DNR announces new rules for spring turkey hunting

The 2016 Minnesota turkey stamp by Nicholas Markell

The DNR on Monday morning announced changes to next spring's Minnesota turkey hunting season. Upshot of the changes is that most state hunters will have more time to chase toms in the spring.

According to a DNR press release:

• Turkey hunting time periods will be longer, all will include weekends and more time periods will be available to each hunter. Five one-week time periods will be followed by one longer time period ending on Tuesday, May 31. Previously, there were eight time periods, and not all included weekends. The bag limit will remain one bearded turkey.

"A significant change will be that hunters who don't bag a turkey during their first time period will also be able to hunt the last time period using their original license," said Steve Merchant, DNR wildlife populations program manager. "This will make the experience more relaxing, as snow or rain storms that could ruin an entire hunt will not be as much of a problem."

• Hunters who hunt a second time during the last time period will need to hunt in the same zone that they hunted in during their first hunt period, Merchant said.

• Firearms hunters who want to hunt either of the first two time periods will need to enter into a lottery to participate. In past years there were lottery drawings for the first three time periods. People can apply to the lottery starting Monday, Dec. 14, and the deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 22.

"The changes that begin this spring will provide more opportunity for hunters, but we are aware that some hunters are concerned that these changes will lead to crowding, negatively impacting hunt quality," Merchant said. "For that reason, we remain committed to measuring hunter satisfaction and hunt quality so adjustments can be made in the future if necessary."