The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to prioritize safety during the spring turkey season, which runs from April 15 to May 26.
The department said that both hunters and other users of public lands may be sharing fields and forests during this period, making awareness and caution important for everyone. Hunters are encouraged to follow established safety rules, while non-hunters should consider wearing blaze orange or other high-visibility clothing.
Hunters are advised not to rely too heavily on camouflage outerwear. While it helps avoid detection by turkeys, it can also make it harder for others to see them. The DNR recommends that anyone using public lands wear visible clothing during the season. “The spring turkey season brings opportunities to fill harvest tags and spend time outdoors enjoying the warmer weather with friends and family,” said Lt. Renee Thok, DNR Hunter Education Administrative Warden. “Spring is a great time to be outside for a wide variety of activities, not just hunting. It’s important that turkey hunters remember that lands being hunted, public or private, may have other outdoor recreators.”
The department reminds hunters of the four basic firearm safety rules known as TAB-K: treat every firearm as if loaded; always point the muzzle in a safe direction; be sure of your target and what’s beyond it; keep your finger outside the trigger guard until ready to shoot.
According to the official website, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources manages state parks, trails, forests, wildlife areas and provides services such as hunting licenses across Wisconsin. The agency also focuses on conserving natural resources for present and future generations according to its official website. Its management extends statewide according to its official website, enforces environmental laws according to its official website, facilitates public input through advisory councils according to its official website, and issues environmental permits according to its official website.
For more information about turkey hunting regulations or obtaining licenses this season, individuals can visit the DNR’s Turkey Hunting webpage.
