Make it a habit to treat guns like they are loaded all the time. Never assume a firearm is unloaded and never treat it that way, even if you watch as it is unloaded. T = Treat every firearm as if it is loaded.Follow the four rules of basic firearm safety – TABK.Never carry or move an uncovered decoy.Select a calling site from which you can see at least 40 yards in all directions.Never stalk a turkey, and don't try to approach closer than 100 yards to a gobbler.Keep hands and head camouflaged when calling.Some other hunter might think you're a turkey. Use gobble calls only to locate a tom, not to attract one.Follow these simple rules for a safe and successful hunt. This helps protect you from not only an errant shot but from the good vision of the turkey. Find a hunting spot that allows you to rest your back against a tree or other object as wide as your shoulders.
It's a good idea to wear a blaze orange cap or gloves while walking. Most turkey hunting shooting accidents occur because one hunter mistakes another hunter for the game. If you're heading out in the woods for turkey hunting, be extra careful because you're dressed in camouflage. The goal of Wisconsin's wild turkey management program is to maintain turkey populations in all suitable ranges and optimize quality turkey hunting opportunities in spring and fall. The Committee advises the Wildlife Policy Team on a variety of topics such as hunting regulations, surveys and research priorities. The Turkey Advisory Committee, a diverse group representing government agencies, non-governmental organizations, tribal interests and conservation groups, meets to discuss issues relating to turkey management and the Wild Turkey Stamp program. A few turkey stamp projects are highlighted below. The sale of the turkey stamp currently brings in over $750,000 annually for developing, managing, conserving, restoring and maintaining the wild turkey population within the state. Turkey stamp funds have been providing opportunities for turkey management in Wisconsin since 1995. NOTE: Only the first two primary wing feathers need to be examined when determining whether your turkey is an adult or a juvenile. Use the graphic below, the Aging and Sexing Eastern Wild Turkeys, or the Small Game Hunting Regulations to determine the age and sex of your turkey.Ī 10-character confirmation number will be issued after successfully registering your turkey. Age (adult or juvenile) and sex (gobbler or hen) of your turkey.Harvest location (county and turkey management zone).Harvest authorization number (formerly known as a tag number).The following information is necessary to register your turkey successfully:
Register by calling the Harvest Registration Hotline: 1-84.No in-person registration stations are available. All registration is electronic and available 24 hours a day. Wild Turkey Harvest Registration Procedures United States Department of Agriculture (USDA): Avian Influenza and Wild Birds.Transfer your turkey harvest authorization.
Instead, hunters should use Fort McCoy’s license system, iSportsman, for on-base hunting and fishing privileges.
Since March 2019, Fort McCoy hunting and fishing permits are no longer available through Go Wild. Visit the DNR's wildlife diseases page for more information on avian influenza and other diseases affecting wildlife health. Harvested birds should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165☏.Īdditional recommendations for hunters are on the USDA website. However, hunters should always ensure proper handling of game meat. This strain of HPAI does not pose a food safety risk. If you observe a turkey that appears sick, contact the DNR's Wildlife Hotline by emailing or by leaving a voicemail for a return phone call at 60. Hunters should never harvest wild birds that appear sick. In general, upland birds such as wild turkeys have behaviors and prefer habitats that make them less likely to encounter avian influenza viruses in the wild. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has been detected in Wisconsin in domestic poultry and some species of waterfowl and raptors. Getting Ready For The Season Information On Wild Turkeys And HPAI Successful wild turkey restoration resulted from tremendous hunter and landowner support, good survival, and high-quality habitat. Since wild turkeys were first successfully reintroduced into Wisconsin in 1976, population levels continue to increase and expand statewide. A vital role in the success of the wild turkey management program can be attributed to hunters through their purchase of the Wild Turkey Stamp, which provides critical financial support in providing future opportunities for turkey management and hunting in Wisconsin. The wild turkey is a Wisconsin wildlife management success story.