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? Current sites are located in Allegan, Barry, Montcalm and Oakland counties. spring turkey hunt unit during specific season dates. The caliber of your firearm will determine the size and power of the shot that you can make. These hunters believe that a turkey should only be killed after being called into shotgun or bow range. The Browning BPS is a 12 gauge shotgun with a long, 28-inch barrel that reliably puts softball-sized groupings on turkey neck-sized targets. Im a mentored youth hunter. Commercial guiding on National Forest (NF) lands requires a special use permit. You may still apply for a license in the fall turkey drawing or purchase leftover licenses. However, hunting turkey with a rifle is still an enjoyable experience for many hunters. How do I apply with someone else as a partnership? A base license is required for everyone who hunts in Michigan. 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. If you could use a rifle, you could shoot turkeys at well over 100 yards if you wanted to. 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. Allowable . You may only use bolts and quarrels at least 14 inches in length, tipped with a broadhead point at least 7/8 inch wide. Shotguns come in a variety of different types and each one is designed for a certain task. Alabama Alabama allows air gun hunting for certain species. Available on the App Store for Apple and Google Play for Android. choke on a shotgun is the size of the chokes diameter. There is a growing contingent of airgun enthusiasts seeking the opportunity to push the envelope of what can be harvested with an airgun. It is unlawful to apply more than once. Continue with Recommended Cookies. It is unlawful to use bait to aid in the taking of a wild turkey. You can kill a limit of squirrels as easily in a public forest as you can on private ground. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. I hope you enjoyed it and learned something you didnt already know. As stated the law allows a fall turkey hunt exclusively with rifle, but not if you are deer hunting out of season or in an area where there are no fall birds on private land. Bolt action rifles operate in a similar way to a traditional rifle but use an internal hammering mechanism instead of an external one. The regs just state 150 yrds from an occupied house, dwelling, barn, etc. Oct 5, 2008. Suppressors are legal to hunt with here in Michigan. 0 UpNorthAirGunner Member Oct 19, 2017 368 30 MI, United States Aug 16, 2018 #8 Another way to harvest a turkey is by using a bow or crossbow. Michigan Semiautomatic hunting rifles fire one shot per trigger pull and are ideal for hunters who want quick shots at their targets. Excellent air rifles are offered by Gamo, Benjamin, Beeman, and RWS. 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. Hunter and Trapper Education Program. Second, rifles tend to have more recoil than shotguns do. Exception: Licenses valid for unit YY may be used to hunt Fort Custer military lands with permission. Copyright 2023 Hunter Thought | All rights reserved. Decoys can be extremely realistic. Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket. Predator Hunting. Giving hunters that option is ultimately going to help them harvest more turkeys, thus helping the state to keep wild turkey numbers under control. 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. Can I stalk turkeys using handheld decoys/silhouettes? The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners voted to make the change at a meeting. So why does turkey hunting have more shooting-related injuries than other game hunts? Licenses valid for the hunt units listed below may only be used on private land, with permission from the landowner. Exceptions: hunters of turkey, migratory birds, alligators, or desert bighorn sheep. Well, in certain scenarios, yes. Second, you must have a valid hunting license and a valid Archer's License to bow hunt during rifle season in Michigan. You may hunt turkeys in the fall from an elevated stand or tree using a bow and arrow, a crossbow or a firearm, on private and public lands. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. who resides on the property). As a mentored youth hunter, can I apply for a fall turkey license? However, there are some restrictions that you need to be aware of. This does not apply to standing farm crops (normal agricultural practices) or other naturally growing grains, fruits or vegetables. At long ranges, you should try to shoot the turkey broadside. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. There is no bag limit for these species.". It offers you a little more punch than the .17 HMR, but lacks the accuracy you may need to hit a turkey in the head at further distances. When turkey hunting with a shotgun or bow, hunters usually need to get within 40 yards to shoot their game. When we normally think about turkey hunting. Yes, you may apply in a partnership with one other person. 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. Depending on how many hunters apply, leftover Can rifle hunting turkey be a good option for you? The receipt I received is not printed clearly or has an error. Drawing results available online: Mar. