WISCONSIN — The deadline for wild turkey hunters to submit their authorization applications is 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 10 for the 2023 season, the Wisconsin Department of Natural resources said. 

Hunters can apply for those applications at GoWild.wi.gov or through an authorized license agent. The authorizations are issued through a preference-based drawing system, the Wisconsin DNR said.

Hunters also have a third choice to pick one zone in which they will accept a harvest authorization for any period. This zone can be the same as the hunter's first choice and/or second choice. Although the second and third choices are optional, applicants should submit other choices to help improve chances of drawing a harvest authorization.

Those who receive authorization will be notified by mail, and those who are not selected will receive a preference point to help increase their chances of getting authorization for the spring season. Application status can be check through Go Wild. But also, any authorizations that are not rewarded can be available to purchase as bonus harvest authorizations, which will cost $10 for residents and $15 for non residents. 

All hunters must have a valid spring turkey license and wild turkey stamp to acquire their authorization. Spring turkey licenses cost $15 for Wisconsin residents and $60 for non-residents. Those go on sale March 1, 2023. The wild turkey stamps cause $5.25.

• Youth Hunt: April 15-16
• Period A: April 19-25
• Period B: April 26-May 2
• Period C: May 3-9
• Period D: May 10-16
• Period E: May 17-23
• Period F: May 24-30