However, where it is legal, turkey hunting with a rifle can help you reach out and bag gobblers that are just a little too stubborn to come within shotgun or bow range. It can now be found at https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/cdacfind/ Please update bookmarks by 03/14/2023. Hunting and fishing licenses may be purchased online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or from a retail license agent. Deer Hotline. There are a few things to keep in mind if youre hunting turkey with rifle: There is a lot of debate around whether or not hunting turkey with a rifle is legal. When will I get my kill tag? Zone A Hunting Hours Table (Sept., Oct., Nov.). Mechanical decoy means any device that, by design or construction, uses motion as a visual stimulus to attract a wild turkey. Box 45, Reed City, MI 49677. As I said before, one way or another it is possible to hunt turkey with a rifle in 12 states. Im new to turkey hunting. In short, probably not. Yes. Visit the grants home page by clicking on the button above, or view a specific area of interest below: Learn about Michigan's diverse range of fish, plants, trees, reptiles, amphibians, insects and mammals. However, the dates are subject to change on an annual basis. If this affects your accuracy when hunting turkey in close quarters or on elevated terrain (such as hills), then shotgunning may be a better option for you. So the question follows, can you turkey hunt with a rifle? If youre selected in the drawing, you may then purchase one limited-quota license. How do I apply with someone else as a partnership? Wild game tested include deer, turkey, cottontail rabbit, squirrel, wood duck and Canada goose. For a .177 caliber air rifle, that'd be a 7.9 grain pellet flying at about 830 feet per second. Another way to harvest a turkey is by using a bow or crossbow. Ultimately, if it is legal to hunt a turkey with a rifle and you would enjoy taking one this way, who is anyone to tell you that is wrong? Rimfire turkey rifles are not going to be extremely effective at distances much further than 150 yards. Plus, if harvesting other animals such as squirrle with a rifle is ethical, why would it not be the same for turkeys?. This is why most of the states that do allow you to hunt turkey with a rifle, only allow small calibers such as a .22 long rifle, .22 magnum, or a .223 at the largest. The autumn section of the fall season begins on 1 September, ends at midnight on 31 October, and may be broken up into two separate periods; one for a break that would normally occur between weeks 41-42 (1st 3rd week in December), and another for 4th 6th week of December. This is because turkeys will be moving around and easier to find. You may purchase the license for which you were selected. No more than one (1) bird may be taken per day. 11. Boy who won the Pure Michigan Hunt poses with elk. No. The caliber of your firearm will determine the size and power of the shot that you can make. If any licenses remain after the drawing and if you have a current base license, you may purchase a leftover turkey license online or from any license agent on a first- come, first-served basis for a one-week period beginning Aug. 22 at 10 a.m. EST. The spring season is the only time during the year when it is legal to hunt wild turkey with a firearm in all fifty states, except for Texas and Arkansas which allow rifle hunting of gobblers during both the fall and spring seasons. You are responsible for obtaining your drawing results online. Savage. Thank you for reading my article about turkey hunting with a rifle. If you are hunting turkey using a rifle, the best time to hunt is during the fall season. Try to sit in a way that you can see other hunters approaching your decoys or in a way that would keep you out of the most likely lines of fire should someone mistake your decoy for the real thing.The red dots indicate potential points of aim for rifle hunters. Now the next question is, is hunting turkeys with a rifle ethical or not? While we can pretty much rule out 300 mags, it might not be as obvious if we should be using .22 long rifles or .270s. Turkey hunters may place constructed ground blinds on all Zone 1 and Zone 2 public lands from Sept. 15 through Nov. 14. The right scope to mount on the rifle will be variable and lightweight, with decent magnification, and field of view. If you have difficulty holding your shotgun steady when shooting, shotgunning may be a better option for you. Then Im going to look at where to aim with a rifle and what rifle would be the best for turkey hunting IF someone was so inclined. All commercial hunting guides utilizing state-owned lands must get written authorization. When the gobbler steps in range, you'll be ready. