MN Spring turkey hunting applications accepted through Jan. 14

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Turkey hunters have more time this year than they have traditionally had in the past to apply for this spring’s hunt, either electronically or by telephone. The deadline to apply for the 2011 spring season has been extended by about two weeks. Applications are now being accepted through Friday, Jan. 14, wherever hunting and fishing licenses are sold, and online.

Also new this year: the youth application process is eliminated, and over-the-counter only permits will be available for the hunt’s last two time periods.

“The spring turkey application deadline tends to sneak up on hunters,” said Bill Penning, DNR farmland wildlife program leader. “Although we’ve allowed additional time this year, we still encourage hunters to apply early and avoid the last-minute rush.”

This spring’s hunt will consist of six five-day and two seven-day seasons. All resident and nonresident wild turkey hunters interested in hunting this spring must apply electronically via the Internet - Click Here, or by telephone toll-free at (888) 665-4236 (MNLICENSE). Resident hunters must pay a nonrefundable $3 application fee at the time of application while nonresidents must pay a nonrefundable $3.50 transaction fee.

Key changes include:

 Licenses for the last two time periods will be sold over-the-counter only;

 Hunters no longer must indicate a second choice of season on the application; and

 Youth 17 and younger by April 13, 2011, are not eligible to participate in the lottery and should purchase a license for the season of their choice over-the-counter.

“Hunters are strongly encouraged to read the application materials before applying for the lottery,” Penning said. “We want them to be aware of all the changes made to the application process.”

Hunters who are successful for in the drawing and choose not to purchase a tag will lose the current year’s preference point for future drawings, but not accumulated preference from past years. Hunters who were not successful in the drawing will be eligible to purchase surplus turkey permits. These are sold, on a first-come, first-served basis in mid March.

Archery spring turkey licenses will once again be available for residents and nonresidents and may be purchased for the last two time periods only.

All wild turkey hunters seeking to hunt in spring 2011 may obtain an application information sheet at DNR license agents or view hunt information online.

Hunt information materials include a map of wild turkey permit areas, permit quotas, dates and information on changes.

For more information, call the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free in greater Minnesota at 888-646-6367.