The Wisconsin DNR reminds families, mentors, and young hunters that there’s still time to plan and participate in the 2024 youth turkey hunt April 13-14.
Each year, the youth turkey hunt gives hunters under 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,” says Alissa Kakatsch, DNR assistant turkey and pheasant ecologist.
What Youth Hunters Need 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 licensed sales agents around the state: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/dabc4671b80f4837a7511ca5fcfb7fef
Youth hunters may 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 may 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 once.
New hunters can commemorate their first harvest with an official certificate. Follow the instructions on the DNR’s First Harvest Certificate webpage and upload information about the experience: https://apps.dnr.wi.gov/harvestcertificate/Home/Index/TURKEY
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 1-844-426-3734. Hunters will need their harvest authorization number to register their turkey.