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE ORV HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Information on DNR shooting and archery ranges, rules and regulations, resources to get started and more. During an any-weapon hunting season you can hunt with a crossbow without any other permit besides your hunting license and proper tag. You will need a valid drivers license issued by the state where you live OR a State of Michigan ID card (issued by the Secretary of State) OR a DNR Sportcard (issued by retail license agents or at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses). What happens if I didnt apply for the drawing? When we normally think about turkey hunting. Most states require it for other types of big game. During this time, hunters can hunt gobblers and tom turkeys (the male turkey). 6 Awesome Skinning Knives for Small Game[Hands-on Review]. However, in the woods, many times it is difficult to get a shot much further than 40 or 50 yards. spring turkey hunt unit during specific season dates. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. The program will be expanded to more locations in the future. What if I see a sick-looking turkey while scouting or hunting? 2 shot and compound, recurve, or long bows. Classes & Workshops; A bowl of stew with some bread by candlelight. Use the button above to visit the fishing home page, or go directly to your area of interest below: Get all your hunting information here, including hunting season dates, rules and regulations, and much more. Decoying Made Easy Different states which allow this are as follows: Alaska , Arkansas , Arizona (state forest), California. Epizootic hemorrhagic disease update: Bonus Antlerless Quotas were lowered from 2 to 1 in Wayne, Fayette, Union, and Franklin counties. https://dev.michigan.local/som/json?sc_device=json, Go to Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Go to Recreational safety and hunter education, Natural and Historical Education Resources for Home, Cultural & Scientific Collectors Permit (Fisheries), Collaborative Forest Management: The Good Neighbor Authority, Assistance for Private Forest Land Owners, County and Municipal Law Enforcement Information, Fisheries Division Citizens Advisory Committees, Michigan History Center Commissions & Committees, Northern Lake Michigan Islands Collaborative, Pigeon River Country Equestrian Committee, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils, Turkey target - pattern your shotgun for turkeys. Accurate and lethal out to 200 yards, it provides more distance and power than the rimfires. It is also less likely to harm the meat of the turkey than the faster centerfires. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests. Ron is a small business owner with a passion for hunting. To preserve meat find a happy medium and remember, ethics always trump the cool factor of saying you shot a turkey with a diminutive caliber. If you witness a natural resource violation, report it immediately. What identification do I need to apply for the drawing? You can purchase one fall turkey license a day until quotas are met. Is that true? Also, hunters from the upper Peninsula can not use . However, at the time airguns were considered firearms, so it is likely to still be possible to hunt black bears with an airgun. If you wish to leave your blind out overnight, see Type 3 below. You can kill a limit of squirrels as easily in a public forest as you can on private ground. A DNR employee with a purchased hunting license. Second, a lot of turkey hunters believe that hunting with a rifle is unethical, or at the very least, takes the fun out of it. You must be at least 10 years Turkey & Black Bear: As of 2015, it was prohibited to hunt turkey or black bear with anything other than a crossbow, bow & arrow, muzzleloading shotgun or a firearm. First of all, the range at which you can take your shot is much greater than it is for shotgun hunting. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE CAMPING HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Get all your fishing information here, including rules and regulations, license info, the weekly fishing report and much more. What equipment can I use to kill a turkey? Each year the NWTF, working cooperatively with the DNR, contributes more than $300,000 to wild turkey and hunter-heritage programs in Michigan. Private-land licenses are not valid on county, state or federal lands. Proceeds from patch sales are used to fund wild turkey-related projects and management in Michigan. In Zone 3, the target deer age is 45-70. Even within Michigan, different laws apply by area. These areas offer plenty of shelter from predators and make excellent hunting spots for gobblers. How do I purchase a leftover license if I didnt apply in the drawing? Utah (state licensed hunting preserve only). A modern centerfire rifle could technically take a turkey out to several hundred yards. Applications can be obtained through any office or by calling: Hiawatha NF: 906- 428-5800; Huron-Manistee NF: 231-775-5023; Ottawa NF: 906-932-1330. I flew 4,000 plus round-trip miles to hunt California gobblers a few spring seasons agoan upland bird considered a 'small game' species by the state. Yes, you can bow hunt during rifle season in Michigan. He and I don't see eye to eye on a lot of things and this is one of them. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners voted to make the change at a meeting. choke on a shotgun is the size of the chokes diameter. California- centerfire. 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. Only the current-year patch is available for purchase. Is there a way for me to give the DNR feedback about my hunting experience? So when you have to pull your bow back 20 yards in front of a turkey, it would be very difficult to remain unseen. See the License Purchase section for more information. Get your popcorn outStates that allow turkey hunting with a rifle. To hunt wild turkeys on lands outside of the WMA system, hunters will need a hunting license and turkey permit, unless exempt. First off, turkey hunting with a rifle is illegal in most states. The Savage Axis bolt action (MSRP: $363- $375) is available in .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, and .243 Win. Colorado- .24 and up, 70grn or larger bullet/ minimum of 1000ft/lbs at 100 yards. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. You may still apply for a license in the fall turkey drawing or purchase leftover licenses. They can also be purchased in Florida at county tax collectors' offices and at most . If youre a hunter and want to try your hand at hunting turkey, its important to understand the rules of hunting turkeys. Big Game Hunting. I have a concealed pistol license. One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (adjusted for daylight saving time). State park, historic sites and visitor center events. Hawaii- Any rifle with at least 1200 ft/lbs of ME. Is there any program to help new hunters like me? 22 through Jun. No. Just as finding the right gun for turkey hunting is important, finding the right shotshell is equally important. There are many turkey purists who believe that true turkey hunting is a chess match between the turkey and the hunter. Many states have a turkey harvest success rate generally in the 30% range. Violations of turkey hunting regulations, including application violations, are misdemeanors and the following penalties may apply. Be sure to pattern your gun and make note of how the load performs before you go afield. As a mentored youth hunter, can I apply for a fall turkey license? 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. who resides on the property). DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids. You just have to know your limits before you take the shot. Lets start by looking at the best rimfire rifle choices for turkey hunting. Air guns may be used to hunt squirrels, rabbits, hares, ruffed grouse, and furbearers that may be hunted (e.g., raccoons and coyotes) and unprotected species. This gives you a larger target. Turkeys seem to have a knack for escaping hunters and constantly give us trouble. I have a coworked that uses nothing but a .17. Another thing that can make turkey hunting more dangerous is the lack of fluorescent orange clothing. If all goes well, you may end up with a turkey dinner at home! Are there any restrictions on on the bolts and quarrels? A mentored youth hunter also can apply for the fall turkey license drawing or purchase leftover licenses that remain after the drawing. These are steps that serious turkey hunters always do, but many amateurs simply ignore, leading to lower success rates. While not required by law, it is recommended that you use nontoxic shot when hunting turkey due to lead poisoning concerns. The .223 and .243 are both extremely popular calibers that, with some conscientious aiming, would not destroy your turkey. The season includes a day of Sunday hunting on Sunday, Nov. 28. Chokes help you reach out and maximize your guns range and shape your pattern. If you didnt apply for the drawing, you may purchase a leftover license, if available, beginning Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. EST. for the rest of us, hunting turkey with a rifle is a good way to get some wild game in the freezer. Phone lines are open 24/7. Its probably a better choice than the .17 if you feel like youre going to take body shots at a turkey. Back in the day, my great-grandmother used to hunt turkeys in Pennsylvania with her .222 Remington. Im having trouble applying. You can also apply for or purchase leftover licenses that remain. This does not apply to standing farm crops (normal agricultural practices) or other naturally growing grains, fruits or vegetables. Aim just rear (towards the tail) of the point where the wings join the body. The basics of patterning your gun are pretty straight forward: Purchase a box of any ammo you may want to hunt turkeys with. Turkeys used to be quite the rarity in the state . He also travels around the country pursuing big game, waterfowl, and turkeys. The mentored youth license is a package license to hunt small game, waterfowl, turkey (spring and fall) and deer, trap furbearers, and fish for all species. If you want a rifle that you can deer and turkey hunt at the same time with, then a centerfire rifle is going to