MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) released preliminary data for the 2024 spring turkey hunting season in Wisconsin.

According to the DNR, Wisconsin turkey hunters registered 50,435 birds this season — a 22% increase from the five-year average. That would make 2024 the fourth-highest spring harvest on record in the state.

A two-day youth hunt started the 2024 spring season on April 13. Hunters under 16 participated, registering 3,967 birds. That’s a 37% increase from the five-year average.

The regular season ran from April 17 through May 28 in six separate one-week periods.

“These separate periods help maximize hunter opportunities while minimizing interference for a more sustainable harvest. The robust participation and harvest numbers show ample opportunities across the state,” the DNR said.

The DNR said 224,630 authorizations were applied for or purchased out of an available 246,068.

Those who wish to apply for the spring 2025 turkey season should do so by Dec. 10, here

Aly Prouty - Digital Media Producer

Aly Prouty is a digital producer for Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin, Ohio and Kentucky. An award-winning, multimedia journalist, she holds an honors B.A. in journalism from Marquette University and an M.A. in journalism and media studies from The University of Alabama.