Pheasants Forever’s public access projects in Wisconsin also make for great spring turkey destinations
By John Motoviloff, Wisconsin R3 and outreach coordinator
It’s no surprise wild turkey hunting is often associated with southern states, given its long history in those locales.
However, Wisconsin consistently rates as one of the nation’s top five turkey hunting destinations. Thriving populations of birds across the state account for part of this story, and friendly taverns serving hot fish fries and cold beverages don’t hurt either. But the key ingredient in Wisconsin may have more to do with elbow room — as the state boasts over five million acres of public land.
"Wisconsin excels as a turkey hunting state in part because of its mix of habitat types—such as woods and prairie,” said Taylor Finger, a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) gamebird ecologist. “But also because of ample public lands that provide opportunities for hunters."
Partners in Land Protection: Wisconsin DNR and Pheasants Forever
Quality hunting depends on quality habitat. While some have access to private lands, many hunters depend on public access and public land programs. A cornerstone of public land acquisition in Wisconsin since 1989, Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program plays a critical role in public access through land acquisition and conservation. Since its inception, it’s invested over $1.2 billion dollars in the state and enhanced more than 650,000 acres of habitat.
Since 1999, Pheasants Forever has been awarded over 25 Stewardship Program grants, opening more than 5,500 acres of public access. Acquisitions like these are part of Pheasants Forever’s Build a Wildlife Area, which has conserved more than 229,000 acres of permanently protected and publicly accessible upland wildlife habitat, benefitting wild turkeys, pheasants, songbirds, waterfowl and a host of other species.
Know before You Go
As days lengthen and gobblers strut their stuff, Wisconsin outdoor enthusiasts of all stripes enjoy the spectacle. Those who want to hunt these wily gamebirds must follow established rules and regulations. The Wisconsin DNR divides the state into seven turkey hunting zones, with six consecutive week-long hunting seasons. Season A starts in mid-April and season F ends the day after Memorial Day. Application for your zone and season of choice are due December 10 the previous year, but remaining (or bonus) permits go on sale in mid-March with permits for seasons E and F, in some zones, available well into May. Only male or bearded turkeys may be harvested. You must purchase a spring turkey hunting license as well as a permit (or authorization) valid for the specific season and zone being hunted.
This allows hunters the freedom to hunt different zones and seasons. Hunters willing to purchase bonus tags (limit of one per person per day) can enjoy a season that spans six weeks and a variety of terrain and weather conditions. Early seasons are often downright wintry, especially in the north, while later seasons may feel more like summer. The state’s varied topography provides a variety of hunting backdrops. There is the hilly Drifltess area in Zone 1, eastern agricultural landscape in Zone 2, sand counties in Zone 3, western ridges in Zone 4 and the Northwoods in Zones 5, 6, 7. These last three zones have fewer turkeys—and fewer permits—but productive hunts can still be enjoyed in this big woods setting.
Something for Everyone
Another draw of Wisconsin spring turkey hunting is the variety of ways it can be done, and the companion activities that often go along with it. Turkeys can be hunted “off roost” first thing in the morning, especially when the hunter knows their precise location. Late morning and early afternoon can be good for “run and gun” hunters looking to call in solitary toms. Afternoons and early evenings are often spent scouting, foraging for spring delicacies like ramps, morels and wild asparagus — or just enjoying a sit in the spring woods. As the lengthening days warm Wisconsin’s chilly waters, there’s also a good chance that the fish will be biting!