has an unused spring turkey license issued in their name for the TMU and season dates in which they are hunting.
No. You cannot use a kill tag more than once.
No. You cannot use your kill tag on a turkey you did not harvest.
Return to table of contentsThere is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt number, except Hunt 0234 and Hunt 0301, which have unlimited quotas. Current leftover license and permit availability may be viewed at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.
If any licenses remain after the drawing and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover spring turkey license on a first-come, first-served basis beginning March 9 at 10 a.m. ET.
If any licenses remain as of March 16 at 10 a.m. ET and you have a current base license, you can purchase a leftover spring turkey license on a first-come, first-served basis, or a Hunt 0234 license or a Hunt 0301 license.
Yes. You can purchase a leftover spring turkey license as a nonresident, if available.
You can only purchase one spring turkey license (awarded in the drawing or leftover) per year.
Return to table of contentsThe Pure Michigan Hunt is a chance at the hunt of a lifetime for three lucky hunters. Winners may purchase one elk (resident only), bear, antlerless deer, spring turkey, fall turkey and base hunting license at a total cost of $3. They may also participate in one reserved waterfowl hunt at a managed waterfowl area or have first selection of another hunt choice at any managed waterfowl area if approved by the local area manager. Also, winners will receive a prize package worth thousands and can choose to transfer their Pure Michigan Hunt opportunities to other individuals. Each PMH license will be valid for the applicable 2027 species hunting season and able to be used in any open hunt area for that species, except bear hunting on Drummond Island. Licenses will be subject to all 2027 hunting regulations.
Hunters are selected for a Pure Michigan Hunt license package using a random drawing system. In the license drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase.
The application period is Jan. 1 - Dec. 31, 2026.
You can purchase as many Pure Michigan Hunt applications as you wish until Dec. 31, 2026.
No. You must be eligible to purchase a regular, nonapprentice base license to apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing.
Yes. You can apply in the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing as a nonresident. However, if you are selected, you will not be eligible to receive the PMH elk license.
Three lucky hunters will be drawn in January 2027, and the winners will be announced via Facebook video broadcast, with final confirmation by phone. Drawing results will be posted online the week following the video announcement.
For more information on the Pure Michigan Hunt drawing, visit Michigan.gov/PMH.
Return to table of contentsTo purchase a hunting license in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:
Yes. When hunting, you must carry your applicable hunting license(s) and the identification used to purchase the license(s) and present them upon demand of a Michigan conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer. If you are using an electronic kill tag, you must be able to present the electronic kill tag on your mobile device.
Return to table of contentsYou can purchase a Michigan hunting license from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The app is available for download at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Find a license agent at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents.
If you purchased your spring turkey license online, your paper kill tag will be mailed to you 10 to 15 business days after your purchase. You cannot go hunting without the paper kill tag in your possession.
If you purchased your spring turkey license through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, your eHarvest tag will be available on your mobile device immediately. You must be able to present the eHarvest tag on a mobile device while in the field. You will not receive a paper kill tag.
You can purchase an inclusive mentored license package from any DNR office, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
Return to table of contentsIf you originally purchased your hunting license at a license agent or online, you can visit a license agent and have your license(s) reprinted ($3 for non-kill tag replacement and full price for kill tag replacement). You must provide the identification number used to purchase the original license. If you originally purchased your hunting license online, you received an email containing a PDF file of printable licenses (non-kill tag(s)), including your base license. Save your PDF so it can be reprinted if misplaced. If you have an eLicense account, you may log in at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses to reprint your non-kill tag items. Access your purchase history to reprint current licenses. Call 517-284-6057 for licensing assistance.
Return to table of contentsLegal hunting hours for spring turkey (one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset) for Zone A are printed in the table. To determine the opening (a.m.) or closing (p.m.) time in another zone, add the minutes shown on the map for the zone to the time from the Zone A hunting hours table. The hunting hours listed in the table reflect Eastern Time, adjusted for daylight saving time where appropriate. If you are hunting in Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson or Menominee counties (Central Time), you must make an additional adjustment to the printed time by subtracting one hour.
Isle Royale (not pictured), part of Keweenaw County, is closed to spring turkey hunting.
