Fall turkey drawing system

How does the fall turkey drawing system work?

Hunters are selected for a fall turkey license using a random drawing system. Each annual drawing, Michigan residents and nonresidents are equally eligible for selection and license purchase. For more information on the fall turkey drawing, visit Michigan.gov/Turkey.

Application information

When is the application period for the 2024 fall turkey drawing?
The application period is July 1 – Aug. 1, 2024.

How much is an application?
An application is $5.

How many fall turkey applications can I purchase?
You can only purchase one fall turkey application per year. You can apply for a fall turkey license valid for a specific TMU during specific season dates.

What identification do I need to purchase an application?
To purchase a fall turkey application in Michigan, you must have one of the following forms of identification:

• Valid Michigan driver's license.
• Valid nonresident driver's license.
• State of Michigan ID card (issued by the Secretary of State).
• DNR Sportcard (issued by any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses).

Where can I purchase an application?
You can purchase an application from any license agent, online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. The app is available for download at the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Find a license agent at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenseAgents.

Eligible applicants

Who is eligible to apply for the drawing?
The following people are eligible to apply for a fall turkey license (unless they have an active revocation or are otherwise ineligible):

• A person who is 9 years old or younger and is licensed under the Mentored Youth Hunting Program. Mentored Youth Hunting Program participants automatically receive a fall turkey license, so participants only need to apply if they would like to purchase additional licenses.
• A person who is 10 years old or older and is hunter safety-certified or licensed as an apprentice hunter.

I am an apprentice hunter. Can I apply for the drawing?

Yes. If you are licensed under the Apprentice Hunting Program, you can purchase an application for a fall turkey license. See the Apprentice hunting section for more information.

I am not a resident of Michigan. Can I apply for the drawing?

Yes. You can apply for the Michigan fall turkey drawing as a nonresident.

How to apply for a fall turkey license

How do I apply for the drawing?

1. Look at the 2024 TMU map and choose the TMU you want to hunt.
2. Look at the 2024 fall turkey hunt tables to find your desired season dates for the TMU you chose. Make note of the corresponding hunt number and be sure to select this number when purchasing your application.
3. Purchase an application for the hunt number you chose (you can select one hunt number).
4. Check your receipt for accuracy and retain it as proof of your application.

Party applications

Can I apply to hunt with other hunters?

Yes. You can apply in a party with one other person. If you apply with more than one person, you will be ineligible for the drawing. Everyone in the party will receive a license if the party is selected, except for those who submit an invalid application.

How do I apply with someone else as a party?

The first person to apply (either you or the other member of the party) selects the hunt number(s) and receives a “party ID” number, which is printed on the application receipt. A new party ID number is issued each year. Then, the other person uses the party ID number when applying to complete the party. Make sure to verify the party ID number is identical on both receipts.

Application assistance

The receipt I received is not printed clearly or has an error. What do I do?
You are responsible for obtaining a DNR application receipt that correctly states your customer ID and hunt choice. Do not accept a receipt that is not legible. Check your receipt for accuracy and retain it as proof that you applied. Ensure any application errors are corrected prior to the application deadline. If you submit an invalid application, you will be ineligible for the drawing.

I am having trouble applying. What do I do?
You can call 517-284-9453 for assistance.

Drawing results

When will drawing results be available?
Drawing results will be available on Aug. 12, 2024.

How do I check my drawing results?
You can check your drawing results online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453. You are responsible for obtaining your drawing results.

What happens if I am selected for a license in the drawing?
You can purchase the license for which you were selected. See the License types and fees section for more information.

Can I sell my drawing success?
No. You cannot sell or transfer your fall turkey drawing success to another person. It is unlawful for an individual to receive a fee, other consideration or service of value, either directly or indirectly, for transferring drawing success to another person or assisting and/or guiding that person in the hunt that has been transferred.

What happens if I am not selected for a license in the drawing?
If you applied in the drawing and were unsuccessful, you can purchase a leftover license for another hunt period with quota remaining beginning Aug. 19 at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. Depending on how many hunters apply, leftover licenses may or may not be available for some fall turkey management units and/or hunt period dates. See the Leftover licenses section for more information.

What happens if I didn’t apply for the drawing?
If you didn’t apply for the drawing, you can purchase leftover licenses, if available, beginning Aug. 26 at 10 a.m. ET. See the Leftover licenses section for more information.

Return to table of contents