Turkey Hunting Rules/Laws question???

[Musky hunter 82]

Here's my situation, I've applied for a turkey permit for the last two years unsucessfully, I really want to take a Tom with my bow. So the question is, if I apply for and get drawn for the first time period, and I end up not getting a bird. Can I purchase an over the counter bow tag for the last 2 time periods? Is there a time in the spring that is better then another? Would the last 2 time periods be just as good as the first? The land I'm hunting on has quite a few turkeys on it that no one else hunts so I'm not worried about pressure.

Also if I'm lucky enough to harvest a turkey this spring can I go in the fall as well? I heard that in the fall you can take either a Tom or a hen is that true?

Thank you in advance.

[DonBo]

In Minnesota you're allowed ONE permit. Seems silly since there are usually quite a few that are never applied for, but that's the way they do it here.

If you hunt an area that receives very little to no pressure, a later time period may be BETTER than early. Early in he season birds may be still in flocks, or toms may be with hens not yet receptive. Later, those same hens may have already been bred, or may be on nests so the toms might be looking harder than ever for those still available. Timing of this is very hit or miss from one year to the next. Guess your best.

My advice? If you want to draw FOR SURE this year, with two preference points, you'll probably be certain to draw for the second or third time period. The weather is almost certain to be better then also.

The spring and fall seasons are two seperate hunts. One has no bearing on the other.

Good luck!

[Hoyt4]

As DonBo said you are allowed only one permit. You cannot buy another tag if do not harvest a bird on the time you drew. Once we start getting more birds in our state like our neighbor's we might be able to take two birds. Until then one is good for us.

You can use your bow for any time you hunt.I would go onto the DNR site pull up all the stats and look at the chances of pulling a tag for times you are interested in.This has helped me over the last couple seasons draw a tag.Before then it took me every 3 years for my area.Now with the new rules made last year you can by a permit over the counter for the last two seasons.I really like hunting season C have taken many birds now during that time.Seem to have my best luck then.Good luck at pulling a tag.I already put in my vacation for next spring can't wait.

[sticknstring]

I'd utilize your preference points and put in early. Normally the weather's pretty nice, the birds are starting to break up and then toms are looking since the hens aren't ready yet. I've scored late-season as well but the birds are usually decoy/call shy and it can be a difficult hunt. Being you already have 2 pref points, I'd put in early this year and then buy an OTC archery tag next year.

[Archerysniper]

I'd utilize your preference points and put in early. Normally the weather's pretty nice, the birds are starting to break up and then toms are looking since the hens aren't ready yet. I've scored late-season as well but the birds are usually decoy/call shy and it can be a difficult hunt. Being you already have 2 pref points, I'd put in early this year and then buy an OTC archery tag next year.

I allways apply for the first week and if I don't get drawn then I get the otc archery tag. By archery season they are really smart most of them I have taken during that season were more of a whitetail hunt brushing the blind in really good in a area that I know the strutt or feed in and sit all day without calling or decoys.