Return to table of contentsHunting hours listed are one half-hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time).
| Date | Time Zone A a.m. | Time Zone A p.m. |
|---|---|---|
| April 18 | 6:16 | 7:47 |
| April 19 | 6:15 | 7:48 |
| April 20 | 6:13 | 7:50 |
| April 21 | 6:12 | 7:51 |
| April 22 | 6:10 | 7:52 |
| April 23 | 6:09 | 7:53 |
| April 24 | 6:07 | 7:54 |
| April 25 | 6:06 | 7:55 |
| April 26 | 6:04 | 7:56 |
| April 27 | 6:03 | 7:57 |
| April 28 | 6:01 | 7:59 |
| April 29 | 6:00 | 8:00 |
| April 30 | 5:59 | 8:01 |
| May 1 | 5:57 | 8:02 |
| May 2 | 5:56 | 8:03 |
| May 3 | 5:55 | 8:04 |
| May 4 | 5:53 | 8:05 |
| May 5 | 5:52 | 8:06 |
| May 6 | 5:51 | 8:07 |
| May 7 | 5:50 | 8:09 |
| May 8 | 5:48 | 8:10 |
| May 9 | 5:47 | 8:11 |
| May 10 | 5:46 | 8:12 |
| May 11 | 5:45 | 8:13 |
| May 12 | 5:44 | 8:14 |
| May 13 | 5:43 | 8:15 |
| May 14 | 5:42 | 8:16 |
| May 15 | 5:41 | 8:17 |
| May 16 | 5:40 | 8:18 |
| May 17 | 5:39 | 8:19 |
| May 18 | 5:38 | 8:20 |
| May 19 | 5:37 | 8:21 |
| May 20 | 5:36 | 8:22 |
| May 21 | 5:35 | 8:23 |
| May 22 | 5:34 | 8:24 |
| May 23 | 5:34 | 8:25 |
| May 24 | 5:33 | 8:26 |
| May 25 | 5:32 | 8:27 |
| May 26 | 5:31 | 8:28 |
| May 27 | 5:31 | 8:28 |
| May 28 | 5:30 | 8:29 |
| May 29 | 5:30 | 8:30 |
| May 30 | 5:29 | 8:31 |
| May 31 | 5:29 | 8:32 |
Michigan is divided into three hunting and trapping zones: Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3. Zone 1 includes all of the Upper Peninsula. The dividing line between Zone 2 and Zone 3 is from the Lake Michigan shoreline north of Muskegon Lake easterly on Memorial Drive to Ruddiman Drive to Lake Avenue, easterly on Lake Avenue to M-120 in North Muskegon, northeasterly on M-120 to M-20, easterly on M-20 to U.S. 10, easterly on U.S. 10 to Garfield Road in Bay County, northerly on Garfield Road to Pinconning Road, easterly on Pinconning Road to Seven Mile Road, northerly on Seven Mile Road to Lincoln School Road (County Road 25) in Arenac County, northerly on Lincoln School Road to M-61, easterly on M-61 to U.S. 23, easterly on U.S. 23 to the center line of the AuGres River, southerly along the center line of the AuGres River to Saginaw Bay, easterly 90 degrees east for 7 miles into Saginaw Bay, then northerly 78 degrees east to the International Boundary. For a map of hunting and trapping zone boundaries, visit Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
Return to table of contentsSafety zones are all areas within 150 yards (450 feet) of an occupied building, dwelling, house, residence, cabin or any barn or other building used in a farm operation. No person may hunt or shoot at any wild animal or wild bird with a firearm within a safety zone, without the written permission of the owner or occupant of the property. The safety zone applies to hunting only. It does not apply to indoor or outdoor shooting ranges, target shooting, law enforcement activities or the lawful discharge of firearms for any nonhunting purpose. Special safety zones are established at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. See NPS.gov/SLBE for more information.
Return to table of contentsNational wildlife refuges are closed to hunting unless expressly permitted. All state laws apply to national wildlife refuge lands. Additional federal regulations also apply and can be found in 50 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) at FWS.gov. Please consult the appropriate national wildlife refuge office for refuge-specific regulations.
