If “Turkey Tags” appears on hunting license the tags should have already been mailed. If not, turkey tags are free and can be ordered here.
In order to legally hunt turkeys, all hunters including hunters under the age of 16, must possess a set of turkey tags.
Hunters 16 and older must also possess a hunting license and big game permit. Hunters may not possess more than one set of turkey tags and all harvested birds must be tagged before being moved from the point of kill.
Hunters who purchase their license over the counter should order the tags at the license vendor. For hunters who renew their license by mail they should check the “Turkey Tags” box on the license renewal form.
Tags are mailed to hunters in late January. For those hunters who do not get tags by mail, handwritten tags will be available in early March at DNR offices and some businesses. A list of businesses that have over the counter turkey tags will be released soon.
An estimated 50,000 hunters will take to the woods during the upcoming spring turkey season, beginning April 1 on private lands in 34 counties that make up Game Zones 1-5 and on April 2 for all Wildlife Management Areas statewide where turkey hunting is allowed.
The season closes May 1 throughout the state.
Saturday, March 30 is Youth Turkey Hunt Day in areas where the season opens on April 1. On this day, youths 17 and under who are accompanied by a properly licensed adult (age 21 and older) may hunt turkeys. Only the youth can take or attempt to take turkeys. Tagging requirements remain in place for this special youth day.