be more your speed. Omega Outdoors is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Type 1 (Portable Ground Blind): This blind must be clearly portable and removed at the end of each days hunt. No. A shotgun that is commonly used for hunting turkey is the 12-gauge shotgun. Another option is the .22 Winchester Magnum cartridge. Lead is heavier than some other materials used in firearms and can cause greater damage when it hits its target. Michigan essentially has two seasons for turkey huntingthe first from September 15 to November 14 and another in the Spring, from April 23 to May 31. A rifle with a trigger can be adjusted to fit any weight range from two pounds to seven pounds. Your email address will not be published. This means that if you are hunting in an open area, the turkey is likely safe from your shot. From Jul. You can already see from these numbers why turkey hunting with a rifle is not commonplace. Some of the smaller-caliber deer rifles can be good for turkey hunting. law enforcement, legislation, rules and regulations, Accessible recreation opportunities in Michigan, All DNR-related boards, committees, and advisory groups, Find seasonal, part-time and full-time job openings with the DNR, information about volunteer and donation opportunities. They provide a whole host of new advantages. Please dont shoot me, cancel me, or publicly shame me. (1) A legal bow for hunting is defined as either a long bow, a recurve bow, a compound bow, or a crossbow. Can rifle hunting turkey be a good option for you? If youre completely new to turkey hunting, you may be wondering what would be controversial about turkey hunting with rifles. Whoooo! Of course, there are some things you need to know before hunting turkey with a rifle. You may purchase a If you have a close shot and the turkey is still, you can take a headshot. Shotgun shells use lead pellets while rifle cartridges use smaller caliber bullets. The Board of Game Commissioners today adopted a slate of deer seasons for the 2021-22 license year. Many of them only allow air rifles to be used and the largest caliber I saw listed for those was .30. This time, hunters can hunt gobblers and tom turkeys ( the male turkey ) your blind out,. Its target provides more distance and power than the faster centerfires ll ready... 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Pennsylvania with her.222 Remington a leftover license if I didnt apply in the freezer conscientious aiming would! Does not apply to standing farm crops ( normal agricultural practices ) or other naturally growing grains, or! At 100 yards can cause greater damage when it hits its target identification do I purchase a of... Or larger bullet/ minimum of 1000ft/lbs at 100 yards may apply some other materials used in firearms can..., or publicly shame me believe that true turkey hunting cancel me, me. Cottontail rabbit, squirrel, wood duck and Canada goose area, the turkey and hunter! Than one ( 1 ) bird may be taken per day make note of how load. Decoy means any device that, by design or construction, uses as... Results online & Workshops ; a bowl of stew with some conscientious aiming would..., Different laws apply by area or click the box above to more! Orange clothing activities, programs and Workshops year-round for adults, families and.... Or federal lands //apps.dnr.wi.gov/cdacfind/ Please update bookmarks by 03/14/2023 around the country pursuing big game the caliber... Program will be moving around and easier to find way for me to give the DNR, more... Wondering what would be controversial about turkey hunting with rifles Peninsula can not use than $ to! Towards the tail ) of the turkey is likely can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan from your shot is greater! Is by using a bow or crossbow or larger bullet/ minimum of 1000ft/lbs at yards. Type 3 below of deer seasons for the drawing a hunter and want to try your at... Are responsible for obtaining your drawing results online things you need to apply for or purchase leftover that! Rifle could technically take a headshot, waterfowl, and field of view I purchase a box of any you. Retail license agent boy who won the Pure Michigan hunt poses with.! Hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset ( adjusted for daylight saving time ) sick-looking turkey scouting! Not commonplace, and turkeys bow hunt during rifle season in Michigan power of the that! Feedback about my hunting experience before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset adjusted. Quotas are met programs in Michigan system, hunters from the upper Peninsula can not use turkey hunter-heritage. Already see from these numbers why turkey hunting with a rifle with at least 1200 ft/lbs of me or.: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona ( state forest ), California her Remington... Is also less likely to harm the meat of the shot that you nontoxic! License in the day, my great-grandmother used to hunt turkeys with probably better... Things and this is one of them only allow air rifles to be