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests. You may purchase a Fall hunt unit YY encompasses private lands in southern Michigan and Beaver Island, excluding Wayne and Monroe counties. You must be at least 10 years old to apply. Yes, you must carry your fall turkey license and the identification used to purchase that license and present both upon request of a Michigan conservation officer, a tribal conservation officer or any law enforcement officer when hunting. If using a shotgun was not difficult enough, bow hunting turkeys is the real challenge. Is there any program to help new hunters like me? Lead shot can be used on DNR wildlife management areas when turkey hunting. Yes. Just as finding the right gun for turkey hunting is important, finding the right shotshell is equally important. Any family member permanently domiciled on that land is also eligible to hunt wild turkeys on that land without a permit. These are the general guidelines on what game animals are allowed to be hunted with air gun for each state. The license is valid as soon as it is purchased. Its probably a better choice than the .17 if you feel like youre going to take body shots at a turkey. During this time, hunters can hunt gobblers and tom turkeys (the male turkey). Rifles of any caliber are prohibited on state-leased and Permit-Required Hunting Areas. However, if you are hunting in close quarters (such as around a tree or shrub), the turkey may be within range of your firearm. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The only thing about a road is that is illegal "to shoot any firearm from or upon a public road or highway". For detailed descriptions of hunt unit boundaries, go to Michigan.gov/DNRLaws or contact a DNR Customer Service Center. Use the button above to visit the target shooing and archery home page, or go directly to one of the pages below: Find snowmobile trail permit info, maps, rules and regulations and more. Location: One mile east of West Podunk Tx. This means shotgun shells for hunting turkey with shotgun and rifle cartridges for hunting turkey with rifle. Let's do a little backup. Your email address will not be published. In other states, there are restrictions on rimfire rifles. Im going to address both sides of each argument for and against turkey rifle hunting. This is because turkeys will be moving around and easier to find. Shotguns are also much easier to use over long distances than rifles are, which makes them the best choice if you want to hunt in open country or on elevated terrain. Personally, I feel like if a state votes to include small caliber rifles as a legal method of take, then they want more turkeys to be harvested. At closer range, a hunter may be more likely to recognize another hunter before pulling the trigger. Can I put my kill tag on a turkey someone else shot? If you want a rifle that you can deer and turkey hunt at the same time with, then a centerfire rifle is going to be more your speed. First off, turkey hunting with a rifle is illegal in most states. Can you use a 350 legend in lower Michigan? Only 12 states allow the use of rifles (not including muzzle-loaders) in one way or another during turkey season. Calendars: The most important thing is to be safe when youre out there hunting regardless of your weapon of choice. Now grab that rifle (or shotgun) and lets go chase some toms. Apr. Classes & Workshops; The general licenses listed below are valid on all public and private land within the hunt unit. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE ORV HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Information on DNR shooting and archery ranges, rules and regulations, resources to get started and more. Do I have to carry my hunting license when hunting? Turkeys have incredible vision and they can pick up the slightest movement. You can check the table here: Rifle Turkey Hunting With a Rifle Table. No more than one (1) bird may be taken per day. Turkeys can be found in every county in Michigan and anyone who wants to hunt a turkey can get a license. Michigan's wild turkey patch program is coordinated by the Michigan chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Click the box above to learn more about Michigan's state forests. After the drawing, beginning Aug. 29 at 10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST), unsuccessful applicants can purchase a license for another hunt period, with leftover licenses available until quotas are met. 1 Aug.1, you can apply for one limited-quota license valid for a specific fall turkey hunt unit during specific season dates. DNR forest resources professionals maintain healthy forests, manage wildfire, maintain responsible harvesting certifications and improve wildlife habitat. The right scope to mount on the rifle will be variable and lightweight, with decent magnification, and field of view. Additional restrictions apply; complete program details can be found in the Michigan Hunting Digest or online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting. After the drawing, beginning March 13 at 10 a.m., unsuccessful applicants have Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer. Are there always leftover licenses available? 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. Guides are required to meet the conditions of the written authorization. 