DNR Urges Safety as Spring Turkey Season Begins

Hunters and outdoor enthusiasts reminded to be aware of others during turkey hunting season in Wisconsin.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 11:34pm

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An extremely abstracted, out-of-focus photograph of a person walking through a forest, with soft, warm pools of light and color creating a dreamlike, atmospheric scene that captures the mood of the spring turkey season.As the spring turkey season opens, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts must remain vigilant about safety to ensure everyone can enjoy Wisconsin's natural spaces.Madison Today

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is reminding hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to prioritize safety as the 2026 spring turkey season gets underway from April 15 to May 26. Hunters and public land users are being advised to follow firearm safety rules, wear high-visibility clothing, and be aware of others sharing the fields and forests during this time.

Why it matters

Turkey hunting is a popular spring activity in Wisconsin, but it also means that hunters and non-hunters will be sharing public lands. Emphasizing safety helps prevent accidents and ensures everyone can enjoy the outdoors responsibly.

The details

The DNR is urging hunters to avoid overdoing camouflage outerwear, as it can make it harder for fellow hunters to spot them. Non-hunters are advised to consider wearing blaze orange or other high-visibility clothing when using public lands during turkey season. Hunters are also reminded of the four basic firearm safety rules: treat every gun as if it's loaded, always point the muzzle in a safe direction, be sure of your target and what's beyond it, and keep your finger off the trigger until ready to shoot.

  • The 2026 spring turkey season runs from April 15 to May 26.

The players

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing natural resources and outdoor recreation in Wisconsin.

Lt. Renee Thok

DNR hunter education administrative warden who provided safety guidance for the spring turkey season.

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What they’re saying

“The spring turkey season brings opportunities to fill harvest tags and spend time outdoors enjoying the warmer weather with friends and family. Spring is a great time to be outside for a wide variety of activities, not just hunting. It's important that turkey hunters remember that lands being hunted, public or private, may have other outdoor recreators.”

— Lt. Renee Thok, DNR hunter education administrative warden

The takeaway

By following basic firearm safety rules and being aware of others sharing public lands, hunters and outdoor enthusiasts can safely enjoy the spring turkey season and the wider range of recreational activities taking place in Wisconsin's fields and forests.