Wisconsin DNR Invites Young Hunters to Join Exciting Turkey Hunt This April - fundsforNGOs

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is excited to announce the upcoming statewide youth turkey hunt scheduled for April 12-13, 2025. This event provides a unique opportunity for young hunters under the age of 16 to experience the thrill of turkey hunting while gaining valuable skills and knowledge before the regular turkey season begins.

Key Takeaways

Event Dates: April 12-13, 2025
Eligibility: Open to hunters under 16 years old
Requirements: Spring turkey license, wild turkey stamp, and valid harvest authorization
Bag Limit: One male or bearded turkey
Mentorship: Youth must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or older

What You Need to Participate

To take part in the youth turkey hunt, young hunters must meet the following requirements:

Licenses and Permits: Participants must obtain a spring turkey license, a wild turkey stamp, and a valid harvest authorization. These can be purchased online through the DNR’s Go Wild portal or at any licensed sales agent throughout Wisconsin.
Hunting Regulations: During the two-day hunt, the bag limit is set at one male or bearded turkey. Youth hunters are allowed to use their harvest authorization for any period during the youth hunt, but they must hunt within the designated turkey management zone indicated on their authorization.
Mentored Hunting Program: Each youth hunter must be accompanied by a qualified adult who is at least 18 years old. An adult can mentor no more than two youth hunters at a time. If an adult is mentoring more than one youth, only one can participate in the mentored hunting program.

Registration and Harvest Reporting

Harvest registration is a crucial aspect of wildlife management. All turkey hunters, including youth, are required to register their harvest. Here’s how:

Registration Deadline: Hunters must register their turkey by 5 p.m. the day after recovery.
How to Register: Registration can be completed online via GameReg or by calling the designated registration number. Hunters will need their harvest authorization number to complete the registration process.

Commemorating First Harvests

New hunters can celebrate their first successful turkey harvest by obtaining an official certificate. The DNR provides a dedicated webpage where hunters can upload their information and receive this special recognition.

Conclusion

The youth turkey hunt is an excellent way for young hunters to engage with nature, learn about wildlife management, and develop their hunting skills in a safe and supervised environment. Families and mentors are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to foster a love for the outdoors in the next generation of hunters. For more detailed information on turkey hunting regulations and requirements, visit the DNR’s Turkey Hunting webpage.