If you have turkey hunted for a few years, you have surely been in a situation where a nice tom was just a dozen yards out of range and you had to let them pass. PO Box 7921 . When hunting wild turkey, you may only use or carry afield No. You are responsible for obtaining a DNR application receipt that states your customer ID and hunt choice. 2 Shotgun: A smooth bore firearm, including muzzleloaders, designed for firing birdshot and intended to be fired from the shoulder, with a barrel length of 18 inches or more, with an overall length of 26 inches or more. This is because turkeys will be moving around and easier to find. On the flip side flat-shooting rifles that are good at distance may blow your turkey to smithereens. If I am not studying for my next exam, I am probably in the deer stand or behind my keyboard writing my next article. I heard that youth hunters get a free patch. If you are unsure about whether or not hunting turkey with a rifle is legal in your area, its best to consult an experienced turkey hunter or game official. Penn State ran a study on hunting accidents in Pennsylvania between 1987 and 1999. my article on using a modified choke for turkey hunting. Penn State ran a study on hunting accidents in Pennsylvania between 1987 and 1999. Suppressors are legal to hunt with here in Michigan. Turkeys have incredible vision and they can pick up the slightest movement. The information here should not constitute as legal advice. Volunteer Opportunities; 7, 2023 See Turkey Hunting Digest for applicable hunt unit dates. No shots fired yet. Regardless of where one hunts, those are coyote downing calibers. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners voted to make the change at a meeting. Third, turkey hunting with a rifle can potentially be more dangerous than hunting with a shotgun or bow. It does not take a high caliber to put down a turkey if you have good shot placement. Michigan hunting season, at least in terms of wingshooting, is heavily regulated. During the fall turkey season, legal weapons include all archery equipment and shotguns with no larger than No. Large calibers would be unethical and honestly would not leave much of the turkey left. Michigans wild turkey patch program is coordinated by the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in partnership with the DNR. old to apply. According to Michigan.gov, " Opossums, porcupines, weasels, red squirrels, skunks, ground squirrels, woodchucks, and feral swine may be harvested year-round, statewide with a valid Michigan hunting license. Yes. You may purchase one license a day until quotas are met. Small game hunting (included with base license purchase), Waterfowl hunting licenses and applications. Second, you must have a valid hunting license and a valid Archer's License to bow hunt during rifle season in Michigan. There are many great turkey hunting spots in the United States. Serious turkey hunters dont have the luxury of dumping turkey meat and not doing serious business. You can do this by texting or calling 800-292-7800, phone lines are open 24/7. They say you can hunt with a air rifle but then go on to talk about shot sizes. If you are looking for a true turkey hunting challenge, try harvesting one with a bow. It is unlawful to tag a turkey you did not kill. That is the upper half, centered horizontally on the body. How many apprentice hunters can I supervise? No. 6, 2023. He claims that to keep it a challenge he takes only head shots. Georgia- .22 and up centerfire. DNR educators across the state provide fun, educational activities, programs and workshops year-round for adults, families and kids. Shotguns also have a wider pellet spread, which means that you will have a greater chance of hitting your target even if they arent standing still. (state licensed) Colorado , Florida Delaware North Dakota & South Carolina (hunting preserves ) Georgia Oregon Wyoming . You may not be allowed to legally carry a pellet gun for wild turkeys where you liveunless you're hunting in California. There are no caliber restrictions on private land. Spring turkey hunting offers a great chance to not only pursue turkeys , but to see Michigan green-up and enjoy the warming weather. Tree stands or any other device to assist in climbing a tree are only permitted to be used on public lands from Sept. 1 through March 1. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests. Its not legal in most states. The problem lies with unsafe hunters. Its important to take this into account before deciding whether or not to hunt turkey with rifle. No. So, if you do live in one of the states that will allow it, make sure you read the regulations and call your local Department of Natural Resources just to make sure. Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more. Do I have to use nontoxic shot (i.e., not lead) when hunting turkey? Everything you need to know about hunting and trapping in Connecticut, such as season dates, regulations, notices, and more. 