Wildlife Habitat_Content Page_Turkey_Managment

Turkey Management

The first draft of the 2026-2036 Turkey Management Plan is now available for public review. The DNR is seeking public input on the draft plan through Nov. 20, 2026.

Wisconsin currently has one of the most robust and well managed turkey populations in the United States. This is directly related to the management efforts, passion and interest from DNR staff, conservation partners and members of the public. The next version of the Wisconsin Wild Turkey Management Plan has proposed similar goals and objectives to the previous plan while adjusting the strategies to reflect the issues that wild turkeys currently face and will face over the next decade.

The public is encouraged to review the proposed plan and share their thoughts via the online comment tool. The DNR will review and consider all feedback submitted during the comment period while preparing the final draft of the plan. Alternatively, comments can be emailed to Taylor.Finger@wisconsin.gov.

The restoration of turkeys in Wisconsin ranks as one of the greatest wildlife management success stories in the state. Absent from Wisconsin as recently as the 1970s, turkeys are now so abundant that Wisconsin spring turkey harvests rank among the largest in the nation. They have also proven surprisingly tolerant of harsh winter weather, with populations established throughout the northern part of the state.

After 20 years of rapidly increasing turkey populations and turkey harvests, turkeys in Wisconsin now seem to be stabilizing at levels suitable to the available habitat on the landscape. Turkey numbers and, in turn, turkey harvests, will now likely ebb and flow in response to natural factors such as weather and food availability.

Wisconsin Wild Turkey Management Plan

The Wisconsin Wild Turkey Management Plan was completed in 2015 by the DNR Turkey Advisory Committee. The plan contains information on wild turkey ecology, the history of turkeys in Wisconsin and the future goals of turkey management throughout the state. The updated plan was created to help make the department's turkey management strategy transparent to citizens interested in turkey managed in Wisconsin.

We hope this document will serve both as a management tool for turkeys and an effective communication tool for the people of Wisconsin. Many thanks to all who provided input and helped to create the updated plan! The Wisconsin Wild Turkey Management Plan is also available in print from any DNR service center.

Wild Turkey Stamp

Turkey stamp funds have been providing opportunities for turkey management in Wisconsin since 1995. The sale of the turkey stamp currently brings in over $750,000 annually for developing, managing, conserving, restoring and maintaining the wild turkey population within the state. A few turkey stamp projects are highlighted below.

Turkey Advisory Committee

The Turkey Advisory Committee, a diverse group representing government agencies, non-governmental organizations, tribal interests and conservation groups, meets to discuss issues relating to turkey management and the Wild Turkey Stamp program. The Committee advises the Wildlife Policy Team on a variety of topics such as hunting regulations, surveys and research priorities.

The goal of Wisconsin's wild turkey management program is to maintain turkey populations in all suitable ranges and optimize quality turkey hunting opportunities in spring and fall.

Committee Meeting Information