Karen Hyun Secretary | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Karen Hyun Secretary | Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has released preliminary results for the 2025 spring turkey season. According to the DNR, hunters in Wisconsin registered a total of 50,287 birds this season, marking a 14% increase from the five-year average.
The season commenced on April 12 with a two-day youth hunt for those under 16 years old. During this period, hunters registered 3,981 birds, up slightly from the previous year's total of 3,967.
The regular turkey hunting season was divided into six one-week periods, beginning on April 16 and concluding on May 27. This structure aims to maximize hunting opportunities while reducing interference for a sustainable harvest.
This spring saw a total of 246,068 authorizations available for hunters, with applications or purchases made for 228,844 of them. The participation and harvest figures indicate significant hunting opportunities across Wisconsin.
For those interested in participating next year, the deadline to apply for the spring 2026 turkey season is December 10. Applications can be submitted online via the Go Wild license portal.
Further information about turkey hunting in Wisconsin is available on the DNR’s Turkey Hunting webpage.