2023

Michigan
Spring Turkey Digest

Reminders
• NEW Unit E season dates
and license quota.
• Hunt 234 licenses
available without
application.
Drawing results
online March 6.

Application Period: Jan. 1 - Feb. 1, 2023

RAP (Report All Poaching): Call or text —800-292-7800
 Table of Contents

Managing Wild Turkeys

Managing Wild Turkeys..................................................................... 3

2023 Hunting Information

2023 Hunting Information............................................................... 4
How to Apply for a Limited-License Hunt......................................... 5
2023 Spring Turkey Hunt Units........................................................ 6
Limited License-Hunts...................................................................... 7
Guaranteed-License Hunt (No Application Required)..................... 9
Leftover Licenses.............................................................................. 9
License Purchase............................................................................ 10
Apprentice Hunting License...........................................................11
Mentored Youth Hunting.................................................................12
Special Hunting Opportunities for Youth and Hunters With
Disabilities.......................................................................................12
Hunting Hours.................................................................................13
Bag Limit.......................................................................................... 16
Hunting Methods............................................................................. 16
Baiting.............................................................................................. 17
Decoys and Calls.............................................................................18
Validating Kills.................................................................................18
Turkey Reporting Options...............................................................18
Using Spur Length to Age a Turkey................................................19
Wild Turkey Cooperator Patch........................................................19

General Information
Dioxin Advisory Information............................................................22
Report Sightings of Diseased Wildlife...........................................22
Commercial Hunting Guides on State Land..................................22
Where Can I Hunt in Michigan?.....................................................23
Poachers Beware: Hunters Are Watching......................................23
2023 Spring Turkey Workshops.....................................................23

Stay on top of the latest news from the Michigan DNR!

Visit us at Michigan.gov/DNR to sign up for email updates!
MANAGING WILD TURKEYS

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is committed to

the conservation, protection, management, use and enjoyment
of the state’s natural and cultural resources for current and future
generations.

The Michigan Natural Resources Commission is a seven-member

public body whose members are appointed by the governor and
subject to the advice and consent of the Senate. The NRC has
exclusive authority to regulate the taking of game and sportfish.
The commission conducts monthly, public meetings in locations
throughout Michigan. Citizens are encouraged to become actively
involved in these public forums. For more information, visit
Michigan.gov/NRC.

NOTICE: This brochure is not a legal notice or a complete collection

of hunting regulations and laws. It is a condensed digest issued
for hunters’ convenience. Copies of Wildlife Conservation
Orders, which contain complete listings of regulations and legal
descriptions, are available on our website at Michigan.gov/DNRLaws.

Managing Wild Turkeys

Managing wild 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 wild 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 the management goal.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 3

2023 HUNTING INFORMATION

2023 Hunting Information

How many licenses can I apply for?

From Jan. 1 - Feb. 1, you can apply for one limited-quota license valid for a specific
spring turkey hunt unit during specific season dates. You must be at least 10 years
old to apply.
How much is an application?
An application is $5.
How do I know if I was successful in the drawing?
You are responsible for obtaining your drawing results online. They will be available
at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses March 6.
What happens if I’m selected in the drawing?
If you’re selected in the drawing, you may then purchase one limited-quota license.
See the License Purchase section for more information.
What happens if I’m not selected in the drawing?
After the drawing, beginning March 13 at 10 a.m., unsuccessful applicants have
the opportunity to purchase a license for another hunt period, with leftover licenses
available until quotas are met. Depending on how many hunters apply, leftover
licenses may or may not be available for some hunt units and/or dates.
What happens if I didn’t apply for the drawing?
If you didn’t apply for the drawing, you have two options. You may purchase a
leftover license, if available, or you may purchase a Hunt 0234 license. Leftover
licenses and the Hunt 0234 license will go on sale March 20 at 10 a.m. See the
Hunt 0234 and Leftover Licenses sections for more information.
Where can I buy a license?
You can buy a 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.
How many licenses can I buy?
You can purchase one spring turkey license.
How many turkeys can I harvest with a license?
You can harvest one bearded turkey.
I’m a mentored youth hunter. Can I get a spring turkey license?
If you are licensed under the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, you automatically
receive a spring turkey license. See the Mentored Youth Hunting Program section
for more information.

4 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest

How to Apply for a Limited-License Hunt

What identification do I need to apply for the drawing?