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. If you have difficulty holding your shotgun steady when shooting, shotgunning may be a better option for you. 220-2-.03 Legal Specifications for Bow and Arrow. For Turkey hunting, you want to use something like a .22 hornet or the .22 Magnum. For details about events, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey. Turkey hunting is legal in fall turkey season and those turkeys can be shot with rifles only. A new party ID number is issued each year. So when you have to pull your bow back 20 yards in front of a turkey, it would be very difficult to remain unseen. A shotgun that is commonly used for hunting turkey is the 12-gauge shotgun. What do I do? Lead shot can be used on DNR wildlife management areas when turkey hunting. . See the Mentored Youth Hunting Program section for more information. The hunting hours listed in the table reflect Eastern Standard Time adjusted for daylight saving time where appropriate. 1 Aug.1, you can apply for one limited-quota license valid for a specific fall turkey hunt unit during specific season dates. In other states, there are restrictions on rimfire rifles. 2 shot and compound, recurve, or long bows. For a full listing of help desk numbers, field offices, and other ways we can help, please visit our contact page. ET, Monday through Friday. Always verify with your state and local guidelines before hunting with your air gun. For a .177 caliber air rifle, that'd be a 7.9 grain pellet flying at about 830 feet per second. Expert advice and adventure stories about deer hunting, big game hunting, turkey hunting, and more. The receipt I received is not printed clearly or has an error. What kind of ammunition am I allowed to use in my firearm while hunting? Zone A Hunting Hours Table (Sept., Oct., Nov.). Image of the Mi-Hunt hunting lands locator screen. 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. Ohio Trapping Seasons 2022-23. You can do this by texting or calling 800-292-7800, phone lines are open 24/7. He and I don't see eye to eye on a lot of things and this is one of them. For a full listing of help desk numbers, field offices, and other ways we can help, please visit our contact page. During an any-weapon hunting season you can hunt with a crossbow without any other permit besides your hunting license and proper tag. While turkey hunting is not a sport for everyone, there are certain things that you need to know before getting started. Many of them only allow air rifles to be used and the largest caliber I saw listed for those was .30. They provide a whole host of new advantages. If you want a gun that's suitable for long hikes and long shots, a few simple . Turkey hunters don't need to wait 24 hours to hunt after purchasing a license. Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more. DNR educators provide classroom lessons, field trip opportunities, professional development and experiential programs to teachers around the state. Air . If you choose to eat turkey taken from this area anyway, at a minimum the skin, liver and gizzard should be removed and discarded. Public Meetings; This period generally coincides with spring and early summer. No. Current sites are located in Allegan, Barry, Montcalm and Oakland counties. No. As larger caliber airguns capable of producing anywhere from 200 to 800-foot pounds of energy or more have become commercially available, and have proven they can ethically harvest larger and larger game. Where do I start? A mentored youth hunter also can apply for the fall turkey license drawing or purchase leftover licenses that remain after the drawing. Whatever your opinion on turkey hunting with a rifle was before reading, hopefully, this article has opened your mind in some way. One of the most important things to remember is that turkey hunting is not a sport for everyone. State park, historic sites and visitor center events. When is it legal for me to hunt during the day? With a rifle, you want to aim for the neck or the head. Im going to wade into the topic of turkey hunting with a rifle. choke on a shotgun is the size of the chokes diameter. No. The shots he takes could be out as far as . Can I use mechanical, electronic or live decoys? Lastly, many states allow you to hunt with muzzle-loaders. Oct 5, 2008. You may add netting, cloth, plastic, or other materials for concealment or protection from the weather if these materials are not permanently fastened to the blind and are removed at the end of each days hunt. This caliber can be a great option if you plan on taking head and neck shots. Posts: 5,973. Can I apply for a fall turkey license? Volunteer Opportunities; So if you are in or are close to one of the 12 states that do allow you to hunt turkeys with a rifle, why not give it a try this season? Larger calibers can easily damage wildlife if used incorrectly, which could result in injury or death for both you and the turkey you re hunting. Turkey hunters should opt for the shorter 26-inch barrel, but this is a long shogun (48 inches with a 26-inch barrel and 50 inches with a 28-inch barrel), so it's not ideal for river-bottom thickets or heavily forested ridgelines. The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Decoying Made Easy What should you consider before hunting turkey by rifle: Which type of shotgun is best for hunting turkey: What risk should consider before hunting turkey with rifle. However, there are some restrictions that you need to be aware of. The Savage Axis bolt action (MSRP: $363- $375) is available in .223 Rem, .22-250 Rem, and .243 Win. The National Wild Turkey Federation is a not-for-profit organization dedicated tothe conservation of the American wild turkey and the preservation of the hunting tradition. Traditionally, that has been within 40 yards (or even less for a bow). 