Don’t Miss Out: Apply Now for Michigan Turkey Permits

If you're a hunter or have never gone turkey hunting, now is the time to apply for your 2026 turkey hunting permit. It's a short window to apply, learn how here.

Michigan Turkey Hunting

If you love to eat turkey, there is one sport in Michigan that is a blast, literally, and that is turkey hunting. Michigan has excellent turkey hunting opportunities for the novice to the pros in both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

Turkey hunting also lends itself to quality family time or hunting with a couple of friends. All you need is a shotgun, turkey loads, a choke tube, gobble and hen calls, a couple decoys, and a valid Michigan hunting license. I do recommend a pop up blind but it is not necessary. I have done both, but prefer the blind over sitting by a tree because the turkey eyesight is impeccable.

Unlike deer hunting where you can buy a hunting license over the counter or online, turkey hunting is similar to bear or elk hunting where you need to apply for a permit, and if you get selected, you can then purchase a turkey hunting license.

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If you like to deer hunt, don't be surprised if you wind up loving turkey hunting. You get the opportunity to communicate with the birds, watch their behavior, all while having a lot of fun in the process.

Ready To Hunt? Apply Now For Michigan Turkey Permits

Sure Michigan hunters can take a chance and not apply for their turkey permit to get a license, and hope some licenses are left to buy over the counter, but as a very experienced turkey hunter, the earlier you can get out, the better the hunting.

Don't fall asleep in the blind and miss out on applying for your turkey permit in order to secure a license. You can apply now through February 1. The application only cost $5 and you can get one at any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.

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Make sure you know what area you want to hunt in and the dates. There have been several changes this year for turkey hunting, and I highly recommend reviewing the new regulations.

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