Yes. Opportunities to hunt on national forest lands may be available for the Hiawatha, Huron-Manistee and Ottawa national forests. All state laws apply to national forest lands. Additional federal regulations also apply. For a complete listing of regulations, see 36 CFR 261 (Code of Federal Regulations) at FS.USDA.gov.
Over 4.5 million acres of public lands are managed by the DNR and open to hunting!
You can find places to hunt by visiting Michigan.gov/MiHunt. The interactive DNR map application Mi-HUNT can help you plan your hunting, trapping and other outdoor recreation adventures. It is the responsibility of the users of these maps to be aware of all regulations relevant to their hunting activities and locations. These maps show approximate boundaries of the lands open to public hunting.
Turkey Tracts are a series of actively managed, walk-in turkey hunting areas across southern Michigan. With accessible walking trails and a kiosk with maps and area information, they are great places for new hunters to explore. With the help of hunters and partners such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, the DNR developed this program to highlight local wildlife management on public hunting areas and connect hunters with local business partners. Current sites are located in Allegan, Barry, Montcalm, Oakland, Tuscola and Washtenaw counties. The program will be expanded to more locations in the future. Visit Michigan.gov/Turkey for more information.
You can find the DNR-managed land use rules at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws. Please keep in mind that you cannot:
Yes. Some state parks and recreation areas are open to hunting. State parks are closed to hunting unless opened by law (more details available at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws). State recreation areas are open to hunting unless closed by law. Approximately 92% of state park and state recreation area lands are open to hunting.
Yes. Contact individual parks or recreation areas for current hunting regulations and any restrictions for those areas prior to hunting. You cannot target shoot in a state park or recreation area, except on designated shooting ranges located at Algonac State Park and Bald Mountain, Island Lake, Ortonville and Pontiac Lake recreation areas.
Yes. Camping is allowed only on designated campsites. Some state parks and recreation areas have seasonal closures. To make camping reservations, go to MiDNRReservations.com.
Yes. If you are hunting or camping in state parks or recreation areas, you must have a Recreation Passport. The Recreation Passport gives you access to all 103 state parks and recreation areas as well as all state forest campgrounds and DNR-administered boating access sites in Michigan. Camping fees remain in effect. For more information, please visit Michigan.gov/RecreationPassport or call 517-284-7275. Michigan residents have the opportunity to buy a Recreation Passport for $14 when renewing their vehicle registration with the Secretary of State. Vehicles registered in other states will require a daily ($11) or annual ($41) fee to enter any state park or DNR-administered boating access site. State forests and state game areas do not require a Recreation Passport.
Yes. Some local municipalities may be closed to hunting, trapping or the discharge of firearms. Please contact the local municipality office or local law enforcement agency to find out about restrictions.
Yes. Townships or parts of townships in these counties are closed to hunting or restricted to types of firearms or the discharge of firearms as posted: Alcona, Arenac, Barry, Berrien, Crawford, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Iosco, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Livingston, Mackinac, Macomb, Manistee, Oakland, Otsego, Ottawa, Presque Isle, Saginaw, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne. These areas are posted with the restrictions. For descriptions, contact the appropriate township clerk or township police department. Find county-specific rules at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
Commercial Forest lands are privately owned forests enrolled in the Commercial Forest Program. CF landowners are not required to identify the property as CF, and CF land may be fenced and/or gated. The presence of a fence or gate does not prohibit public access to CF lands for fishing or hunting. The landowner may restrict public access during periods of active commercial logging to ensure public safety. Descriptions of land in the CF program and a GIS map are available at Michigan.gov/CommercialForest . CF parcels can also be found using Mi-HUNT at Michigan.gov/MiHunt. Contact the DNR Forest Resources Division at 517-284-5900 or visit the Commercial Forest webpage for more information about CF lands.
Yes. Over 2.2 million acres of privately owned forests enrolled in the Commercial Forest program are accessible by foot to the public for fishing, hunting and trapping. To hunt all species, you must possess licenses that are valid for private-land hunting. Use of motorized vehicles for fishing and hunting access is at the landowner’s discretion. Any activities other than the acts of fishing, hunting and trapping require landowner permission. Leaving anything unattended, other than traps, also requires landowner permission. In addition, hunters may not build structures or construct blinds other than with natural materials found on-site. The use of nails, bolts or tree steps is not allowed. The cutting of shooting lanes or destruction of brush, trees or other vegetation is prohibited. Commercial activity on CF lands is not allowed for any purpose other than forestry or oil and gas extraction.
