DNR encourages kids to participate in youth turkey hunt

MADISON. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds families, mentors and young hunters that there’s still time to plan and participate in the 2024 youth turkey hunt happening statewide April 13-14.

Each year, the youth turkey hunt gives hunters younger than 16 the opportunity to gain valuable hunting experience and feel the excitement of turkey season before the regular season begins.

“The youth turkey hunt is a great opportunity to get the next generation of turkey hunters active outdoors, whether they are first showing an interest in hunting or carrying on a family tradition,” said Alissa Kakatsch, DNR assistant turkey and pheasant ecologist, in a news release.

To participate

Youth hunters must have a spring turkey license, wild turkey stamp and valid harvest authorization. All of these are available online through Go Wild or in person at license sales agents around the state.

Youth hunters can use a harvest authorization for any period during the youth hunt, but they must hunt within the turkey management zone indicated on their harvest authorization. Harvest authorizations not filled during the youth hunt can be filled during the regular hunting season in the indicated zone. During this two-day youth hunt, the bag limit is one male or bearded turkey.

To participate in the mentored hunt program, youth hunters must be accompanied by a qualified adult 18 years of age or older, and the adult may not accompany more than two youth hunters at one time. More information on mentoring a hunter is available on the DNR’s Mentored Hunting webpage.

Full regulations, harvest registration information and other helpful turkey hunting information can be found on the DNR Turkey Hunting and Management webpage.

Harvest registration

Harvest registration remains a critical component of wildlife population management, and turkey registration is mandatory, including the youth hunt. Hunters must register their turkey by 5 p.m. the day after recovery at gamereg.wi.gov or by calling 844-426-3734. Hunters will need their harvest authorization number to register their turkey.

For more information on turkey hunting in Wisconsin, visit the DNR’s Turkey Hunting webpage.