Gfk Turkey
Merry Hurtz
Hunters are reminded to review the fall turkey hunting regulations and hours. The complete list of rules and hunting hours can be found in the Fall 2023- Spring 2024 Combined Hunting Regulations [PDF].
After the preference drawing is complete, all remaining turkey harvest authorizations, now called bonus harvest authorizations, will be sold over the counter. Bonus harvest authorizations will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Each zone will have a designated sales date. The first zone went on sale on Mar. 20. Hunters may buy leftover harvest authorizations on a one-per-day basis until they are sold out or the season is over. Visit the Spring Bonus Harvest Authorizations page or Fall Bonus Harvest Authorizations page for more information.
Spring turkey harvest authorizations are issued through a preference-based drawing system. Harvest authorizations are issued by evaluating every combination of zones and time periods the applicant would accept. Applicants can choose two-time period-zone combinations and one zone they'd get any time (if the first two choices are unavailable). A harvest authorization can only be issued if that time period and zone are listed on the application. For the greatest chance of receiving a harvest authorization through the preference drawing, applicants should diversify their options by listing all time periods and zones they would be willing to accept.
The drawing issues one harvest authorization to as many applicants as possible. The remaining harvest authorizations will be sold after the drawing as Bonus Authorizations. Under no circumstances can a harvest authorization be exchanged for a different time period or zone. Please refer to the Turkey Hunting Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about the turkey drawing and preference point systems.
Wisconsin provides a variety of hunting permits for those with disabilities. This opportunity is intended to help people with disabilities enjoy the state's natural resources. Turkey hunters with a Class A, B, or C disabled hunting permit may apply for the Wild Turkey Hunt for People with Disabilities using Forms 2300-271 and 2300-271A. Applications are only valid on designated private land. Applications must be completed and submitted by Dec. 10. Any hunter applying for a disabled hunt on private land may not apply for a harvest authorization through the regular spring turkey drawing.
Wisconsin's annual Youth Hunt is designed to allow young hunters to hunt and gain valuable experience without competing against more veteran hunters. The Youth Hunt is open to resident and non-resident hunters under age 16 with a valid spring turkey license, stamp and harvest authorization. Youth hunters must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older. All youth hunters must have completed Hunter Education unless participating in the Mentored Hunting Program. Youth Hunters can use a harvest authorization for any time period, but they are limited to the turkey management zone associated with their approval. All other spring turkey hunting regulations apply.
With support from the USDA, the DNR partners with private landowners to lease public access to hunting habitats across Wisconsin for the Turkey Hunter Access Program (THAP) and the Voluntary Public Access (VPA) Program. Additionally, through the Managed Forest Law (MFL) and Forest Crop Law (FCL) programs, private forest lands are open to the public for recreation, including turkey hunting.
It's a good idea to wear a blaze orange cap or gloves while walking. Find a hunting spot that allows you to rest your back against a tree or other object as wide as your shoulders. This helps protect you from not only an errant shot but from the good vision of the turkey. See the printable Turkey hunting safety tips [PDF].
To hunt wild turkey in Wisconsin, you need a turkey harvest authorization (formerly known as a carcass tag/permit), a turkey license and a wild turkey stamp. An annual turkey stamp, a spring turkey license, a fall turkey license and a fall turkey harvest authorization can be purchased through Go Wild and are included with a Conservation Patron License or a Senior Citizen Recreation Card. A spring turkey harvest authorization can be obtained through the spring turkey drawing or purchased as a bonus harvest authorization. Visit the turkey hunting webpage for more information.
Spring turkey harvest authorizations (formerly known as carcass tag/permit) are distributed using a preference-based drawing system. Hunters must submit a $3 application to receive a turkey harvest authorization. Applications are available at any DNR service center, licensing agent or online through Go Wild. The application deadline is Dec. 10. Application status can be checked through Go Wild. Successful applicants will be notified by mail. After the drawing occurs, bonus turkey harvest authorizations will be sold over the counter on a first-come, first-served basis.
