(DNR) – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds turkey hunters that the 2026 spring turkey season opens on Wednesday, April 15.
The regular season is open through May 26, and all seven turkey management zones will be open for hunting during the spring season.
To provide a high-quality hunting experience, enhance access opportunities and maintain a healthy turkey population, the 2026 spring turkey season is comprised of six seven-day periods running Wednesday through the following Tuesday. The season dates are as follows:
Youth Hunt – April 11–12
Period A – April 15–21
Period B – April 22–28
Period C – April 29–May 5
Period D – May 6–12
Period E – May 13–19
Period F – May 20–26
Hunters must bring their spring turkey license, wild turkey stamp and valid harvest authorization with them while hunting. They are encouraged to review the turkey hunting regulations in the Fall 2025-Spring 2026 Combined Hunting Regulations before heading into the field.
Registration Is Required
Turkey harvest registration is mandatory and remains a critical component of turkey management in Wisconsin. Hunters must register their turkey by 5 p.m. the day after recovery online or by phone at 844-426-3734. To register their turkey, hunters will need the harvest authorization number found on their paper or electronic harvest authorization.
Where To Hunt
In addition to public land open to hunting, the public also has access to thousands of acres of private land through the Turkey Hunting Access Program and the Voluntary Public Access-Habitat Incentive Program. Hunters can find these lesser-known properties and other public land hunting opportunities using the DNR’s Public Access Lands online mapping tool.
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