Wisconsin and Minnesota Spring Turkey Season Nears

MINNESOTA/WISCONSIN — Spring turkey season is approaching fast, with both Wisconsin and Minnesota seasons starting on April 16.

Historically, it would have been odd to see a turkey this far north in Minnesota as they’re usually more accustomed to agricultural land in the southern side of the state.

With the uprise in turkeys in the north, the spring and fall turkey seasons have became more popular.

In both states the limit is one turkey with a visible beard per hunter.

“If you had asked me, or any of us wildlife managers, 20 years ago, if turkeys could survive this far north, we would have told you, no. Like there’s too much snow and winters are too long, they can’t handle it,” said Chris Balzer, a MN DNR area wildlife manager. “We were wrong. We’re not bringing the DNR is not transplanting birds up here. They’re they’re showing up on their own.”

In both Wisconsin and Minnesota, the season is open for multiple short periods dependent on what hunting license people received.

Wisconsin periods are open for 7-days, while Minnesota’s periods are open for 5.

New this year for Minnesotans, ground blinds on public lands no longer need a blaze orange safety covering on top of the blind while turkey hunting.

The spring turkey hunting season will end on May 31 in Minnesota and May 27 in Wisconsin.

For more information for spring hunting regulations in Wisconsin, click here.

For more information for spring hunting regulations in Minnesota, click here.