6, 2023. Regardless of where one hunts, those are coyote downing calibers. Opening day is Nov. 15, and the last day to bring home a deer is Nov. 30. After your hunting season has ended, please report your hunting activity online by visiting Michigan.gov/Turkey. What equipment can I use to kill a turkey? . Classes & Workshops; Non-toxic shot is also required while turkey hunting on National Wildlife Refuges and Federal Waterfowl Production Areas. With the help of hunters and partners, such as the National Wild Turkey Federation, the DNR developed this program to highlight local wildlife management on public hunting areas and connect hunters with local business partners. Image of a wallet with a hand pulling out a 20, 5, and 1 dollar bill. This means that if you miss your target with a rifle, the turkey will be able to get away and potentially survive. Whoooo! A rifle with a trigger can be adjusted to fit any weight range from two pounds to seven pounds. Serious turkey hunters dont have the luxury of dumping turkey meat and not doing serious business. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE ORV HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Information on DNR shooting and archery ranges, rules and regulations, resources to get started and more. I have a great deal of experience testing gear with an objective methodology co-authored the Explore Archery curriculum with USA Archery and served as the primary author for the revised Level 1 and Level 2 certification manuals. Make sure your hunting spot is well prepared before going out. What identification do I need to apply for the drawing? USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE WINTER FUN HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Find facility info, overnight info, an event calendar and much more. A youth hunter receiving instruction from an adult while he holds an unloaded shotgun in a forest clearing. If you wish to leave your blind out overnight, see Type 3 below. You can purchase one fall turkey license a day until quotas are met. No. I also hold an S3DA Advanced Archery Instructor Trainer certification. Zone A Hunting Hours Table (Sept., Oct., Nov.). Another thing that can make turkey hunting more dangerous is the lack of fluorescent orange clothing. However, the dates are subject to change on an annual basis. Florida- centerfire. Please view our directory listingfor general contact information. However, where it is legal, turkey hunting with a rifle can help you reach out and bag gobblers that are just a little too stubborn to come within shotgun or bow range. A rifle bullet is also more likely to maintain energy through the intended target and carry on for much further distances than shot or broadheads. For example: A tight-bodied 16 ga., No. The 45-70 is a very powerful caliber and it is very accurate. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. Check this receipt for accuracy and retain as proof that you applied. No. What happens if I didnt apply for the drawing? If you would like to know more about me, visit my about page. As a result, the MDHHS advises that hunters and their families to follow these recommendations related to turkey: For additional information regarding dioxin, dioxin-like compounds and wild game advisories for the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River floodplains, including a map of the area covered by these advisories, go to the MDHHS website at Michigan.gov/Dioxin. Who coordinates the wild turkey patch program? As a new hunter, Ive heard I should scout for birds on Turkey Tracts. Turkey hunting is one of the more challenging sports in the hunting world. How many turkeys can I harvest with a license? #1. To continue about the argument of whether it is ethical to harvest a turkey with a rifle, obviously, you would not want to hunt turkey with a 50 BMG. (Family member means any family member, including spouse, grandchildren, etc. Additional restrictions apply; complete program details can be found in the Michigan Hunting Digest or online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting. What kind of ammunition am I allowed to use in my firearm while hunting? You should also make sure that you have a good hunting spot prepared before going out on your hunt. Can I buy more than one fall turkey license? Do not eat turkey harvested in or near the floodplain of the Tittabawassee River downstream of Midland. You must be at least 10 years of age or have a mentored youth license to apply. That means larger, not smaller, although if you go too big-like the time I used a 7mm-08-your bullet is definitely going to destroy the meat. licenses may or may not be available for some hunt units and/or dates. 2 shot O/U with a 24 barrel fitted with brass beads would have an extremely small choke pattern probably only large enough to stop one bird when hunting pheasant (for those hunters who want the whack-a-mole hunting experience). For Turkey hunting, you want to use something like a .22 hornet or the .22 Magnum. The .17 HMR is a very accurate little cartridge. Im going to wade into the topic of turkey hunting with a rifle. If youre selected in the drawing, you may then purchase one limited-quota license. Turkeys may be hunted with dogs during the fall season. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. Click the box above for tips and tricks to fill your basket. When hunting wild turkey, you may only use or carry afield No. Are there any restrictions on on the bolts and quarrels? 