Turkey hunters looking to apply for 2023 spring controlled turkey hunts can apply from Feb. 1 to March 1. Information on the spring 2023 controlled turkey hunts can be found in the 2022-23 Upland Game, Furbearer and Turkey Seasons and Rules book.
Hunters must have a 2023 hunting license in order to apply for controlled hunts. Here’s how to apply:
- Online: Hunters can apply on the Fish and Game website. There is an internet service charge of 3% of the transaction in addition to the nonrefundable application fee ($6.25 per person for resident, and $18.00 per person for nonresidents).
- Licensed Vendors: Taken electronically at any Fish and Game office or license vendor.
- Telephone: Applications can be placed over the phone by calling 1(800)554-8685. The charge for processing telephone applications is 3% of the transaction plus $6.50. This is in addition to the nonrefundable application fee ($6.25 per person for resident, and $18.00 per person for nonresidents).).
- Do not mail in applications. They will not be accepted.
Controlled hunts are hunts with a limited number of tags allocated by a random drawing, unlike a general season hunt, which allows hunters to purchase tags over the counter. Controlled hunts are often desirable because of location and timing, and success rates are usually higher than general season hunts.
Controlled hunt tags are valid in the controlled hunt for which a hunter was drawn or in any open general hunt during the calendar year for which the tag is valid. See pages 24-25 for the list of controlled hunts. A turkey hunter may only harvest one bird per controlled hunt tag.
Junior hunters must be between the ages of 10 and 17 to participate in controlled youth hunts, but a 9-year-old may buy a junior license to apply for a controlled hunt, provided the hunter is 10 years old at the time of the hunt they are applying for.
Controlled hunt applications for spring 2023 turkey close on March 1. Successful spring turkey applicants will be notified no later than March 20. Hunters with a valid email address on file will be notified of their status via email. Any leftover tags for spring turkey controlled hunts go on sale April 1.