The Hunting Access Program provides public hunting opportunities on private land. The DNR leases lands from private landowners to allow public hunting. This program is now one of the oldest dedicated private-lands, public-access programs in the nation. Private landowners determine whether all hunters or youth and apprentice hunters only may hunt on their property. They also determine whether hunters may harvest deer only, turkey only, small game only, sharp-tailed grouse only, all legal species or a combination of any of these options. Property owners specify the maximum number of hunters allowed on the land at any one time. Members of the public can use HAP lands only for hunting purposes; no other activities or recreation are permissible.
If you utilize a HAP property, you are a guest of the landowner. Respect for the landowner and landowner’s privacy is vital. You should use the types of registration service provided. Appropriate conduct is expected and helps ensure a good experience for both you and the landowner. All rules and regulations enforced by the DNR apply while hunting on HAP lands. Lands enrolled in HAP are available each day on a first-come, first-served basis. Hunters must register at each property headquarters to hunt for that day. To help hunters locate and scout HAP lands, aerial photographs of HAP properties are available at Michigan.gov/MiHunt.
For more information on HAP, including a current listing of enrolled lands, property details, registration details, HAP rules and enrollment applications, visit Michigan.gov/HAP.
Hunting and trapping are exclusive rights of landowner(s) bordering the waterway and their invited guests. You must secure permission from the landowner before float hunting along those waterways that are protected by the recreational trespass law. You can float hunt on and along waterways that are surrounded by public lands and open to hunting.
You can hunt within a road right of way where the adjoining property is publicly owned. If the adjacent property is privately owned, you must have permission from the landowner.
Railroad rights of way are private property. Trespassing on railroad property is a misdemeanor. You must have written permission from the railroad company to be exempt from trespass.
Yes. Trespassing is unlawful and erodes support for recreational hunting. Written or verbal permission is required from the landowner or leaseholder before you hunt on any farmlands, connected woodlots, private land or property that is fenced or enclosed. Hunters are required to produce their hunting licenses to landowners upon request. Unless previously prohibited by the landowner, a person not possessing a firearm may enter on foot upon the property of another person for the sole purpose of retrieving a hunting dog. The person cannot remain on the property beyond the reasonable time necessary to retrieve the dog.
If you wound a turkey and it goes onto private property, you have no legal right to pursue it without permission from the landowner and would be subject to prosecution for trespassing.
Return to table of contentsYes. You cannot use any of the following types of equipment to hunt a turkey:
See the Bows, crossbows and firearms section for more information on equipment restrictions.
Return to table of contentsNo. If you are spring turkey hunting, you are exempt from the hunter orange requirement.
Return to table of contentsNo. You cannot use an elevated platform to hunt turkeys on public lands during the spring turkey season. Elevated platforms are prohibited on public lands during the spring turkey hunting season. Elevated platforms are only permitted on public lands from Sept. 1 through March 1.
Yes. You can use an elevated platform to hunt turkeys on private lands during the spring turkey season with the permission of the landowner. A fall arrest system is recommended. Permanent elevated platforms are not allowed on Commercial Forest lands. The use of tree steps, nails, screws, bolts, etc. is also not allowed on Commercial Forest lands.
Yes. You can use a ground blind on public lands to hunt turkeys during the spring turkey season. However, only the following three types of ground blinds are legal on public lands:
Yes. You can use a ground blind to hunt turkeys on private lands during the spring turkey season with the permission of the landowner. Permanent ground blinds are not allowed on Commercial Forest lands.
In legible English, you must permanently affix your name and address or Michigan driver’s license number or DNR Sportcard number to the Type 3 ground blind if it is placed on public lands.
Return to table of contentsYou can use a bow, a crossbow or a shotgun per the regulations explained in this section.
A mentor is limited to two hunting devices (shotgun, bow or crossbow) in the field while mentoring, and the mentored hunter must always be within arm’s length of the mentor. The mentor will be held responsible for all actions of the mentored hunter while in the field.
