Turkey Hunting Lottery Deadline is January 22, Review Season Changes Now

If you're planning on taking part in the upcoming turkey hunting season, remember that the lottery deadline is this month and there are changes to the season that you should review.

The Minnesota DNR reminds firearms turkey hunters wanting to take part in one of the first two hunting time periods that they have until Friday, Jan. 22, to apply to the lottery. The first turkey hunting time period begins Wednesday, April 13; the last ends Tuesday, May 31.

Changes to the season make turkey hunting time periods longer with all including weekends, and more time periods will be available to each hunter. Five one-week time periods will be followed by one longer time period. Previously, there were eight time periods, and not all included weekends.

Only adult firearms hunters wanting to hunt one of the first two hunting time periods need to apply to the lottery. Everyone else can purchase a license over the counter starting in mid-March.

Firearms hunters who don’t bag a turkey during their first time period will also be able to hunt the last time period from Wednesday, May 18, to May 31 using their original license. However, to hunt a second time, they are required to hunt in the same zone that they hunted in during their first hunt period.

Archers will be able to hunt the entire season from April 13 to May 31, and in any zone. Hunters must choose between a firearms or archery turkey hunting license.  You can get all the details below.