Spring Turkey Season Set, Online Apps Available

[HD]

Spring Turkey Season Set, Online Apps Available
The state Game and Fish Department is offering 6,720 wild turkey licenses for the spring hunting season, an increase of 80 from last year. The increase is a result of better turkey production in spring 2010, mostly in the hunting units bordering the Missouri River.

Six of the 22 hunting units have an increase in the number of spring licenses from 2010, while three have a decrease. Unit 21 (most of Hettinger and Adams counties) will remain closed in 2011 due to lack of turkeys in the unit.

Successful spring turkey applicants must purchase a 2011-12 hunting license, as last year’s 2010-11 licenses expire March 31. In addition to the spring turkey license, hunters must have a fishing, hunting and furbearer certificate, and a general game and habitat license. Also, hunters ages 16 and older must possess a small game license, or combination license.

First-time spring turkey hunters ages 15 or younger are eligible to receive one spring license valid for the regular hunting season in a specific unit. To be eligible, the youth hunter must be 15 or younger on opening day of spring turkey season, and have never received a spring turkey license in North Dakota.

Spring turkey applicants can apply online, or print an application, at the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Applications can also be submitted by calling (800) 406-6409.

Application forms will also be available by Feb. 1 at most license vendors, county auditors and Game and Fish offices. The deadline for applying is Feb. 16. Online or phone applications must be logged before midnight that day.

Spring turkey licenses are available only to North Dakota residents. The spring turkey season opens April 9 and continues through May 15.