New for 2018, one fall turkey harvest authorization is included with each fall turkey or conservation patron license at no extra cost. Hunters will choose the zone they would like to hunt at the time of purchase. Select zones will have bonus fall turkey harvest authorizations available for sale starting in August.
While hunting turkeys, you must have a valid copy of your license, stamp and harvest authorization (formerly a carcass tag/permit). This includes a DNR-issued Conservation Card, a Go Wild validated WI driver's license, a Go Wild digital file or a paper printout.
It is required by law to register your turkey by 5 p.m. the day after harvest. The harvest authorization number (formerly known as a tag number) is required to register your harvest successfully. Register online or over the phone through GameReg. In-person registration stations are no longer available. Visit the turkey hunting webpage for more information.
When you purchase a stamp through Go Wild, you purchase electronic permission. A physical copy of the turkey stamp is no longer necessary to legally harvest a bird, but many people still want the stamp for collection purposes. You can get a physical copy of your turkey stamp at any DNR service center or request it is mailed. Visit the collector stamp webpage for more information on obtaining a copy of your stamp or purchasing additional stamps.
The bag limit for the spring season is one bearded or male turkey per spring turkey harvest authorization (formerly known as a carcass tag/permit). The fall season bag limit is one turkey of any age or sex per fall turkey harvest authorization.
Preference points are awarded to applicants who applied for but did not receive a turkey harvest authorization (formerly known as a carcass tag/permit) the previous season. The more points you have, the higher you rank in your preferred category. Preference points are cumulative but expire if you do not apply at least once in a 3-year period. Points are returned to zero upon receiving a turkey harvest authorization or expiration.
A maximum of ten people who wish to hunt together may apply as a group in the spring turkey drawing. Each group must designate a group leader. Each member, including the leader, must write the group leader's DNR customer ID on their application in the selected section. If group members have different preference levels, the lowest preference will be used for the group in the drawing.
If a turkey hunter wants to apply for a First Turkey Harvest Certificate, they should fill out the form and submit a photo of them in the field. More details can be found on the First Harvest Certificates webpage.
HPAI is a highly pathogenic avian influenza detected in Wisconsin in domestic poultry and some species of waterfowl and raptors. In general, upland birds like wild turkeys have behaviors and prefer habitats that make them less likely to encounter avian influenza viruses in the Wild.
Hunters should never harvest wild birds that appear sick. If you observe a turkey that appears ill, contact the DNR's Wildlife Switchboard by emailing DNRWildlife...@wisconsin.gov or leaving a voicemail for a return phone call at 608-267-0866.
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5. For safety and doneness, the internal temperature should be checked with a food thermometer. The temperature of the turkey and the center of the stuffing must reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165 F. Check the temperature in the innermost part of the thigh and wing and the thickest part of the breast.
While frozen, a turkey is safe indefinitely. As soon as it begins to thaw, bacteria that may have been present before freezing will begin to grow again. There are three safe ways to defrost a turkey: in the refrigerator, in cold water, and in a microwave oven.
The USDA recommends thawing your turkey in the refrigerator. This is the safest method because the turkey will thaw at a consistent, safe temperature. This method takes some time, so allow one day for each 4 - 5 pounds of weight. If your turkey weighs 16 pounds, it will take about four days to thaw. Once thawed, the turkey is safe for another two days, so you can start thawing it six days before thanksgiving (the Friday before Thanksgiving).
For the cold water method, leave the turkey in its original wrapping and submerge it in a sink (or container) full of cold water. It is important that the water be cold so that the turkey stays at a safe temperature. You should change the water every 30 minutes. Empty out the water and replace it with fresh cold water. With this method, allow 30 minutes of defrosting time per pound, so a 16 pound turkey will take 8 hours to thaw using this method (so you might need to start around 4 a.m. if you want to eat in the afternoon!). Once the turkey has thawed, cook it immediately
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