You will need a valid driver’s 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 any license agent or online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses).
I’m only 9 years old. Can I apply for a spring turkey license?
If you are licensed under the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, you automatically
receive a spring turkey license, so there is no need to apply. See the Mentored
Youth Hunting Program section for more information.
How do I actually apply for the hunt?
1) Look at the hunt unit map on page 6 and choose the unit you want to hunt.
2) Use the table on page 7 that shows the hunt units and season dates to find the
hunt number for the hunt unit you chose.
3) Purchase an application for the hunt number(s) you chose (you can select two
hunt numbers -- first and second choice). You can purchase an application
at any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, or through the
Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
4) Check your receipt for accuracy and retain it as proof of your application.
How many times can I apply?
You can only apply one time. It is unlawful to apply more than once.
Can I apply to hunt with other hunters?
Yes, you may apply in a partnership with one other person. If you apply with more
than one partner, you will be ineligible for the drawing.
How do I apply with someone else as a partnership?
The first person to apply (either you or your hunting partner) chooses a hunt unit
and receives a “party ID” number, which is printed on the receipt. A new party ID
number is issued each year. Then, the other partner uses the party ID number
when applying to complete the partnership. Make sure to verify the party ID
number is identical on both receipts.
The receipt I received is not printed clearly or has an error. What do I do?
You are responsible for obtaining a DNR application receipt that states your
customer ID and hunt choice. Do not accept a receipt that is not legible. Check this
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.
I’m having trouble applying. What do I do?
Call 517-284-9453 (WILD) for assistance.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 5

2023 HUNTING INFORMATION

2023 Spring Turkey Hunt Units

Private-land-only licenses
If I get a private-land-only license, are there any exceptions that allow hunting
on public land?
The private-land-only license, Hunt 0301 (Unit ZZ), is not valid on county, state or
federal lands, except to hunt Fort Custer military lands with permission. Hunters
should have permission to hunt private lands before applying for one of these
licenses.

MAXIMUM
HUNT UNIT SEASON DATES LICENSE HUNT NUMBER
QUOTA
ZZ April 22 – May 31 50,000 0301

6 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest

 Limited-License Hunts

General licenses
What type of land can I hunt with a general license?
The general licenses listed below are valid on all public and private land within the
unit.
MAXIMUM
HUNT HUNT
SEASON DATES LICENSE
UNIT NUMBERS
QUOTA
A April 22 – May 5 5,500 0101
B April 22 – May 5 1,000 0102
E April 22 – May 5 1,700 0103
F April 22 – May 5 5,000 0105
J April 22 – May 5 4,000 0107
K April 22 – April 28 4,000 0108
K April 29 – May 5 4,500 0109
M April 22 – May 31 6,000 0110
ZA April 22 – April 28 & June 1–7 1,200 0111
ZA April 29 – May 12 1,800 0112
ZA May 13 – May 31 1,800 0113
ZB April 22 – April 28 & June 1–7 650 0115
ZB April 29 – May 12 975 0116
ZB May 13 – May 31 975 0117
ZC April 22 – April 28 & June 1–7 600 0119
ZC April 29 – May 12 900 0120
ZC May 13 – May 31 900 0121
ZD April 22– April 28 & June 1–7 10 0123
ZD April 29 – May 12 15 0124
ZD May 13 – May 31 15 0125
ZE April 22 – April 28 & June 1–7 500 0127
ZE April 29 – May 12 750 0128
ZE May 13 – May 31 750 0129
ZF April 22 – April 28 & June 1–7 1,300 0131
ZF April 29 – May 12 1,300 0132
ZF May 13 – May 31 3,000 0133

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 7

2023 HUNTING INFORMATION

8 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest

 Guaranteed-License Hunt (No Application Required)
Hunt 0234
Where can I hunt with a Hunt 0234 license?
With the Hunt 0234 license, you can hunt on:
• Both public and private lands in the Upper Peninsula (Unit M) and in the
northern Lower Peninsula (Units A, B, E, F, J and K).
• Private land only in the southern Lower Peninsula (Unit ZZ).
• Fort Custer military lands with permission.
How do I purchase a Hunt 0234 license?
You can buy a Hunt 0234 license when leftover licenses go on sale March 20 at 10
a.m. This license has no quota and can be purchased throughout the entire spring
turkey hunting season.
Can I purchase both a limited-license hunt and a Hunt 0234 license?
No. You may only purchase one spring turkey license.

