Spring Turkey Hunting License Application Deadline is Feb. 1

[Skunk]

Spring Turkey Hunting License Application Deadline is Feb. 1

Contact:  Al Stewart, 517-373-1263, Agency: Natural Resources & Environment

Jan. 21, 2010

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment reminds hunters that the deadline for application for spring turkey hunting licenses is Feb 1. Hunters may apply at any authorized license dealer or online using the state's E-License system at www.michigan.gov/dnre.

The 2010 season runs from April 19 through May 31 with hunts lasting from seven to 42 days, depending on the hunt unit. A total of 113,890 licenses are available, including 48,890 general licenses and 65,000 private-land licenses.

"Hunters looking for the greatest flexibility should consider Hunt No. 234, which includes all open areas of the state except the public lands of southern Michigan," said DNR upland game bird specialist Al Stewart. "Hunters who do not purchase a license or apply for a limited-entry hunt by the Feb. 1 deadline will not be allowed to purchase a license for Hunt 234."

Hunters may purchase a license for Hunt No. 234, which runs May 3-31, so they do not have to pay the $4 fee to enter the lottery for restricted licenses. Hunters who do apply for a limited hunt are responsible for verifying their customer ID (Michigan Driver's License) numbers. Incorrect ID numbers disqualify applicants from the lottery.

Applicants can check if they were drawn for a license beginning March 2 at www.michigan.gov/ www.michigan.gov/ dnrdrawings.

"The current regulations were established to maximize hunting opportunity while maintaining high-quality experiences and allowing turkey populations to expand," Stewart said. "There are now 48,138 square miles of Michigan open to spring turkey hunting."

http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10371_10402-230214--,00.html

[theoldarcher]

Thanks for posting!  I had gone asleep at the wheel, but this reminded me of the deadline, so took care of it this morning.

After my last day in the deer woods, and watching the 11 toms walk by on their way to roost, I want to be right back there this spring!!   

Arch

[Skunk]

Good for you Arch. Hope those Toms strut right up to you again. The deadline for the Spring hunt in Wisconsin was Dec. 11th. Got mine in just in time.

Arch, do you use a bow for turkey hunting? I'm not sure of the Michigan laws. We can use a either a shotgun, muzzle loader, or bow during Wisconsin's season.

[theoldarcher]

We can use a bow in MI for turkeys.  I have taken one bird (actually my heaviest bird with the longest beard) with a bow, but in Indiana a long time ago.  I have tried with a bow in the last few years, but I never had a blind until two years ago.  I gave in to old age and bought a pop-up blind that sits on a steel platform about 7 feet up.  I got tired of opening day, for deer, gun season and the blowing rain/sleet/snow we've had the last 5 or 6 years.  I'm getting too old to sit on the side of a tree under a 'tree umbrella' and try to stay dry!  My hope this spring is to use the blind and try again with a bow.  Without a blind, it gets just plain darn hard to draw a recurve or longbow on a tom!  I used to hunt the UP of MI, not far from WI, and the fellow who owned the camp guided some hunters in WI.  You, too, have some big birds up there.

Best of luck this spring.

Arch

[Skunk]

I gave in to old age and bought a pop-up blind that sits on a steel platform about 7 feet up.  I got tired of opening day, for deer, gun season and the blowing rain/sleet/snow we've had the last 5 or 6 years.  I'm getting too old to sit on the side of a tree under a 'tree umbrella' and try to stay dry!  My hope this spring is to use the blind and try again with a bow.

I'm with you Arch. I'm setting up a blind. For those future cold gun deer seasons, I might just go with a small portable house.

[theoldarcher]

I bought the rig on sale from Dunham's at a really good price, BUT I've been looking at the Shadow Hunter, made just down the road from me.  What a sweet deal they are!  I am thinking about buying one, and during gun season mounting it in the bed of my small utility trailer, pulling it into the woods where I hunt, leveling and securing the trailer, and leaving it for the season.  I have several 'nobs' where it would make a great blind with good views.  The SH is sheeted with aluminum that is powder coated a flat green, insulated with foam all the way around, silent windows--made to last longer than I will!   

I just have to convince my wife having one will prove to be better than building that dog house for me when I blow it.

Best of luck, Arch

[Skunk]

I've been looking at the Shadow Hunter, made just down the road from me.  What a sweet deal they are!  I am thinking about buying one, and during gun season mounting it in the bed of my small utility trailer, pulling it into the woods where I hunt, leveling and securing the trailer, and leaving it for the season.

I just checked out the Shadow Hunter blinds. You're right Arch, those are the cat's meow (bet you haven't heard that one since the 1960s ). A little pricey for the bigger ones, but they sure would eliminate a lot of building time and the costs would probably even out in the long run. I like the idea of mounting one to a trailer and just bringing the whole setup to the hunt. I think you might just be on to something good here Arch.

For anyone else who might be interested in a pre-built, ready-to-go, hunting shack, here's the link to Shadow Hunter. When you get there, click on the picture of the blind, to see a list of all the different models:

https://shadowhunterllc.com/