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For many hunters, the spring turkey season begins this Saturday, April 23. Here’s what you need to know before heading into the field:
Have a regulations question? Rather than flipping through the entire Spring Turkey Digest, expedite the Q&A process with a new keyword-searchable feature. Just type, press enter, and have the answer appear. Test it out at Michigan.gov/Turkey.
There’s still time to get a turkey license! See what hunt units have licenses available and snag one before they sell out. Keep in mind, licenses bought online will be mailed to you seven to 10 days after purchasing.
Another great license for hunters wanting a little more flexibility is Hunt 0234. This statewide spring license is valid for public and private lands, except public lands in Unit ZZ (southern Lower Peninsula). This license is valid to hunt Fort Custer military lands with permission. Season dates are May 7-31.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been confirmed in the state’s wild bird population. Avian influenza is a virus that may be carried by migrating waterfowl and can infect wild birds, such as waterfowl, birds of prey and others, as well as domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, quail, ducks and geese.
While the risk to people from HPAI viruses is low, hunters should still use caution when handling and field-dressing harvested birds. Wearing gloves and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water are recommended. Dress game birds in the field whenever possible. Poultry and waterfowl should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
To date, no human HPAI infections have been detected in the United States. Avian influenza has been found in backyard poultry flocks, commercial flocks and in wild birds. For the latest information, visit Michigan.gov/AvianInfluenza.
If you notice birds acting abnormally or find three or more free-ranging birds dead, please report it to the DNR through Eyes in the Field or by calling 517-336-5030.
Looking for a new place to hunt? Scout at Turkey Tracts! These public hunting areas are managed for turkey habitat, providing hunters with optimal opportunities to harvest a bird. There are marked hunter trails through the areas, parking lots and kiosks with area information to help hunters navigate the area. There are five Turkey Tracts across southern Michigan, including the brand-new tract at the Tuscola State Game Area. Learn more at Michigan.gov/Turkey.
Patches must be ordered online at MINWTF.org. Mail-in patch orders will no longer be accepted.
Patches are $6 for adults and patch collectors. Youth hunters 17 years old and younger can get a patch for free. Proceeds from patch sales are used to fund wild turkey-related projects and management in Michigan.
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