A mentored hunter licensed under the Mentored Hunting Program can use a bow, a crossbow or a shotgun. Any hunting device possessed by a mentored hunter must be sized appropriately to fit the physical abilities of the mentored hunter.
An apprentice hunter can use a bow, a crossbow or a shotgun.
Yes. If you are hunting with a crossbow, you can only use arrows, bolts and quarrels at least 14 inches in length, tipped with a broadhead point at least 7/8 inch wide.
If you are turkey hunting during the spring turkey season, you must abide by the following firearm restrictions or use a crossbow or a bow. Legal firearms are as follows:
Yes. You can use a pneumatic gun to hunt a turkey if it is a muzzleloading shotgun or is designed to fire a fixed shotgun shell.
Yes. When hunting a turkey with a shotgun, you can only use or carry afield No. 4 shot or smaller.
No. When hunting a turkey with a shotgun, there are no shell capacity restrictions.
While not required by law, it is recommended that you use lead-free ammunition when hunting a turkey. Some national wildlife refuges require the use of lead-free ammunition. Please consult the appropriate national wildlife refuge office for refuge-specific regulations.
Yes. The prohibition on carrying any other type of firearm does not apply to pistols carried under authority of a concealed pistol license, or under a specific exception from the CPL requirement.
You must own and have in your possession either a concealed pistol license or a license to purchase, carry or transport issued by your home state to legally carry or transport a handgun in Michigan. For more information about statewide handgun regulations, obtaining a CPL, or concealed weapons and firearms laws, contact your local police department.
Return to table of contentsFirearms must be unloaded in the barrel and all arrows must be in a quiver when you are afield outside the legal hunting hours.
These rules apply whether your vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At all times when carried in or on a motor vehicle:
These rules apply whether your off-road vehicle is parked, stopped or moving. At all times, when carried in or on an off-road vehicle:
These rules apply when the vessel is under power and until forward motion has ceased. Once the vessel is no longer under power and forward motion has ceased, firearms can be loaded. When carried in or on a motor-propelled boat or sailboat, while the vessel is under power or forward motion is occurring: shotguns, muzzleloaders and all other firearms must be unloaded in both barrel and magazine.
Return to table of contentsYes. You can hire a commercial hunting guide for spring turkey hunting in Michigan. A list of licensed commercial hunting guides is available at Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits.
No. You cannot harvest a turkey while it is in a tree.
No. You cannot set fires to drive out game animals, including turkeys.
No. You cannot hunt turkeys while under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
Return to table of contentsNo. You cannot use mechanical, electronic or live decoys to hunt a turkey during the spring turkey season.
No. A windsock or similar decoy body anchored at a fixed point into the ground, and whose only motion is derived exclusively by power of the natural wind, is not considered a mechanical decoy.
No. You cannot stalk a turkey with a handheld decoy or silhouette during the spring turkey season.
No. You cannot use or possess electronic devices that imitate turkey calls while hunting a turkey during the spring turkey season.
Return to table of contentsNo. You cannot use bait to aid in the taking of a turkey during the spring turkey season. This does not apply to standing farm crops (normal agricultural practices) or other naturally growing grains, fruits or vegetables.
Return to table of contentsNo. You cannot hunt a turkey with a dog during the spring turkey season.
Return to table of contentsThe DNR encourages you to report any sightings of sick or dead wildlife at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField. You should provide information about the location, number and condition of the animals you observed. Contact the DNR Wildlife Health Section at 517-336-5030 if you have any questions.
Avian influenza, or “bird flu,” is caused by viruses that infect both wild and domestic birds and mammals. These viruses impact poultry and wild birds in different ways. In poultry, avian influenza is typically extremely contagious, resulting in high death loss and associated economic losses to poultry producers. Wild birds can carry the viruses but don’t always get sick or die. Visit Michigan.gov/WildlifeDisease or Michigan.gov/BirdFlu for more information.
Although human risk is considered to be low, precautions should be taken when handling wild birds (see Handling and processing game meat below). Wild birds can carry bird flu without appearing sick. As a general precaution, people should not harvest or handle wild birds that are obviously sick or found dead. Hunters who handle wild birds should dress game birds in the field when possible and practice good biosecurity to prevent any potential disease spread.