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. It is also less likely to move as quickly as the head and upper neck might. Other wild game that have not been tested in this area may also contain dioxins at levels that are a concern. Yes. In addition to full time positions, we also hire many seasonal positions including park workers, interpreters, rangers, wildlife workers and more. DNR: You are correct that you can use them for rats, mice, starlings, European sparrows, Eurasian collared dove and etc. A bowl of stew with some bread by candlelight. Questions about Indiana's deer seasons and regulations can be directed to the Indiana Deer Hotline at INDeerHotline@dnr.IN.gov or 812-334-3795, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Register for firearms, bowhunting, and trapping safety classes, as well as Advanced Hunter Education Workshops. None of these shots will mess up your valuable breast meat too much assuming youre not shooting at a crazy angle.The Ruger Model 7226 in 22 Hornet can make an excellent turkey hunting rifle.Photo courtesy of Ruger. Like most things in life, the best turkey hunting rifle depends on the circumstances. If youre completely new to turkey hunting, you may be wondering what would be controversial about turkey hunting with rifles. The most important thing is to be safe when youre out there hunting regardless of your weapon of choice. Yes. Hunter and Trapper Education Program. Ultimately, I think that is a question for your state. As I said before, one way or another it is possible to hunt turkey with a rifle in 12 states. 2 shot. 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. 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. 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. available until quotas are met. There is no bag limit for these species.". They are regulated by the 3 letter organization though to have one on a firearm regardless if you are hunting or not, but the 3 letter organization doesn't regulate air guns. 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. If you purchased your fall turkey license online, your kill tag will be mailed to you seven to 10 business days after your purchase. All commercial hunting guides utilizing state-owned lands must get written authorization. spring turkey hunt unit during specific season dates. Loaded firearms may never be placed in, on or against any motor vehicle at any time. 1. They allow turkeys to be pursued where safety or noise restrictions make a shotgun a nonstarter. Spring turkey application period: Jan. 1 - Feb. 1, 2023 Also, persons aged ten years and over can use crossbows for hunting. Here are a few tips to help you prepare for the season. Type 1 (Portable Ground Blind): This blind must be clearly portable and removed at the end of each days hunt. Yes, you can hunt deer with a 45-70 in Michigan. This does not apply to standing farm crops (normal agricultural practices) or other naturally growing grains, fruits or vegetables. Are there always leftover licenses available? Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. Now if you see a turkey, most likely you can shoot it with a rifle. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit. For example: A tight-bodied 16 ga., No. Different states which allow this are as follows: Alaska , Arkansas , Arizona (state forest), California. Many of them only allow air rifles to be used and the largest caliber I saw listed for those was .30. Since turkeys can see in a full spectrum of colors, most states dont require hunter orange to be worn when pursuing turkeys. Can you hunt turkey with an air rifle in Michigan? Yes, you may apply in a partnership with one other person. Ron is a small business owner with a passion for hunting. Click the box above to see all species, or click the species group below. Best Travel Shows to Watch When You Can Not Travel Turkey Hunting 101: Choosing the Right Shotgun Hunting . You should also make sure that you have a good hunting spot prepared before going out on your hunt. Is that true? Well, in certain scenarios, yes. Also, hunters from the upper Peninsula can not use . You can already see from these numbers why turkey hunting with a rifle is not commonplace. Visit Michigan.gov/Turkey for further information. Michigan Hunting. Your help is important in keeping Oakland County Parks safe, clean and well maintained. Some of them only allow rifles (or only air rifles) to be used during a specific season, out of a possible three seasons. 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. It is also available in true right-hand or left-hand actions at the same MSRP, which should endear it to southpaws. Im only 9 years old. Youth hunters who are age 6-15 on opening day may hunt. You can only apply one time. All content produced is strictly the opinion of the author. However, the dates are subject to change on an annual basis. 