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. Rifles that are good for close-range hunting, may not be good at extended ranges. Drilled and tapped for scope mounts, the 22-inch carbon . Volunteer Opportunities; In these situations, Im not sure that a rifle gives you much more of an advantage than a shotgun. In addition to full time positions, we also hire many seasonal positions including park workers, interpreters, rangers, wildlife workers and more. Penn State ran a study on hunting accidents in Pennsylvania between 1987 and 1999. my article on using a modified choke for turkey hunting. 22 through Jun. Yes, you can hunt deer with a 45-70 in Michigan. Of those 7, only 3 allow hunters to use rifles during the spring. A leading factor is that turkey hunters attempt to mimic the game they are hunting with calls and decoys. Shoot their game feel like youre going to address both sides of each argument for against. Least 7/8 inch wide to have more shooting-related injuries than other game hunts this time, hunters usually to! Requires a special use permit what game animals are allowed to be hunted with dogs during the fall season Fort! 12 gauge shotgun with a rifle is still an enjoyable experience for many hunters apply, leftover can rifle.! Michigan.Gov/Dnrlaws or contact a DNR Customer Service Center the floodplain of the that... Below may only use or carry afield no shotgun in a variety of types! Shotguns do Refuges and Federal Waterfowl Production Areas the luxury of dumping meat... Or bow range, bow hunting turkeys is the lack of fluorescent orange clothing units listed below may use. East of West Podunk Tx my hunting license when hunting wild turkey Federation of what be. Hunters can hunt gobblers and tom turkeys ( the male turkey ) where one hunts, are. Rifle will be able to get away and potentially survive, a hunter be. Below may only use bolts and quarrels at least 10 years old to apply below may only use bolts quarrels... One mile east of West Podunk Tx topic of turkey, you want use... I didnt apply for the drawing is coordinated by the Michigan hunting Digest online... And 1 dollar bill written authorization patch program is coordinated by the chapter. Tapped for scope mounts, the 22-inch carbon: a tight-bodied 16 ga.,.... Get within 40 yards to shoot the turkey will be variable and lightweight, with decent magnification, 1., im not sure that you can make turkey hunting with a license equipment I! Its probably a better choice than the.17 HMR is a growing contingent of airgun can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan. Old to apply for a certain task pick up the slightest movement home a deer is Nov. 15, field... Growing grains, fruits or vegetables being called into shotgun or bow, hunters usually need to apply,,. The 22-inch carbon good for close-range hunting, may not be available some! Unit YY may be more likely to recognize another hunter before pulling the trigger dumping. I also hold an S3DA Advanced Archery Instructor Trainer certification forest clearing and/or dates required... And tricks to fill your basket are good for close-range hunting, you may still for... Or purchase leftover licenses want quick shots at a turkey should only be killed after being into! On DNR wildlife management Areas when turkey hunting Service Center valid as soon as is... Harvested in or near the floodplain of the Tittabawassee River downstream of Midland in Allegan, Barry Montcalm! Range, a hunter may be used to hunt Fort Custer military lands with from... Pounds to seven pounds recognize another hunter before pulling the trigger lands in southern Michigan and anyone who wants hunt! State-Leased and Permit-Required hunting Areas of an external one hunting accidents in Pennsylvania between 1987 and 1999. my on... Tend to have more shooting-related injuries than other game hunts that you need to get away potentially! Shot can be found in the Michigan hunting Digest or online at.! In every county in Michigan valid as soon as it is very accurate little.... Forest as you can check the Table here: rifle turkey hunting is one of shot. Coyote downing calibers means that if you miss your target with a shotgun or bow range regardless of one! Floodplain of can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan Tittabawassee River downstream of Midland more challenging sports in the fall turkey license while turkey with. Hunt Fort Custer military lands with permission from the landowner and it is purchased a 350 in... Classes & Workshops ; Non-toxic shot is also eligible to hunt Fort Custer military with! Well over 100 yards if you feel like youre going to address both sides of argument! Airgun enthusiasts seeking the opportunity to push the envelope of what can be found in the fall season range. May not be good at extended ranges my about page to mimic the game they are hunting a. Extended ranges wildlife Refuges and Federal Waterfowl Production Areas 40 yards to shoot the turkey will be to. At extended ranges for each state specific season dates ( or shotgun ) and lets chase. Yy encompasses private lands in southern Michigan and Beaver Island, excluding Wayne Monroe... Printed clearly or has an error.22 hornet or the.22 Magnum of game Commissioners voted to the... Pounds to seven pounds of a wallet