Major Changes Announced for 2026 Spring Turkey Hunting in Michigan: What Hunters Need to Know

Michigan turkey hunters will see some of the biggest structural changes in years, starting with the 2026 spring turkey season. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has announced updates that impact management units, license options, season dates, and harvest reporting—all designed to expand opportunity while maintaining quality hunts across the state.

If you hunt spring gobblers in Michigan, here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s changing, why it matters, and how to prepare for the 2026 season.

Overview of 2026 Michigan Spring Turkey Season Changes

According to the Michigan DNR, the 2026 regulation updates aim to:

• Increase hunter opportunity
• Simplify turkey management
• Provide longer, more flexible seasons
• Improve harvest data through mandatory reporting

These changes will affect every spring turkey hunter, whether you hunt public land, private land, or both.

Spring Turkey Management Units Reduced from 14 to 3

One of the most significant changes for 2026 is the consolidation of turkey management units.

New 2026 Turkey Management Units

Beginning in 2026, Michigan will move from 14 spring turkey management units down to just three:

• Unit M – Upper Peninsula
• Unit NN – Northern Lower Peninsula
• Unit ZZ – Southern Lower Peninsula

Why This Matters

Larger management units mean:

• More flexibility in where you hunt
• Less confusion when applying for licenses
• Increased opportunity to adapt to bird movement and pressure

Hunters are strongly encouraged to review the official 2026 turkey management unit maps before purchasing licenses, especially for public land access.

2026 Spring Turkey Season Dates and License Quotas

Through the spring turkey drawing, hunters will choose a first-choice hunt and may select an optional second choice. All licenses are valid on public and private land within the unit unless otherwise noted.

Spring Turkey Hunt Periods & Quotas

Unit M (Upper Peninsula)

• Hunt 0110
• April 18 – May 31
• License quota: 6,000

Unit NN (Northern Lower Peninsula)

• Hunt 0134
• April 18 – May 1
• License quota: 18,000

Unit ZZ (Southern Lower Peninsula)

• Hunt 0302: April 18 – May 1 (8,000 licenses)
• Hunt 0303: May 2 – May 31 (8,000 licenses)

These changes create longer seasons and larger hunt areas, especially in southern Michigan where turkey populations are strongest.

Guaranteed Spring Turkey Licenses (No Drawing Required)

Hunters who don’t want to enter the drawing—or who miss out—will have guaranteed license options available beginning March 16 at 10 a.m.

Guaranteed License Options for 2026

Statewide License (Hunt 0234)

• April 25 – May 31
• Unlimited quota
• Valid statewide except public lands in Unit ZZ

Unit ZZ Private Land License (Hunt 0301)

• April 18 – May 31
• Unlimited quota
• Private land only in Unit ZZ

These options give hunters more control and reduce pressure from the drawing process.

Application Period, Drawing Results & Leftover Licenses

Key Dates to Know

• Application period: Now through February 1
• Drawing results available: March 2
• Leftover licenses for unsuccessful applicants: March 9 at 10 a.m.
• Leftover licenses for non-applicants: March 16 at 10 a.m.

Applications cost $5 each and can be purchased:

• Online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses
• Through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app
• At any license agent

Hunters are responsible for checking their own drawing results.

Youth & Mentored Hunting Opportunities Remain Strong

Michigan continues to support youth participation in spring turkey hunting.

Youth & Mentored License Eligibility

• Ages 17+: Must have hunter education or apprentice license
• Ages 10–16: Youth spring turkey license (no drawing required)
• Ages 9 and under: Eligible through the mentored hunting program

Youth and mentored licenses are valid across all spring turkey management units and season dates.

Mandatory Harvest Reporting Begins in 2026

Another major change for 2026 is mandatory harvest reporting for all successful spring turkey hunters.

Harvest Reporting Requirements

• Must report harvest within 72 hours
• Or before transferring possession of the bird
• Report online or through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app

This system provides near real-time harvest data, helping the DNR better manage turkey populations and future seasons.

What These Changes Mean for Michigan Turkey Hunters

Overall, the 2026 spring turkey regulation updates are a net positive for hunters:

• Larger units = more flexibility
• Longer seasons = more opportunity
• Guaranteed licenses = less pressure on the drawing
• Better data = healthier turkey populations long-term

Final Thoughts

The 2026 spring turkey season marks a turning point for Michigan turkey hunting. With simplified management units, expanded seasons, and improved reporting, the state is clearly prioritizing hunter opportunity and long-term conservation.

Whether you’re chasing gobblers in the southern farm country or deep in the UP hardwoods, being informed is the key to success.