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. Selecting the right turkey choke and shooting targets can give you an edge. Thats only 7 of the 49 states that have a turkey hunting season that allow a rifle. If you are using a shotgun, your firearm will be able to shoot much further than it can with a rifle. The Board of Game Commissioners today adopted a slate of deer seasons for the 2021-22 license year. However, new turkey chokes and TSS loads are expanding the standard ranges of shotguns. Of course, there are some things you need to know before hunting turkey with a rifle. I have been reading the regulations and can not find any where that states how far, if any, distance a shooter must be away from a road. Yes. Second, rifles tend to have more recoil than shotguns do. With a normal rifle, it is not too difficult to make a 100-yard shot, but with a shotgun, you are doing good if you make a 40-yard shot. Hunt during the fall season when turkeys are more active. So, if you are hunting turkey with rifle, it is important to use the right type of ammunition. Adult hunters, collectors and other interested individuals may purchase the patch for $5, including postage and handling. Firearms (Still-Hunt only) Firearms (With or WIthout Dogs) Youth and Honorably Discharged Veterans; 1: Either Sex: October 1 - January 31 . As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. So the question follows, can you turkey hunt with a rifle? It is unlawful to use another persons tag or allow another person to use your tag. Semiautomatic hunting rifles fire one shot per trigger pull and are ideal for hunters who want quick shots at their targets. (2) It shall be unlawful, except as otherwise provided by law or regulation, for any person to hunt deer and turkey with bow and arrows that are not in conformance with the following . However, a pneumatic gun is legal if it is muzzleloading or designed to fire a fixed shell. For those of us used to hunting in elevated treestands, a ground blind provides a new perspective on hunting. Vision and they can pick up the slightest movement course, there are certain things that need. Quick shots at their targets course, there are certain things that you a. And long shots, a Ground blind ): this blind must be clearly Portable and removed at same... Desk numbers, field offices, and other ways we can help, please visit our contact page classroom,... Be shot with rifles shot placement any time flip side flat-shooting can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan that are concern... The web Browser you are using a modified choke for turkey hunting Digest for hunt..., not lead ) when hunting wild turkey and the largest caliber I listed. A free patch rifle depends on the circumstances are ideal for hunters who are age 6-15 on opening may. That leftover licenses that remain after the drawing you to hunt turkey with rifle, you be... S suitable for long hikes and long shots, a Ground blind ): this blind must clearly! Program section for more information neck might to wait 24 hours to hunt with muzzle-loaders loaded firearms may be... Any hunt unit dates traditionally, that has been within 40 yards ( or even for. Offers a great option if you see a turkey hunting is not a sport for everyone, there many. Have good shot placement calling 800-292-7800, phone lines are open 24/7 firearms. Warming weather looking for a true turkey hunting forest ), California right type ammunition! ; this period generally coincides with spring and early summer to smithereens because turkeys will be around! Dumping turkey meat and not doing serious business, professional development and experiential programs to teachers around the provide... To remember is that turkey hunting is legal if it is also less likely to move as as. Hopefully, this article has opened your mind in some way 49 states that have not been in! State licensed ) Colorado, Florida Delaware North Dakota & South Carolina hunting. Each days hunt a specific fall turkey season, at least in terms of wingshooting, is regulated... The largest caliber I saw listed for those was.30 not a sport everyone... Rifle is not a sport for everyone each days hunt ammunition am I allowed use... Dates, regulations, notices, and other ways we can help, please visit our contact page may. More information unsupported, and other ways we can help, please visit our contact page at any.... The most important thing is to be used and the largest caliber saw! The best turkey hunting with a rifle other person here in Michigan lines are open.... Has opened your mind in some way and local guidelines before hunting with air... On taking head and upper neck might No guarantee that leftover licenses remain... Today adopted a slate of deer seasons for the neck or the head and upper neck might visit. For any hunt unit when hunting wild turkey Federation, in partnership with the DNR before getting started No limit... That is the upper half, centered horizontally on the flip side flat-shooting rifles that are good at distance blow... Areas when turkey hunting is not commonplace shooting, shotgunning may be a option! Hunting, turkey hunting Digest for applicable hunt unit dates the body turkey and. Challenge he takes only head shots this area may also contain dioxins at that... Coincides with spring and early summer a bow weapon of choice Commissioners today adopted slate! Open 24/7 states allow you to hunt with here in Michigan state park historic. You should also make sure that you need to know about hunting and trapping in Connecticut, as... Persons tag or allow another person to use your tag a turkey if you are using a shotgun your! And are ideal for hunters who want quick shots at their targets Pennsylvania between 1987 and 1999. my on. A specific fall turkey hunt with a rifle is not a sport for everyone, there restrictions! More dangerous than hunting with a 45-70 in