Return to table of contentsThe DNR encourages you to learn how to identify and report invasive species at MISIN.MSU.edu. For more information on invasive species management or your local cooperative invasive species management area, visit
Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Prevention is the best way to manage invasive species. Practice PlayCleanGo by checking yourself and your gear. Arrive clean and remove any plant debris, dirt and mud before leaving your hunting location.
Yes. Russian boar can be hunted and trapped, year-round, statewide with a valid base license. Russian boar can be taken on public land by anyone possessing a valid hunting license or a concealed pistol license, or on private land with the landowner’s permission. You are encouraged to report all Russian boar seen or taken at Michigan.gov/RussianBoar or by calling 517-336-1928.
No. You cannot move or possess invasive plants. For a complete list of prohibited and restricted species, visit Michigan.gov/Invasives.
Return to table of contentsNo. Immediately after harvesting and before moving a turkey, you must validate your paper kill tag and securely attach the paper kill tag to the leg of the turkey. You cannot transport or have in your possession a turkey unless the validated paper kill tag is attached to the leg of the turkey.
To validate your paper kill tag, you must notch out the appropriate information as instructed on the paper kill tag.
The best way to attach a paper kill tag that was purchased at a license agent is to lay a strong piece of wire or cord across the back of the paper kill tag so the tag can be folded in half and to tape it in place as needed. Do not stick or wrap the paper kill tag directly onto the leg of the turkey. The best way to attach a paper kill tag that was purchased at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses is to put a wire or cord through the pre-punched holes on the paper kill tag. Tie the wire or cord to the turkey’s leg in such a manner that the paper kill tag remains securely attached. Make sure the paper kill tag is completely legible and visible for inspection. The paper kill tag must remain attached until you process or butcher the turkey or until the turkey is accepted for processing and recorded by a commercial processor or taxidermist.
No. Immediately after harvesting and before moving a turkey, you must validate your eHarvest tag. You cannot transport or have in your possession a turkey unless the eHarvest tag validation has been completed.
To validate your eHarvest tag, you must use your mobile device to access the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app and complete the following steps:
Check Michigan.gov/DNRDigests for possible changes to eHarvest tags that may have occurred after the printing of this publication.
Yes. Spur length can be used to estimate the age of a male turkey. Use the following chart to determine the approximate age of your turkey:
| Spur length (inches) | Curvature | Sharpness | Age of turkey |
|---|---|---|---|
| Less than 0.5” | None | Rounded | Younger than 1 year |
| 0.5” to 1” | Straight | Blunt | 1 to 2 years |
| 1” to 1.25” | Slightly curved | Pointed | 2 to 3 years |
| Over 1.25” | Curved | Sharp | Older than 3 years |
You can transport your own and another person’s lawfully taken game. You cannot transport or possess a turkey unless a validated kill tag is attached to the leg of the turkey or you have validated your eHarvest tag. Check Michigan.gov/DNRDigests for possible changes to eHarvest tags that may have occurred after the printing of this publication. You cannot destroy the identity or evidence of the sex of a turkey while in the field or when transported in a motor vehicle.
Return to table of contentsA turkey must be reported within 72 hours of harvest or before you transfer possession, whichever comes first.
Beginning in 2026, there is a new requirement of all successful turkey hunters to report their turkey harvest through the DNR’s website or mobile app. The system will allow a near real-time estimate of turkey harvest as it occurs.
All successful turkey hunters with a state-issued turkey license are required to report their turkey harvest.
Each paper kill tag and eHarvest tag has a unique, underlined license number that must be used for the harvest report. You must use the correct license number from the paper kill tag or eHarvest tag you used to harvest the turkey with. You can report your harvest through eLicense (Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses) or the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Once your harvest report is completed, you will be given a confirmation number and the option to receive a copy by email.
If you have a paper kill tag, you must continue to attach a paper kill tag to a harvested turkey. The paper kill tag should remain attached to the turkey until it is processed. If you have an eHarvest tag, you must ensure your eHarvest tag validation has been completed. Check Michigan.gov/DNRDigests for possible changes to eHarvest tags that may have occurred after the printing of this publication. Anyone in possession of a turkey after the harvest reporting timeframe expires should be able to present the confirmation number.
