DNR Reminds Hunters to Stay Safe this Turkey Season

Saturday, April 15th, 2023 -- 8:00 AM

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds turkey hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to be aware and stay safe during the 2023 spring turkey season April 19 through May 30, 2023.

The youth turkey hunt is April 15-16, 2023. Hunters and public land users may be sharing fields and forests during the season and need to be aware and alert of others in their area. Hunters should follow safety rules, and non-hunters enjoying public lands should consider wearing blaze orange.

Hunter camouflage is an important part of hunting turkey, but it may also present a problem. The better camouflaged and concealed you are, the less likely another hunter will be able to see you, and the more likely you could be mistaken for a turkey.

Wearing the wrong color could put turkey hunters at risk. It’s especially important to avoid wearing red, white or blue. If a fellow hunter sees a flash of those colors through the brush, you could be mistaken for a turkey.

To dress for success and safety, follow these tips from the National Wild Turkey Federation: Be sure that accessories you carry that are red, white, or blue (decoys, diaphragm calls, box call chalk, candy wrappers, apples, cigarette packs, etc.) are not visible to other hunters.

Camouflage your gun. Cover white diamonds or other red or white markings. Always keep your hands and head camouflaged when calling. If you see another hunter, call out to them to make them aware you are there. It is better to briefly disrupt a hunt than risk an incident.

Wear dark-colored socks and long pants to keep your bare skin from being exposed. Do not “over-camouflage” by sitting in vegetation so thick that it obscures your vision. If you use a human-made blind or camouflage netting, maintain a clear field of view.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.