TURKEY HUNTERS:  Important information regarding Minnesota Spring Turkey Hunting from CO Steven M. Chihak, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Minnesota Spring Turkey Hunting

New Spring season changes are in place. Turkey hunting time periods will be longer this spring.  All time periods will include weekends and more time periods will be available to each hunter. Hunters can choose from five one-week time periods. One longer time period ending on Tuesday, May 31, concludes the spring season. Previously, there were eight time periods, and not all included weekends. The bag limit will remain one bearded turkey.  The first two spring turkey seasons have ended; here are the dates for upcoming seasons.   

Spring Turkey "C" season       04/27/16 - 05/03/16

Spring Turkey "D" season      05/04/16 - 05/10/16

Spring Turkey "E" season      05/11/16 - 05/17/16

Spring Turkey "F" season    05/18/16 - 05/31/16

WILD TURKEY MANAGEMENT

Wild turkeys have become an increasingly common sight across much of Minnesota. With the exception of the heavy forest north of U.S. Highway 2, you're likely to spot the eastern wild turkey just about anywhere. The expansion of the wild turkey's original range is a wildlife management success story. Caused by loss of forested habitat in the valleys of the Mississippi, Minnesota, Rock and Des Moines rivers and unregulated hunting, Minnesota's last native turkey was spotted in 1880. After several re-introduction attempts dating back the 1920s, successful trap and transplant efforts began in 1971. A favorable habitat mix has pushed the wild turkey range well beyond its pre-settlement location, which was limited to southern Minnesota.

If you have any questions regarding turkey hunting or other DNR issues, contact your local MN DNR office.

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