Return to table of contentsHealth assessors from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Michigan DNR determined that samples of wild game from the floodplains of the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River downstream of Midland contained high levels of dioxin and dioxin-like compounds. Wild game tested include deer, turkey, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, wood duck and Canada goose. As a result, the MDHHS advises hunters and their families to follow these recommendations related to turkey:
For additional information regarding dioxin, dioxin-like compounds and wild game advisories for the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River floodplains, including a map of the area covered by these advisories, go to the MDHHS website at Michigan.gov/Dioxin.
Ammunition used to shoot wildlife, including traditional lead birdshot or rounds containing lead bullets, may fragment, leaving particles remaining in game meat, even after processing. Some of these lead particles may be too small to be seen or felt when processing game. Being exposed to any lead can be a serious issue for developing bodies and nervous systems, so those most at risk of health effects from eating wild game meat that contains lead are young children and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Scavengers and birds of prey regularly feed on unrecovered carcasses. If those carcasses contain lead fragments, wildlife species feeding on the carcasses can become sick or die from ingesting lead.
Select lead-free ammunition such as steel, bismuth or tungsten. When hunting a turkey with a shotgun, you can only use or carry afield No. 4 shot or smaller. It is important to pattern your shotgun with the ammunition you will hunt with.
If you are using lead ammunition:
Keep yourself and others healthy by taking care of your harvested meat. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommends proper food safety practices when handling game meat, as well as any other meat or poultry.
Return to table of contentsNo. You cannot buy or sell game animals, dead or alive, except as provided by Wildlife Conservation Order 4.3, available at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.
Return to table of contentsMichigan’s Wild Turkey Cooperator Patch Program is coordinated by the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in partnership with the DNR.
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of the American wild turkey and the preservation of our hunting tradition. Proceeds from patch sales are used to fund wild turkey-related projects and management in Michigan. Each year the National Wild Turkey Federation, working cooperatively with the DNR, contributes more than $300,000 to wild turkey and hunter-heritage programs in Michigan.
No. You do not have to harvest a turkey to purchase a patch.
Adult hunters, collectors and other interested individuals can purchase a wild turkey patch for $8, including postage and handling.
Young hunters, 17 years old and younger, who have a valid turkey hunting license can get a free wild turkey patch by sending their name and complete address, along with a legible copy of their valid turkey hunting license, to National Wild Turkey Federation, Wild Turkey Patch Program, P.O. Box 471, Schoolcraft, MI 49087. If you have questions, please email MichiganWildTurkeyPatch@yahoo.com.
No. You can only purchase the current-year wild turkey patch.
Wild turkey patches must be ordered online at MINWTF.org. Mail-in patch orders will no longer be accepted, except for the free wild turkey patch for young hunters.
You should receive your wild turkey patch four to six weeks after purchase.
Return to table of contentsYes. After your hunting season has ended, please report your hunting activity at Michigan.gov/Turkey. Information you provide will improve management and ensure that decisions regarding hunting seasons are based on the best information available.
Yes. You can assist the DNR by reporting any sightings of wild turkey young and adults from July 1 – Aug. 1. This information, which is kept confidential, is used to assess how well turkeys are reproducing and provides information to manage the turkey population. You can make your report at Michigan.gov/Turkey or contact a DNR office listed on the back of this publication.
No. It is unlawful to possess live game or protected animals taken from the wild except under a permit issued by the DNR. Visit Michigan.gov/WildlifePermits for more information.
Michigan is a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, an agreement where participating states share information about fish and game violators and honor each other’s decision to deny licenses and permits. If your hunting, fishing or trapping license is revoked in Michigan, you may lose your privileges in the other 45 participating states as well. And, if your license is revoked in any of those states, it also may be revoked in Michigan.
Violations of turkey hunting regulations, including application violations, are misdemeanors, and the following penalties may apply. Misdemeanors may be punishable by up to 90 days of imprisonment, up to $1,000 in fines and license revocation for up to five years. Reimbursement to the state for unlawful taking of wild turkey is $1,000 per animal plus an additional $1,000 for a turkey with a beard.
If you witness a natural resource violation or have information on the illegal killing of turkeys in Michigan, report it immediately. You can do this by calling or texting 1-800-292-7800. Phone lines are open 24/7. You may remain anonymous.
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