MAXIMUM LICENSE
HUNT UNIT SEASON DATES HUNT NUMBER
QUOTA
Statewide May 6-31 NONE 0234

Leftover Licenses

Are there always leftover licenses available?

There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit,
except Hunt 0234, which has no quota.
How do I purchase a leftover license if I was unsuccessful in the drawing?
If any licenses remain after the drawing and you have a current base license,
you may purchase a leftover turkey license from any license agent, online at
Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app, on a
first-come, first-served basis for a one-week period beginning March 13 at 10 a.m.
Eastern Standard Time. The Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app is available for download
at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
How do I purchase a leftover license if I didn’t apply in the drawing?
You may purchase any limited-quota licenses that remain as of March 20 at 10
a.m. EST if you have a current base license.
How many leftover licenses can I buy?
You may purchase only one spring turkey license.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 9

2023 HUNTING INFORMATION

License Purchase

I purchased my license online. When will I get my kill tag?

If you purchase your spring turkey licenses online, your kill tag will be mailed to
you seven to 10 business days after your purchase.
I was selected in the drawing, but can’t buy my license. Why not?
A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. While an
application may be purchased prior to obtaining a base license, you must
purchase a 2023 base license before you can purchase a spring turkey license.
When can I purchase a 2023 base license?
2023 base licenses go on sale March 1.
Can I buy more than one spring turkey license?
No. It is unlawful to obtain or purchase more than one spring turkey hunting
license per hunter.
Do I have to carry my hunting license when hunting?
Yes, you must carry your spring turkey license and the identification used to
purchase that license and present both upon demand of a Michigan conservation
officer, a tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer when hunting.

Resident
Age: Junior Resident Nonresident*
Licenses by Age Senior
Up to 9 Age: 10-16 Age: 17+ Age: 17+
Age: 65+
Mentored Youth License $7.50 NA NA NA NA
Application for License
NA $5 $5 $5 $5
Drawing
Base License NA $6 $11 $5 $151
Spring Turkey License NA $15 $15 $6 $15

• *Nonresidents under 17 years of age may purchase a resident base license.

• Active-duty military personnel and veterans with disabilities
Resident active-duty military personnel and resident veterans with a 100%
disability rating may obtain a leftover spring turkey license free of charge
beginning March 20. Licenses are full-price for those who apply for a license and
are selected in the drawing.

10 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest

 Apprentice Hunting License

Can I purchase a base apprentice hunting license?

If you do not have a hunter safety certificate and are 10 years of age or older, you
may purchase a base apprentice hunting license.
How many times can I purchase a base apprentice hunting license?
As an apprentice hunter, you may purchase this license for two license years before
you must successfully complete a hunter safety course.
I’m not a resident of Michigan. Can I purchase the base apprentice license?
Yes. The base apprentice hunting license is available to residents and
nonresidents.
Can I hunt by myself with a base apprentice license, or do I need to hunt with
someone else?
When hunting as an apprentice hunter, you must be accompanied by someone 21
years of age or older who has a regular, current-year hunting license for the same
game species that you are hunting.
I’m a youth apprentice hunter. Do I have to hunt with my parents?
If you are an apprentice hunter who is 10-16 years of age, your accompanying
hunter must be your parent, guardian or someone designated by your parent or
guardian who is at least 21 years of age. The accompanying hunter must have
a regular, current-year hunting license for the same game species that you are
hunting.
How close do I need to be to my accompanying hunter during the hunt?
Your accompanying hunter must be able to come to your immediate aid and stay
within a distance that permits uninterrupted, unaided visual and verbal contact.
Does my accompanying hunter need to have a turkey license for the same unit
and hunt period as me?
For hunting wild turkey, your accompanying hunter needs a current-year spring
turkey hunting license, but it does not have to be for the same hunt unit and
season dates as your apprentice hunting license.
I’m an accompanying hunter. How many apprentice hunters can I supervise?
You may accompany no more than two apprentice hunters.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 11

2023 HUNTING INFORMATION

Mentored Youth Hunting

What is the mentored youth hunting program?

The Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows youth hunters 9 years of age
and younger to hunt with a mentor who is a least 21 years of age, has hunting
experience and has a valid Michigan hunting license other than an apprentice
license.
What can mentored youth hunt with their license?
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.
Additional restrictions apply; complete program details can be found in the
Michigan Hunting Digest or online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting.
I’m a mentored youth hunter. How many turkeys can I kill in the spring, and
where can I hunt?
As a mentored youth hunter, you get one spring turkey kill tag, which is valid for
one bearded turkey in any open spring turkey hunt unit on public or private land.
As a mentored youth hunter, can I apply for the spring turkey license?
No. You will receive one spring turkey kill tag with your mentored youth license. All
hunters are allowed only one spring turkey tag.
As a mentored youth hunter, do I need an application for the mentored youth
license?
No. An application is not required for the mentored youth license.

Special Hunting Opportunities for Youth and

Hunters with Disabilities

Are there special opportunities for youth or hunters with disabilities?

Yes. The Fort Custer Training Center near Battle Creek offers turkey hunting
opportunities for properly licensed youth (Hunt 0301). A mentor is available for
each participant. Free housing is available, along with range time. Special hunting
opportunities are also available for properly licensed hunters with a disability
during May (Hunt 0234). For hunt dates and more information, please visit
FortCusterHunt.org or call 269-282-7878.

12 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest

Hunting Hours

When is it legal for me to hunt during the day?

Actual legal hunting hours (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 Standard Time adjusted for daylight saving time where
appropriate. If you are hunting in Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson or Menominee counties
(Central Standard Time), you must make an additional adjustment to the printed
time by subtracting one hour.

Zone A Hunting Hours Table (April)

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset (adjusted
for daylight saving time).

Date Time Time

Zone Zone
A A
a.m. p.m.
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 6:02 7:58
April 29 6:00 8:00
April 30 5:59 8:01

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 13

2023 HUNTING INFORMATION

Zone A Hunting Hours Table (May - June)

One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour before sunset (adjusted for
daylight saving time).

Date Time Time Date Time Time

Zone Zone Zone Zone
A A A A
a.m. p.m. a.m. p.m.
May 1 5:57 8:02 June 1 5:28 8:33
May 2 5:56 8:03 June 2 5:28 8:33
May 3 5:55 8:04 June 3 5:27 8:34
May 4 5:53 8:05 June 4 5:27 8:35
May 5 5:52 8:06 June 5 5:26 8:35
May 6 5:51 8:07 June 6 5:26 8:36
May 7 5:50 8:08 June 7 5:26 8:37
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
14 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest
2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 15
2023 HUNTING INFORMATION

Bag Limit

How many turkeys can I kill with my license?

You are allowed to kill one bearded turkey per spring turkey license.
Can I kill a turkey without a beard?
No. Only bearded turkeys may be killed during the spring turkey hunting season.
Can I buy more than one spring turkey license (kill tag)?
No. You may only purchase one spring turkey license per hunter.
Can I put my kill tag on a turkey someone else shot?
No. It is unlawful to tag a turkey you did not kill.
Can I use the same kill tag on more than one turkey?
No. It is unlawful to use a tag more than once.
Can I use my friend’s kill tag, or can they use mine?
No. It is unlawful to use another person’s tag or allow another person to use your
tag.

Hunting Methods

What equipment can I use to kill a turkey?

You may use a bow and arrow, a crossbow, a firearm that fires a fixed shotgun
shell, or a muzzleloading shotgun. It is illegal to use or carry afield any other
firearm. Pneumatic guns are legal when using ammunition containing No. 4 shot
or smaller.
I have a concealed pistol license. Am I allowed to carry my pistol while
hunting?
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.
What kind of ammunition am I allowed to use in my firearm while hunting?
When hunting wild turkey, you may not use or carry afield any ammunition except
shotgun shells loaded with No. 4 or smaller shot or No. 4 or smaller loose shot for
use in muzzleloading shotguns.
Do I have to use nontoxic shot (i.e., not lead) when hunting turkey?
While not required by law, it is recommended that you use nontoxic shot when
hunting turkey.
I hunt with a crossbow. Are there any restrictions on which arrows I can use?
You may only use arrows, bolts and quarrels at least 14 inches in length, tipped
with a broadhead point at least 7/8 inch wide.

16 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest

Can I hunt turkeys from a tree stand?
You may hunt turkeys from an elevated stand or tree using a bow and arrow, a
crossbow or a firearm. Tree stands or any other device to assist in climbing a tree
are not permitted to be used on state lands for the spring turkey hunting season.
Tree stands or any other device to assist in climbing a tree are only permitted to be
used on state lands from Sept. 1 through March 1.
Can I use my hunting dogs to hunt turkeys during the spring season?
No. Turkeys may not be hunted with dogs during the spring season.
Can I shoot a turkey if it is in a tree?
No. Turkeys may not be taken while they are in a tree.

