When is Turkey Hunting Season in Minnesota?

When Is Turkey Hunting Season in Minnesota?

Turkey hunting is a popular sport in Minnesota, and for good reason. The state is home to a healthy population of turkeys, and the hunting season offers a chance to enjoy the great outdoors and put some meat in the freezer. But when is the best time to go turkey hunting in Minnesota?

The turkey hunting season in Minnesota runs from April 15 to May 31. However, the exact dates of the season can vary depending on the region of the state. For example, the season in northern Minnesota typically begins later than the season in southern Minnesota.

In general, the best time to go turkey hunting in Minnesota is during the spring, when the turkeys are more active and easier to find. However, you can also find turkeys during the fall, but they will be less active and more difficult to hunt.

If you’re planning on turkey hunting in Minnesota, it’s important to do your research and learn about the specific regulations in your area. You also need to make sure you have the proper licenses and permits.

With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy a successful turkey hunt in Minnesota.

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Season Dates Hours
Spring April 15-May 31 One-half hour before sunrise to sunset
Fall September 1-November 30 One-half hour before sunrise to sunset

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Turkey hunting is a popular sport in Minnesota, and for good reason. Turkeys are plentiful, and the hunting season offers plenty of opportunities to bag a bird. However, it’s important to know when the turkey hunting season is in Minnesota so you can plan your trip accordingly.

Spring Turkey Hunting Season

The spring turkey hunting season in Minnesota runs from April 15 to May 31. This is the best time to hunt turkeys because they are more active and easier to find. The weather is also usually more favorable, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine.

To participate in the spring turkey hunting season, you must have a valid Minnesota hunting license and a turkey permit. You can purchase a permit online or at any license agent in the state.

The bag limit for spring turkey hunting is two turkeys. However, you must have a separate permit for each turkey you harvest.

Fall Turkey Hunting Season

The fall turkey hunting season in Minnesota runs from October 1 to November 30. This is the second best time to hunt turkeys, as they are still relatively active and the weather is still mild. However, the bag limit is lower in the fall than in the spring, with only one turkey allowed per hunter.

To participate in the fall turkey hunting season, you must have a valid Minnesota hunting license and a turkey permit. You can purchase a permit online or at any license agent in the state.

The bag limit for fall turkey hunting is one turkey. However, you must have a separate permit for each turkey you harvest.

Harvest Reports

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) publishes harvest reports for both the spring and fall turkey hunting seasons. These reports provide information on the number of turkeys harvested, the average weight of turkeys harvested, and the locations where turkeys were harvested.

The DNR harvest reports can be found on the DNR website.

Turkey hunting is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can have a successful turkey hunting season in Minnesota.

Spring Turkey Hunting Tips

  • Scouting is essential for successful turkey hunting. The best time to scout is in the early spring, before the season opens. This will allow you to find areas where turkeys are roosting and feeding.
  • When you’re scouting, pay attention to the terrain and the vegetation. Turkeys prefer to roost in open areas with good visibility. They also like to feed in areas with plenty of cover, such as thickets and brush.
  • When you’re hunting, it’s important to be patient. Turkeys are wary creatures, and they’re not easy to fool. Be quiet and still, and wait for the turkeys to come to you.
  • If you see a turkey, don’t be afraid to call to it. Turkeys are very vocal, and they will often respond to calls. However, be careful not to overdo it. If you call too much, you’ll spook the turkeys.
  • When you’re ready to shoot, take your time and aim carefully. Turkeys are small targets, and it’s easy to miss. Make sure you’re confident in your shot before you pull the trigger.

Fall Turkey Hunting Tips

  • Fall turkey hunting is a little different than spring turkey hunting. The weather is cooler, and the turkeys are less active. However, there are still plenty of opportunities to bag a bird.
  • The best time to hunt turkeys in the fall is early in the morning or late in the evening. This is when the turkeys are most active.
  • When you’re hunting, it’s important to be quiet and still. Turkeys are very wary, and they’ll spook if they hear or see you.
  • If you see a turkey, don’t be afraid to call to it. Turkeys are very vocal, and they will often respond to calls. However, be careful not to overdo it. If you call too much, you’ll spook the turkeys.
  • When you’re ready to shoot, take your time and aim carefully. Turkeys are small targets, and it’s easy to miss. Make sure you’re confident in your shot before you pull the trigger.

