Fall Wild Turkey Hunting Application Period Began July 1

Hunters can apply for 2007 fall wild turkey hunting licenses from July 1 through August 1.

A total of 59,050 licenses will be available through a lottery. The license total includes 12,350 general licenses and 46,700 private land licenses. There are 12 wild turkey management units totaling 38,957 square miles open for fall turkey hunting during the October 8 through November 14 season. Most of the units open to fall hunting are in the southern third of the state.

Hunters are allowed to purchase one fall turkey license and harvest a bird of either sex during the fall season. Last fall, hunters harvested 4,820 birds, said Al Stewart, Department of Natural Resources upland game bird specialist.

Hunters can apply for a turkey hunting license at any authorized license dealer, at DNR Operations Service Centers or online at www.michigan.gov/dnr using the E-License system. Those who apply must pay a nonrefundable application fee of $4, which does not include the cost of the license.

During the application process, it is important that hunters verify their customer identification (Michigan Driver License, DNR Sportcard, or state of Michigan ID card) numbers. An incorrect customer identification number will cause individuals to become ineligible for a license.

Assistance is available by calling (517) 373-1263 Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Applicants can check drawing results online starting August 27. Applicants who did not apply online will be notified of drawing results by mail before September 5.

Any licenses that remain after the drawing will be sold to unsuccessful applicants on a first-come, first-served basis for one week starting September 10, at 10 a.m. Licenses will be sold until they are all gone.