Michigan Turkey Digest 2023 (2024)

FAQs

Where is the best turkey hunting in Michigan? ›

The middle part of the Lower Peninsula has the best turkey numbers. Allegan, Jackson, Kent, Lapeer, Montcalm, Newaygo, Saginaw, St. Clair and Tuscola counties typically lead the turkey tally. Go here for more Realtree turkey hunting.

There is a fall turkey hunt you can apply for and you do that from July 1 through August 1. The spring turkey hunt varies depending on your area but all of the dates land between April 22 through June 7, click here for Michigan's spring turkey guide.

Spring turkey hunting season begins in late April and runs through early June, depending on the area of the state. If hunters aren't selected for a license from the lottery on March 11, they can apply for leftover licenses on a first-come, first-served basis.

Mid morning hunts are quite effective all season long, but mostly early and late season. Mid morning hunts are productive because sometimes gobblers get separated from their hens during mid to late morning, and they are lovesick and alone.

Fairview is considered the wild turkey capital of Michigan.

Hunting eastern turkeys, especially in Georgia, can be some of the toughest hunting you will find. Finding land to chase birds in Georgia can be tough but with the amount of public land access and landowners willing to either lease turkey rights or trade out hunts for hunts in other states, it can be done.

Some of the rules have changed as well, such as the most recent which allows turkey hunters on private property to use shotguns from an elevated platform or tree-stand.

Even if you're a great shot with the bow, you must remember that turkeys have a small kill zone that's usually moving. There is no practice you can do that will perfectly replicate this, and that's why keeping those shots inside 25 yards is always best.

State regulations allow hunters to use “a bow and arrow, crossbow, or firearm that fires a fixed shotgun shell or a muzzleloading shotgun” to hunt turkeys in the spring and fall.

Early Morning: For calling turkeys in the Spring, be set up and ready before the sun rises. As soon as the Toms start talking, talk back. The later into morning it gets, the less they will respond to your calls. The majority of turkeys are harvested in early morning, before 8 or 9am (in my area).

Why does turkey hunting stop at noon? ›

It's been a New England and northeastern management tradition to finish at midday. This perspective, possibly unfounded, is based on the belief all-day spring turkey hunting disrupts breeding, moves hens off nests, puts added pressure on birds and messes with roosting activities.

But don't call too often – less is more. Calling every 15 minutes or so and starting off quieter and then getting more aggressive/louder as the day goes on are good rules of thumb. If you hear a hen, try to mimic her exact vocalizations.

Once a declining species in the United States, wild turkeys now thrive nationwide. In Michigan, turkeys can be found in most counties in the Lower Peninsula and in some parts of the Upper Peninsula. Wild turkeys are an important big game species in Michigan and can be hunted in the spring and fall.

To find wild turkeys you'll need to locate their preferred habitat. Looking at aerial satellite maps can help you identify key areas such as openings/clearings within forested areas that are close to rivers, creeks or cypress ponds. Turkeys often like to roost (sleep at night) in trees over or near water and low areas.

Michigan is a great state for hunting whitetail deer, with the best regions being located in the Upper Peninsula, Northern Lower Peninsula and Southern Lower Peninsula. The Southern Lower Peninsula is widely considered by hunters to be the best spot in the entire state when it comes to quality.

The fee for a resident wild turkey hunting license is $15.00. The fee for a nonresident wild turkey hunting license is $69.00.