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Frequently Asked Questions
Turkey Hunting in Wisconsin

How do I get a spring or fall turkey permit?
To receive a turkey permit you must apply by application. Applications cost $3 and are available at any DNR Service Center, Licensing Agent, or through our Online Service Center. The application deadline for the spring hunt is December 10th. The deadline for the fall hunt is August 1st. Successful applicants will be notified via mail. After the lottery drawing occurs, remaining turkey permits will be sold over-the-counter on a first-come, first-served basis.
What do I need to participate in the turkey hunt?
After you receive notification via mail that you were successful in receiving a turkey permit you will need to purchase a spring/or fall turkey license and a wild turkey stamp (except Conservation Patrons and Senior Citizen Recreation Card holders). Because the ALIS system prints your turkey stamp "privilege" on your license, the actual stamp is no longer required. The actual stamp is available at DNR Service Centers for collection purposes. A carcass tag will print out at the time of the license and stamp purchase.
Are the Spring zones the same as the Fall hunting zones?
Yes, however, some zones open during the Spring season are not open during the Fall season. (Example: State Parks).
What is landowner preference?
Residents that own 50 or more contiguous acres within an open wild turkey management zone are eligible for first preference in that zone. They may transfer their first preference status to an immediate family member or resident farm operator for that particular zone.
What state parks are open to Spring turkey hunting?
Governor Dodge (4A), Devil's Lake (5A), Wyalusing (10A), Wildcat Mountain (13A), Mirror Lake (15A), and Buckhorn (15C).
What areas are disabled Spring turkey hunting only?
Natural Bridge (5B), Nelson Dewey (10B), Belmont Mound (11A), New Glarus Woods (12A), Rocky Arbor (15B), and Loew Lake Unit-Kettle Moraine State Forest (25A).
What is the bag limit?
For the spring season it is one bearded or male turkey per tag issued. For the fall season it is one turkey of any age or sex per tag issued.
Do I need a license for assisting other hunters?
No license is required to call turkeys if you do not possess a firearm or bow. A guide license is required if you are charging a fee for your assistance.
Can I shoot a turkey for another hunter?
No.
Can I hunt turkey with the aid of dogs or bait?
  • Bait may not be used to hunt wild turkey.
  • Effective beginning October 1, 2007, for the Fall 2007 and Fall 2008 seasons ONLY, hunters with a valid turkey permit, stamp, and license may use dogs to hunt wild turkey IN THE FOLLOWING COUNTIES ONLY: Crawford, Jackson, Juneau, La Crosse, Monroe, Richland, Sauk, Vernon, and Wood Counties. This is a pilot program and the season will automatically end after two years and will have to be re-authorized after its degree of success and public acceptance has been assessed.
How do I register my turkey?
Bring the tagged turkey to any designated turkey registration station no later than 5 PM the day after it is harvested.
How do I know if I successfully drew a permit in the spring or fall turkey permit drawing?
The lottery drawings for spring and fall turkey permits take place in late January and late August, respectively. Following the lottery drawing, postcard notifications are sent out to permit winners and are typically received a couple weeks after the drawing is conducted. Customers who do not receive a postcard or simply would like to know their permit status sooner can check their permit application status online by using the Online Licensing Center or by contacting a DNR Service Center.


For more information on this topic, send mail to: Assistant Upland Ecologist

Questions for Wildlife Management

Last Revised: Monday February 25 2008