New 2016 Rules Announced:

[DonBo]

The DNR on Monday morning announced changes to next spring's Minnesota turkey hunting season. Upshot of the changes is that most state hunters will have more time to chase toms in the spring.

According to a DNR press release:

• Turkey hunting time periods will be longer, all will include weekends and more time periods will be available to each hunter. Five one-week time periods will be followed by one longer time period ending on Tuesday, May 31. Previously, there were eight time periods, and not all included weekends. The bag limit will remain one bearded turkey.

“A significant change will be that hunters who don’t bag a turkey during their first time period will also be able to hunt the last time period using their original license,” said Steve Merchant, DNR wildlife populations program manager. “This will make the experience more relaxing, as snow or rain storms that could ruin an entire hunt will not be as much of a problem.”  

• Hunters who hunt a second time during the last time period will need to hunt in the same zone that they hunted in during their first hunt period, Merchant said.

• Firearms hunters who want to hunt either of the first two time periods will need to enter into a lottery to participate. In past years there were lottery drawings for the first three time periods. People can apply to the lottery starting Monday, Dec. 14, and the deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 22.

• Also, archers will be able to hunt the entire season and in any zone from when the first time period begins on Wednesday, April 13, through May 31. Hunters must choose between a firearms or archery turkey hunting license.

“The changes that begin this spring will provide more opportunity for hunters, but we are aware that some hunters are concerned that these changes will lead to crowding, negatively impacting hunt quality,” Merchant said. “For that reason, we remain committed to measuring hunter satisfaction and hunt quality so adjustments can be made in the future if necessary.”

Each year, the season will begin on the Wednesday closest to April 15, and each time period will start on a Wednesday. This year, the first time period begins April 13. Each year, the final time period will end on May 31. More information on turkey hunting is available at www.mndnr.gov/hunting/turkey.

[O.T.C.]

Thanks Donbo for keeping us up to speed, much appreciated. Now for which zone to apply in 507 or 508 ? There's zero birds here at least for now and nothing at 508 at my dads so it'll be a punt which way to go, maybe play an otc tag this year. OTC yes !!!

[birdguy]

The new regs are sweet and will allow for more chances to bag a bird. I saw a flock of 25 birds yesterday in the neighborhood which is about 7 - 8 miles NE of Cambridge. The mild winter will definitely help them out and the grains left in the fields will continue to be readily available to them if we don't get too much snow this year.

[Scoot]

I've got a question about the new regs-- I plan on bowhunting.  Do I need to apply for something or can I simply buy it over the counter this Spring? 

[DonBo]

Over the counter for archery.  It's good for the entire season in any open zone.  

[Scoot]

Great- thanks!