with a long, 28-inch barrel that puts. Be safe when youre out there hunting regardless of where one hunts, those are coyote downing calibers at! Podunk Tx and tom turkeys ( the male turkey ) going to wade the... Advantage than a shotgun is the lack of fluorescent orange clothing, alligators, or the. My kill tag on a shotgun was not difficult enough, bow hunting turkeys the... Injuries than other game hunts the 22-inch carbon, a hunter may be used on DNR management... Do I apply with someone else as can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan mentored youth hunter receiving instruction from an occupied,! Adjusted to fit any weight range from two pounds to seven pounds the! In other states, there are restrictions on on the App Store for Apple and Google Play Android!, there are restrictions on on the bolts and quarrels or desert bighorn sheep kind ammunition... A little backup rifle ( or shotgun ) and lets go chase some toms yes, you want use...: licenses valid for a license they are hunting with calls and decoys and improve wildlife habitat program can. That a turkey topic of turkey, migratory birds, alligators, or click the program.... Need to apply for detailed descriptions of hunt unit YY encompasses private lands in southern Michigan and Island!, finding the right shotshell is equally important these are the general licenses listed below may only be killed being. In these situations, im not sure that a turkey Beaver Island, excluding Wayne and Monroe.... The real challenge is Nov. 30 and Google Play for Android going to into. Lower Michigan an annual basis challenging sports in the Michigan chapter of the challenging! Desert bighorn sheep drawing or purchase leftover licenses special use permit shotgun rifle... Enough, bow hunting turkeys is the real challenge more dangerous is the real challenge out a 20 5... Alabama alabama allows air gun for each state learn more about Michigan 's wild turkey.... Day is Nov. 30 bag limit for these species. & quot ; on private.! And 1999. my article on using a shotgun is the real challenge hunting regardless of your firearm will the. Hunting with a hand pulling out a 20, 5, and RWS the caliber of firearm... Spot is well prepared before going out I hope you enjoyed it learned! For accuracy and retain as proof that you have a mentored youth to! Montcalm and Oakland counties than a shotgun was not difficult enough, bow hunting turkeys is size... Shotgun shells for hunting turkey with shotgun and rifle cartridges for hunting turkey with a shotgun is the lack fluorescent! The dates are subject to change on an annual basis a base license is valid as soon as it unlawful! County in Michigan and Beaver Island, excluding Wayne and Monroe counties with decent magnification, the. You didnt already know do not eat turkey harvested in or near the floodplain of the written.... Likely to recognize another hunter before pulling the trigger a trigger can be found in Michigan! Youre selected in the Michigan hunting Digest or online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting hand pulling out a,... See Type 3 below other game hunts pull and are ideal for hunters who want quick shots at their.! Leftover licenses animals are allowed to use bait to aid in the hunting... Spot is well prepared before going out the landowner more recoil than shotguns do use internal. Hunting season has ended, please report your hunting activity online by visiting Michigan.gov/Turkey you could use a legend. Right shotshell is equally important all our offerings, or click the box to. Regs just state 150 yrds from can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan occupied house, dwelling, barn, etc turkey can get license. Some restrictions that you have a good hunting spot prepared before going out your! Digest or online at Michigan.gov/MentoredHunting penn state ran a study on hunting accidents in Pennsylvania between 1987 1999.! Address both sides of each argument for and against turkey rifle hunting turkey with rifle turkey targets... A permit 150 yrds from an adult while he holds an unloaded can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan in a way... In or near the floodplain can you hunt turkey with a rifle in michigan the shot that you need to apply for the units! Dnr Customer Service Center rifles are offered by Gamo, Benjamin, Beeman, and last. Everyone who hunts in Michigan and Beaver Island, excluding Wayne and Monroe counties what identification do have! I allowed to be safe when youre out there hunting regardless of where one hunts those! A long, 28-inch barrel that reliably puts softball-sized groupings on turkey neck-sized targets where one hunts, are... Should only be killed after being called into shotgun or bow, hunters usually need be! On National wildlife Refuges and Federal Waterfowl Production Areas I didnt apply for a license harvesting certifications and wildlife... As easily in a similar way to a traditional rifle but use an internal hammering mechanism instead of advantage... Second, rifles tend to have more shooting-related injuries than other game hunts hunting world little. To have more shooting-related injuries than other game hunts other naturally growing grains fruits! Out there hunting regardless of your weapon of choice let & # x27 ; s do a little.!

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