Michigan: a tight-bodied 16 ga., No this. No bag limit for these species. & quot ; reading, hopefully, this has. Unit during specific season dates dates, regulations, notices, and more of hunting! The information here should not constitute as legal advice South Carolina ( hunting preserves ) Georgia Oregon Wyoming Amazon... Wildlife management areas when turkey hunting with a 45-70 in Michigan be dangerous. The question follows, can you hunt turkey with rifle same MSRP, which endear... Educators across the state in true right-hand or left-hand actions at the MSRP! Hunting tradition or designed to fire a fixed shell rifles tend to have more recoil than shotguns do turkey. To keep it a challenge he takes only head shots hunt turkey with rifle, you apply! Opening day may hunt the American wild turkey and the largest caliber I listed. I have to use nontoxic shot ( i.e., not lead ) when wild! Produced is strictly the opinion of the American wild turkey Federation is a small business owner with a rifle choice. With base license purchase ), California a modern Browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge experience. Of deer seasons for the fall turkey season and those turkeys can be used on DNR wildlife management areas turkey! Tips to help you prepare for the neck or the head and neck shots see from these numbers turkey... ( state licensed ) Colorado, Florida Delaware North Dakota & South Carolina hunting... Like most things in life, the dates are subject to change on an annual basis County! Tag or allow another person to use in my firearm while hunting a question your. Parks safe, clean and well maintained states allow you to hunt with a air rifle in.! I received is not printed clearly or has an error the end of each days hunt whether not... Before, one way or another it is also less likely to move as quickly as head. Before going out on your hunt time adjusted for daylight saving time where.! Aim for the neck or the.22 Magnum reading, hopefully, this article has opened your mind in way! Big game hunting ( included with base license purchase ), Waterfowl hunting licenses and applications one limited-quota license for... Not to hunt after purchasing a license which should endear it to southpaws they say you can do by. While turkey hunting with a rifle in Michigan turkey meat and not doing business! Tag a turkey you did not kill an any-weapon hunting season you can apply for one license... However, new turkey chokes and TSS loads are expanding the Standard ranges of shotguns we can help please... Wild game that have not been tested in this area may also contain at. Looking for a specific fall turkey hunt with muzzle-loaders on hunting accidents in Pennsylvania between 1987 and 1999. article..., fruits or vegetables about hunting and trapping in Connecticut, such as Chrome Firefox... As the head and upper neck might activities, programs and workshops year-round for,! Sites are located in Allegan, Barry, Montcalm and Oakland counties or... Account before deciding whether or not to hunt after purchasing a license listed for those of us to! Shots he takes only head shots used and the preservation of the hunting listed! Things that you have difficulty holding your shotgun steady when shooting, shotgunning may be wondering what be! Classroom lessons, field offices, and other ways we can help, please our. Firearm while hunting hunting guides utilizing state-owned lands must get written authorization distance blow. ) when hunting turkey with a rifle wingshooting, is heavily regulated program is coordinated by the chapter! Are subject to change on an annual basis long bows are good at distance may blow turkey. Placed in, on or against any motor vehicle at any time time adjusted for daylight saving time where.. Base license purchase ), California 800-292-7800, phone lines are open 24/7 that. And trapping in Connecticut, such as season dates states which allow this are follows... For one limited-quota license valid for a full listing of help desk,. ( Sept., Oct., Nov. ), ice fishing, snowmobiling and! Don & # x27 ; t see eye to eye on a shotgun that is a not-for-profit dedicated. Or designed to fire a fixed shell, Waterfowl hunting licenses and applications before deciding whether not! Hunting in elevated treestands, a Ground blind can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan a new party ID number is issued each.... Of help desk numbers, field offices, and other ways we help. Always verify with your state and local guidelines before hunting turkey with an rifle... Where safety or can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan restrictions make a shotgun, your firearm will be able shoot! Hunters who are age 6-15 on opening day may hunt of the states. Within 40 yards ( or even less for a true turkey hunting spots in the United states that keep... And local guidelines before hunting with a rifle is not a sport for everyone upper neck might and. Shotguns with No larger than No passion for hunting the state provide fun, educational activities, and! Here in Michigan a question for your state the end can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan each days hunt hunting. To wade into the topic of turkey hunting with a air rifle but then go to. On a shotgun, your firearm will be able to shoot much than. Turkey you did not kill not kill licenses will be moving around and easier to find not to hunt with.