Additional Resources

  • [Minnesota Department of Natural Resources: Turkey Hunting](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/turkey/index.html)
  • [National Wild Turkey Federation: Turkey Hunting](https://www.nwtf.org/hunting/turkey)
  • [Turkey Hunting Tips](https://www.outdoorlife.com/turkey-hunting/turkey-hunting-tips/)

3. Turkey Hunting Regulations

  • License requirements

To hunt turkeys in Minnesota, you must have a valid hunting license. Licenses are available online or from any license agent. The cost of a license varies depending on your age and residency status.

  • Permit requirements

In addition to a hunting license, you may also need a permit to hunt turkeys in certain areas. Permits are required for hunting turkeys on state-owned land and on some private land. Permits can be purchased online or from any license agent.

  • Hunting methods

Turkeys can be hunted using a variety of methods, including:

  • Shotgun
  • Rifle
  • Bow and arrow
  • Crossbow
  • Shooting hours

Turkey hunting is open during the spring and fall. The spring season runs from April 15 to May 31, and the fall season runs from September 1 to November 30.

  • Decoys and calls

Turkey decoys and calls can be used to attract turkeys. Decoys can be used to simulate a flock of turkeys, and calls can be used to mimic the sounds of turkeys.

  • Other regulations

There are a number of other regulations that apply to turkey hunting in Minnesota. These regulations include:

  • A daily bag limit of two turkeys
  • A possession limit of four turkeys
  • A closed season on hens
  • A requirement to wear hunter orange

4. Turkey Hunting Tips

  • Scouting

The key to successful turkey hunting is scouting. Scouting allows you to learn the habits of the turkeys in your area and to find the best places to hunt them. When scouting, pay attention to the following:

  • The type of habitat that turkeys prefer
  • The time of day that turkeys are most active
  • The areas where turkeys are roosting
  • The areas where turkeys are feeding
  • Calling

Calling is another important part of turkey hunting. Calls can be used to attract turkeys and to communicate with them. When calling, it is important to use a variety of calls and to vary your cadence.

  • Hunting blinds

Hunting blinds can be used to conceal your position and to improve your chances of success. Blinds can be made from a variety of materials, including natural materials such as brush and leaves, or from manufactured materials such as camouflage netting.

  • Equipment

The right equipment can make a big difference in your turkey hunting success. When choosing equipment, consider the following:

  • The type of terrain you will be hunting
  • The weather conditions you will be facing
  • Your budget
  • Safety

Turkey hunting can be a safe activity, but there are a few things you can do to increase your safety:

  • Wear hunter orange
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Be careful when handling firearms
  • Never shoot at a turkey that is closer than 30 yards

Turkey hunting is a challenging and rewarding activity. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of success.

When is turkey hunting season in Minnesota?

The Minnesota turkey hunting season is open from April 15 to May 31.

What are the bag limits for turkey hunting in Minnesota?

The bag limit for turkey hunting in Minnesota is two turkeys per day and four turkeys per season.

What are the legal hunting methods for turkey hunting in Minnesota?

The legal hunting methods for turkey hunting in Minnesota are:

  • Shotgun
  • Rifle
  • Bow and arrow
  • Crossbow

What are the legal hunting zones for turkey hunting in Minnesota?

The legal hunting zones for turkey hunting in Minnesota are:

  • North Zone
  • South Zone
  • Central Zone

What are the legal hunting hours for turkey hunting in Minnesota?

The legal hunting hours for turkey hunting in Minnesota are:

  • Sunrise to sunset

What are the safety precautions that should be taken when turkey hunting in Minnesota?

The following safety precautions should be taken when turkey hunting in Minnesota:

  • Wear bright orange clothing.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Use caution when handling firearms.
  • Never shoot at a turkey that is flying.

Where can I find more information about turkey hunting in Minnesota?

For more information about turkey hunting in Minnesota, please visit the following websites:

  • [Minnesota Department of Natural Resources](https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/hunting/turkey/index.html)
  • [National Wild Turkey Federation](https://www.nwtf.org/)

    turkey hunting season in Minnesota is a time-honored tradition that offers hunters the chance to experience the great outdoors and challenge themselves with a challenging game animal. With a little planning and preparation, you can have a successful turkey hunt in Minnesota. Be sure to do your research on the different hunting seasons and regulations, and choose the right gear and tactics for the conditions you’ll be facing. With a little luck, you’ll be able to bag a gobbler and enjoy a delicious meal of wild turkey.

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