Spring signals the opening of the wild turkey season in Michigan, and turkey hunters statewide are preparing for the spring hunt which begins April 23. As a direct result of the new lower minimum hunting age and the new apprentice license, there will be an increased number of fresh-faced and eager young hunters out to bag their first gobbler.

The April 23-May 31 season is split into four hunting periods. Although only a small number of general limited quota licenses remain for some hunt periods in the northern Lower Peninsula, individuals who did not apply for a spring turkey license will find plenty of licenses available for the April 23-May 31 season that includes both public and private land in Management Unit M in the Upper Peninsula, and for the April 23-May 6 season in the southern Lower Peninsula Management Unit ZZ on private land only.

The remaining leftover licenses will be sold at license dealers across the state until the quota is met. It is unlawful to purchase more than one spring turkey hunting license.

With a statewide population nearing 200,000 birds, the 2007 spring wild turkey season should be a good one. Last year, nearly 102,000 hunters harvested about 39,000 turkeys, and DNR wildlife managers are optimistic about this year's hunting season.

See the 2007 Michigan Wild Turkey Hunting Guide, available at license dealers, DNR Operations Service Centers and online at www.michigan.gov/dnr for details about the 2007 spring turkey season.

Spring turkey season also offers the perfect opportunity for experienced turkey hunters to share their knowledge and skills with other hunters and introduce the sport to new hunters. The milder weather, the opportunity to hear owls, frogs and turkeys reveal their location in the stillness of early morning darkness and longer daylight hours all add up to the perfect season to introduce someone to and mentor them in the sport of hunting.

"Many of the best days afield are evaluated by lessons learned and adventures shared," said Al Stewart, DNR upland game bird specialist. "Most days are not measured by a 'bird in hand.'"

Turkey hunting, Stewart said, is much like fishing; it is not as much about catching the fish as it is the experience.

"The best turkey hunting stories are about the ones that got away, and each hunter has their own definition of what constitutes a trophy turkey," Stewart said. "I believe that calling a turkey -- any turkey -- hen or tom, to within 20 yards is what makes a trophy experience. Doing it in the presence of a family member, friend or acquaintance makes the experience more memorable."

If you plan to mentor an apprentice hunter, remember that you too must possess a valid 2007 spring turkey hunting license. The license does not have to be for the same management unit or the same hunt dates.

Many hunters who are experienced in hunting other game have rediscovered the sometimes forgotten challenges of turkey hunting. A turkey's eyes, ears, and awareness are many times better than a human's which enables it to spot danger and escape quickly.

Turkey hunting on a national level is a growing outdoor adventure with many people joining in the pursuit of these wily birds. Turkey hunting is an adventure which is better shared by two or more people together; even for experienced turkey hunters. As a turkey hunting team, the safety and success of your hunt improves dramatically by sticking together and watching out for yourselves and others. A successful turkey hunt depends on a number of factors which include skill, preparation and attention to safety details.

Always remember the safety basics of turkey hunting:

• Never wear red, white, or blue or carry items of these colors. These are the colors of the gobbler's head -- the primary target of the turkey hunter.
• Always call the bird to you, never try to stalk it. That turkey you're stalking may turn out to be another hunter.
• Never presume that what you hear is a turkey. Many turkey hunters are very good and convincing callers. Don't get too close. If this bird turns out to be another hunter, it could become a very dangerous situation.
• Make sure the bird is within range of the shotgun and shoot at only the neck and head area. If the bird is close enough to kill with a body shot, you risk ruining some of the meat.
• Know the capabilities and limitations of your gun or bow and use it safely.
• Be sure of your target.
• Wear blaze orange when entering or leaving the woods, moving to and from your stand, or when retrieving a decoy or turkey.
• Carry decoys or turkey concealed in blaze orange -- otherwise, you increase your chances of being mistaken for game.
• Do not move if you see another hunter -- speak to other hunters encountered, but do not move until absolutely sure the hunter knows you are there.
• Do your homework before the season -- scouting, practicing calling, patterning your gun, etc. The American wild turkey is the most difficult game in North America to hunt one on one. Give yourself all the advantages you can.

There were no hunting accidents reported for the 2006 spring turkey season, so turkey season in Michigan remains one of the safest hunting seasons. Stick to the above guidelines for a safe and successful spring turkey season.

Don't forget to report turkey poachers. Don't allow thieves to steal your wildlife resources. The DNR's Report All Poaching (RAP) hotline is open 24 hours, seven days a week to take poaching complaints. Concerned hunters can call (800) 292-7800 to report any wildlife poaching or suspected violations. Information can be left anonymously.

Turkey hunting is an activity that brings out the best in people. It highlights an individual's desire to learn more about themselves, their outdoor surroundings and the ways of their quarry. So the next time you enter the turkey woods, be a mentor and see the difference it makes.