LANSING, Mich. — The spring turkey season started Saturday, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
The Michigan DNR shares what hunters need to know before heading out into the field:
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Find season regulations in the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app
Hunters can download the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
The app shares regulations for all game and fish species, how to purchase your hunting or fishing licenses, and get the latest updates.
Spring turkey season dates and season information can be found online.
Licenses still available
Hunters can purchase a turkey license online, or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
Licenses bought online will be mailed 7-10 days after purchasing. Hunters who want more flexibility can purchase license Hunt 0234.
The statewide spring license is valid for public and private lands, except public lands in Unit ZZ (southern Lower Peninsula) and is valid to hunt at Fort Custer military lands with permission. Season dates are scheduled for May 6-31.
Avian influenza: Safely handling wild birds
Avian influenza or “bird flu” is caused by viruses that infect wild and domestic birds.
Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus is circulating in wild birds in North America, following its initial detection in December 2021, according to Michigan DNR.
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The Michigan DNR said they continue to document HPAI in wild birds.
The virus is carried by migrating waterfowl and can infect wild birds, such as birds of prey and domestic poultry such as chickens, turkeys, quail, ducks and geese. In addition, HPAI has been confirmed in wild mammals.
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While the risk of infection to people from HPAI viruses is low, hunters should still use caution when handling and field-dressing harvested birds, according to the Michigan DNR, harvest only turkeys that act and look healthy.
The Michigan DNR is recommending people to wear disposable or rubber gloves, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and do not eat, drink or smoke while processing game birds.
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Dress game birds in the field or outdoors whenever possible and wash hands, utensils and work surfaces thoroughly with soap and water after handling any meat.
Remove and discard intestines soon after harvesting and avoid direct contact with the intestinal contents and fecal material.
Poultry and waterfowl should be cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.
The risk of hunting dogs acquiring bird flu is mostly low since they are not consuming the bird, but exposure to the virus may occur when mouthing or biting the bird, according to the Michigan DNR. If you want to share waterfowl meat with your dog, thoroughly cook it first.
Avian influenza has been found in backyard poultry flocks, commercial flocks and wild birds.
If you notice wild birds acting abnormally or find six or more free-ranging birds dead, report it to the DNR by calling 517-336-5030 or through Eyes in the Field.
Where to hunt
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Hunters can find new places to hunt at Turkey Tracts.
The public hunting areas are managed for turkey habitat to provide hunters with optimal opportunities to harvest a bird, according to the Michigan DNR.
There are marked hunter trails, parking lots, and kiosks with information to help navigate the area.
To find public lands open for hunting across Michigan, visit the Mi-HUNT interactive map.
Wild turkey cooperator patch for sale online
Hunters can commemorate their hunts with a 2023 wild turkey management cooperator patch.
Patches are available from the Michigan Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, in partnership with the Department of Natural Resources.
Patches must be ordered online. Mail-in patch orders will no longer be accepted, according to the Michigan DNR.
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Patches are $6 for adults. Youth hunters 17 years old and younger can get a patch for free.
Proceeds from patch sales are used to fund wild turkey-related projects and management in Michigan, according to the Michigan DNR.
Spring turkey season is scheduled to end June 7, according to the Michigan DNR website.
Source: https://t-tees.com
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