The Michigan spring turkey season is now in full swing!
There are two important Michigan spring turkey hunting opportunities, and the Department of Natural Resources wants you to get involved.
Firstly, the commemorative 2015 Wild Turkey Management Cooperator patches are available from the Michigan Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. In a partnership with the DNR, the National Wild Turkey Federation took over the patch program in 2001 and has incorporated a successful youth patch design contest.
Phoebe Talaga of Lake Orion High School was selected as the 2015 Wild Turkey Management Cooperator patch contest winner. The oval patch features a male turkey fanning its feathers. Proceeds from patch sales are used to fund wild turkey-related projects and management in Michigan.
Adult hunters, collectors or other wild turkey enthusiasts may purchase the patch for $5, including postage and handling. Only the current-year patch is available for purchase. You do not have to harvest a turkey to purchase a patch. Please send a check or money order payable to the National Wild Turkey Federation to P.O. Box 8, Orleans, MI 48865. Youth hunters, up to 17 years of age, can receive a free patch by mailing a copy of their spring turkey hunting license to the address listed above.
For more information on the turkey patch program, please email [email protected]
In addition, the DNR is encouraging hunters to submit information about their spring turkey hunting experience. Hunters can complete an online turkey hunter survey after their hunt season has concluded. Visit www.michigan.gov/hunting
The goals of the spring wild turkey hunting program are to maintain a high-quality hunting experience and provide a variety of hunting opportunities, and the survey helps the DNR monitor these program goals. Information from the survey also helps the DNR make scientifically supported recommendations about turkey harvest to the National Resources Commission.