Baiting

Am I allowed to bait turkeys?

No. It is unlawful to use bait to aid in the taking of a wild turkey.
Can you define “bait” for me?
For the purpose of this regulation, “bait” means a substance composed of grain,
fruit, vegetables or other food placed to lure or entice wild turkeys. This does not
apply to standing farm crops (normal agricultural practices) or other naturally
growing grains, fruits or vegetables.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 17

2023 HUNTING INFORMATION

Decoys and Calls

Can I use mechanical, electronic or live decoys?

No. Mechanical, electronic or live decoys are prohibited.
Can you define “mechanical decoy” for me?
Mechanical decoy means any device that, by design or construction, uses motion
as a visual stimulus to attract a wild turkey.
Is a decoy moved by the wind considered mechanical?
A wind sock 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 legal.
Can I stalk turkeys using handheld decoys/silhouettes?
No. Stalking turkeys with a handheld decoy/silhouette is illegal.
Can I use electronic turkey calls to hunt?
No. The use or possession of electronic devices that imitate calls is illegal.

Validating Kills
Can I tag my turkey after I take some photos with it first?
No. Immediately upon killing a turkey, you need to validate your license by
notching out the appropriate information as instructed on the license and securely
attaching the license around a leg of the bird. You may not transport or have in
your possession a turkey unless the validated license is attached to a leg of the
bird.

Turkey Reporting Options

Is there a way for me to give the DNR feedback about my hunting experience?
Yes! We need your help. After your hunting season has ended, please report your
hunting activity online by visiting Michigan.gov/Turkey. Information you provide will
improve management and ensure that decisions regarding hunting seasons are
based on the best information available.
Are there any other ways I can help the DNR with feedback or reporting?
You can assist the DNR by reporting any sightings of wild turkeys in January. This
information, which is kept confidential, is used to manage the turkey population.
You can make your report online at Michigan.gov/Turkey or contact a DNR office
listed on the back of this digest.

18 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest

 Using Spur Length to Age a Turkey

Spur Length (in.) Curvature Sharpness Age of Gobbler

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

Wild Turkey Cooperator Patch

Who coordinates the wild turkey patch program?

Michigan’s wild turkey patch program is coordinated by the Michigan chapter of the
National Wild Turkey Federation, in partnership with the DNR.
How much do patches cost for adults?
Adult hunters, collectors and other interested individuals may purchase the patch
for $6, including postage and handling.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 19

2023 HUNTING INFORMATION

How do I order a patch?

Patches must be ordered online at MINWTF.org. Mail-in patch orders will no longer
be accepted, except for the free patch for youth hunters (see below).
How long will it take to receive my patch?
You should receive your patch in four to six weeks.
Do I need to shoot a turkey to purchase a patch?
No. You do not have to harvest a turkey to purchase a patch.
I heard that youth hunters get a free patch. Is that true?
Yes. Young hunters, 17 years of age and younger, who have a valid wild turkey
hunting license may get a free patch by sending their name and complete
address, along with a legible copy of their valid wild 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
[email protected].
What is the NWTF?
The National Wild Turkey Federation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to
the conservation of the 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 NWTF, working cooperatively with
the DNR, contributes more than $300,000 to wild turkey and hunter-heritage
programs in Michigan.

20 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 21
GENERAL INFORMATION

Dioxin Advisory Information

Should I be concerned about dioxin?
Health assessors from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
and Michigan Department of Natural Resources 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 that hunters and
their families to follow these recommendations related to turkey:
• Do not eat turkey harvested in or near the floodplain of the Tittabawassee
River downstream of Midland. If you choose to eat turkey taken from this
area anyway, at a minimum the skin, liver and gizzard should be removed
and discarded.
• Other wild game that have not been tested in this area may also contain
dioxins at levels that are a concern. To reduce general dioxin exposure from
other wild game, trim any visible fat from the meat before cooking. Do not
consume organ meats such as the liver or brains, and do not eat the skin.
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.

Report Sightings of Diseased Wildlife

What if I see a sick-looking turkey while scouting or hunting?
The DNR encourages you to report any sightings of sick or dead wildlife, including
wild turkeys, at Michigan.gov/EyesInTheField. You should provide information
about the location, number of animals and condition of the animals you observed.
Contact the Wildlife Health Disease Laboratory at 517-336-5030 if you have any
questions.

