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Fall Turkey Hunters Reminded of Reduced Quota in Michigan Upper Peninsula

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- As the Aug. 1 deadline for fall wild turkey hunting license applications nears, the Department of Natural Resources reminds Upper Peninsula hunters that the quota for licenses was cut dramatically this year.

“For the last few years Upper Peninsula fall turkey hunters have been able to purchase leftover licenses over the counter,” said DNR upland game bird specialist Al Stewart.

“But with the reduction in the quota from 4,000 licenses to 1,500, there may not be many – if any – leftovers available this fall.”

Fall turkey season runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 14 statewide. Fall turkey hunters are allowed to harvest a bird of either sex. The Upper Peninsula quota was cut this season to assure enough hens survive into the spring breeding season.

“The Upper Peninsula wild turkey population is large enough to warrant a fall season, but we want to take a conservative approach to make sure we maintain a robust population,” Stewart said. “If you don’t apply for a license, you could find yourself left out.”

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. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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DNR Begins Revitalizing Wild Turkey Population in Northern Michigan

From left to right: Ivan Geise (Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association), Al Bobrofsky (National Wild Turkey Federation), Jennifer Kleitch (Michigan Department of Natural Resources—Wildlife Division), Sam Geise (NWTF), Don Minier (NWTF).

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Michigan --(Ammoland.com)- Thirteen wild turkey hens that were native to Barry County have been relocated to Oscoda County, the Department of Natural Resources announced today.

The trap-and-transfer operation was a joint effort of the DNR, Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association, National Wild Turkey Federation and the Mio Chamber of Commerce, as part of a plan to revitalize the northern Michigan wild turkey population, which has been in decline during the last decade.

The birds, which were trapped on private land in an area with a robust turkey population, were released on public land near Fairview, a town once billed as the “Wild Turkey Capitol of Michigan.”

From left to right: Jennifer Kleitch (Michigan Department of Natural Resources—Wildlife Division), Tony Snyder (National Wild Turkey Federation), Keith Fisher (Michigan Department of Natural Resources—Wildlife Division), and Ivan Geise (Michigan Wild Turkey Hunters Association).

Al Stewart, the DNR’s upland game bird specialist, said more wild turkeys may be released in northern Michigan this year if weather conditions remain conducive to trapping birds in southern Michigan.

“This is an excellent example of our employees working with our stakeholders to enhance wildlife populations and produce high-quality outdoor experiences,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes.

Wild turkeys were once totally extirpated from Michigan, but thanks to cooperative efforts of the DNR and conservation groups, turkey populations are now thriving in many parts of the state.

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. For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr.

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