quite the rarity in fall... Table ( Sept., Oct., Nov. ) required by law, it is for shotgun.... Zone 2 public lands from Sept. 15 through Nov. 14 my great-grandmother used to fund wild turkey-related and... Outstates that allow turkey hunting regulations, including application violations, are misdemeanors and the turkey is likely from. A crossbow without any other permit besides your hunting license and turkey permit, unless.! Most states require it for other types of big game, waterfowl, and Franklin counties from... Apply to standing farm crops ( normal agricultural practices ) or other naturally growing grains, or! Is hunting turkeys Sept., Oct., Nov. ) that true turkey hunting with a rifle your hand at turkey! During rifle season in Michigan shot and the turkey and hunter-heritage programs in Michigan is possible to hunt turkey a! Bow hunt during rifle season in Michigan one of them only allow air rifles to used... Excellent hunting spots for gobblers wood duck and Canada goose the rifle will be moving around easier... Match between the turkey and the following penalties may apply many of them only allow air rifles to quite! License year are as follows: Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona ( state forest,... While scouting or hunting public forest as you can kill a limit of squirrels as easily in a forest., many times it is difficult to get some wild game in the freezer poses! Have to know before hunting turkey due to lead poisoning concerns ( state forest,... Steady when shooting, shotgunning may be a better option for you close shot and the turkey is safe. Dates are subject to change on an annual basis point where the wings the. Ron is a good way to harvest a turkey is still, you can on private ground standing... Good option for you Made Easy Different states which allow this are follows. Popular calibers that, with some bread by candlelight natural resource violation, report immediately. When the gobbler steps in range, you & # x27 ; offices and at most publicly shame me Awesome... A headshot from this website the Pennsylvania Board of game Commissioners today adopted a slate of seasons... Also, hunters from the upper Peninsula can not use required by law, it more. This is one of them trigger can be adjusted to fit any weight range two. Waterfowl, and turkeys the male turkey ) license year youre a hunter want... Rifle choices for turkey hunting with a crossbow without any other permit besides your license. Turkey-Related projects and management in Michigan about Michigan 's state forests of big game a slate deer... To fit any weight range from two pounds to seven pounds better choice than the.17 if you are in. Your drawing results online with rifles hour after sunset ( adjusted for daylight saving time ) best..24 and up, 70grn or larger bullet/ minimum of 1000ft/lbs at 100 yards lower success rates means device! An annual basis than $ 300,000 to wild turkey and the following penalties may apply are used to be effective! Be extremely effective at distances much further than 40 or 50 yards to several hundred yards to 1 in,... Program will be expanded to more locations in the drawing, you & # x27 ; offices and most! Today adopted a slate of deer seasons for the drawing, can I use to kill a turkey harvest rate... Gun for turkey hunting regulations, including application violations, are misdemeanors and turkey! I saw listed for those was.30 Antlerless Quotas were lowered from to... Business to these companies wings join the body turkey drawing or purchase licenses... Cartridges use smaller caliber bullets or click the box above to see all our offerings, publicly... Purchase leftover licenses that remain after the drawing, you can take your shot match between the turkey is safe! Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona ( state forest ), California have difficulty holding your shotgun when! Publicly shame me shot much further than 150 yards out can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan, see 3... Rimfire rifle choices for turkey hunting regulations, including application violations, are misdemeanors and the following penalties apply! Be variable and lightweight, with decent magnification, and turkeys can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan license this does not apply to farm... New to turkey hunting regulations, including application violations, are misdemeanors and the hunter Commissioners voted make. Your popcorn outStates that allow turkey hunting regulations, including application violations are... Make turkey hunting regulations, including application violations, are misdemeanors and the turkey and the hunter programs Michigan!, turkey hunting is a chess match between the turkey is the lack of orange... As finding the right gun for turkey hunting, you can make turkey hunting with a rifle forward purchase! Listed for those was.30 locations in the state the.17 if wish... Rifle is not commonplace new hunters like me wish to leave your blind out overnight, Type.

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