Commercial Hunting Guides on State Land

What do I need to do to guide turkey hunters on state-owned lands?
All commercial hunting guides utilizing state-owned lands must get written
authorization. Guides are required to meet the conditions of the written
authorization. If you are a guide who utilizes state-owned lands, please visit
Michigan.gov/StateLandPermission or contact a DNR customer service center for
more information.

22 2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest

What do I need to do to guide turkey hunters on National Forest lands?
Commercial guiding on National Forest (NF) lands requires a special use permit.
Applications can be obtained through any office or by calling -- Hiawatha NF: 906-
428-5800; Huron-Manistee NF: 231-775-5023; or Ottawa NF: 906-932-1330.

Where Can I Hunt in Michigan?

Over 4.5 million acres of public land is managed by the DNR and open to hunting!
Millions of additional private-land acres are leased or enrolled in programs to allow
hunting by all. Visit Michigan.gov/Hunting to find out where.

Poachers Beware: Hunters Are Watching

What are the consequences of poaching?

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 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.
How do I report suspected poaching?
If you witness a natural resource violation, report it immediately. You can do this
by texting or calling 800-292-7800 -- phone lines are open 24/7. You may remain
anonymous!

2023 Spring Turkey Workshops

I’m new to turkey hunting. Is there any program to help new hunters like me?
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.
As a new hunter, I’ve heard I should scout for birds on Turkey Tracts. What is
that?
Turkey Tracts are a series of actively managed, walk-in wild turkey hunting areas
across southern Michigan. With accessible walking trails and a kiosk with maps
and area information, these 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.
Visit Michigan.gov/Turkey to learn about locations.

2023 Spring Turkey Hunting Digest 23

Need information?
Contact a DNR office listed below or visit us online.
Customer service center (CSC) hours of operation can be found at Michigan.gov/DNR.
Baraga CSC Gaylord CSC Norway Field Office
427 U.S. 41 N. 1732 W. M-32 520 W. U.S. 2
Baraga, MI 49908 Gaylord, MI 49735 Norway, MI 49870
906-353-6651 989-732-3541 906-563-9247
Bay City CSC Lansing CSC Plainwell CSC
3580 State Park Drive 4166 Legacy Parkway 621 N. 10th St.
Bay City, MI 48706 Lansing, MI 48911 Plainwell, MI 49080
989-684-9141 517-284-4720 269-685-6851
Cadillac CSC Marquette CSC Roscommon CSC
8015 Mackinaw Trail 1990 U.S. 41 S I-75 & M-18 South,
Cadillac, MI 49601 Marquette, MI 49855 8717 N. Roscommon Rd.
231-775-9727 906-228-6561 Roscommon, MI 48653
989-275-5151
Crystal Falls Field Office Naubinway Field Office
1420 W. U.S. 2 P.O. Box 287 Sault Ste. Marie CSC
Crystal Falls, MI 49920 W11569 US 2E. P.O. Box 798
906-875-6622 Naubinway, MI 49762 4131 S. M-129 .
906-477-6048 Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783
Detroit Metro CSC
906-635-5281
1801 Atwater St. Newberry CSC
Detroit, MI 48207 5100 M-123 Traverse City CSC
313-396-6890 Newberry, MI 49868 2122 S. M-37
906-293-5131 Traverse City, MI 49685
Escanaba CSC
231-922-5280
6833 U.S. 2, U.S. 41
and M-35
Gladstone, MI 49837
906-786-2351

Helpful URLs:
Find us on Facebook at Facebook.com/MichiganDNR
Follow us on Twitter at Twitter.com/MDNR_Wildlife
Direct DNR website URLs:
DNR Digests and Guides: Michigan.gov/DNRDigests
Emerging Diseases: Michigan.gov/EmergingDiseases
Hunter Education: Michigan.gov/HunterEducation
Hunting: Michigan.gov/Hunting
Invasive Species: Michigan.gov/InvasiveSpecies
Mi-HUNT: Michigan.gov/MiHunt
Pure Michigan Hunt: Michigan.gov/PureMichiganHunt
Shooting Ranges: Michigan.gov/ShootingRanges
Trapping/Fur Harvesting: Michigan.gov/Trapping
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Wildlife Division
525 W. Allegan St.
P.O. Box 30444
Lansing, MI 48933
517-284 -WILD (9453)
Contact hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.