Managing wild turkeys in Michigan involves the complex interactions of turkey populations, their habitat and their relationship to people. Hunting plays an important role in the management of turkeys by regulating their numbers.

The goal of the spring wild turkey hunting season is to maximize hunter opportunity while maintaining a satisfactory hunting experience. Limited to bearded turkeys only, this conservative harvest approach has allowed the continued growth and expansion of the wild turkey population in Michigan.

Wild turkey hunting in the fall enables the DNR to stabilize or reduce wild turkey numbers in certain areas of the state to meet local goals based on habitat conditions and public attitudes. License quotas are developed to harvest the desired number of turkeys to meet the management goal. To help reach these goals, hunters are encouraged to harvest female turkeys during the fall season.