Spring Turkey Hunting
Spring turkey hunting with Hawkins Outfitters is the perfect way to shake off the winter chill and welcome the new season. As the snow begins to melt and the woods come alive, the Toms are already on the hunt for hens, and so are we. This is a prime time to get out into the field for an exhilarating, challenging, and ultimately rewarding turkey hunt. The beauty of spring turkey hunting lies in the challenge: these birds are incredibly wary, with sharp eyesight and keen hearing, making each hunt an exciting game of patience and strategy.
Our hunts are designed for up to two people, though our experience has shown that one-on-one hunts with a guide tend to deliver the highest success rates. We provide access to both private and public lands, carefully selected to give you the best chance at bagging that elusive Tom you’ve been after for years. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, you’ll enjoy an immersive experience as you stalk these impressive birds through diverse, sprawling terrain.
The spring turkey season is unpredictable, so come prepared for whatever weather may come—rain or shine, we’ll be out there, ready to track down the bird of your dreams.
Target Species
Hawkins Outfitters offers a prime opportunity to hunt spring turkeys in Michigan’s wild woods and river bottoms. The key to success during turkey season is understanding the birds’ behavior—during this time, they are highly focused on finding hens, and patience is paramount. The spring season in Michigan is perfect for turkey hunting, as the Toms are vocal and active, responding to calls and pursuing hens in the vast, varied habitats.
Our spring turkey hunts are available during the two-week draw period in April, with clients eligible to hunt throughout the entire week if they are successful in the draw. These weeks are ideal, as the birds can become henned up later in May, making the earlier part of the season more productive. Depending on the hunt, you’ll be hunting a mix of private land and expansive public land, allowing for a variety of approaches, including spot-and-stalk and ambush tactics.
Where We Hunt
Our spring turkey hunts take place across a variety of landscapes in Northern Michigan, including private hunting grounds and expansive public lands that provide the perfect habitat for wild turkeys. The terrain here is typical Midwestern—nothing too mountainous, but full of rich woods, open fields, and river bottoms, which are often home to the Tom turkeys we pursue. The river bottoms, in particular, provide a unique hunting experience, as we often hunt from our jet boat, spotting birds along the way before hopping out to start calling them in.
The hunting areas are diverse, and our team begins scouting the region in February and March to ensure the best spots are selected when the season kicks off. We’ll drive along two-tracks and stop at key locations to observe and track the birds, all in an effort to maximize your chances of success.
While we have some of the most prime hunting ground available, it’s important to note that turkey hunting here is not without its challenges. Turkeys are notoriously wary, especially during the early part of the season when they can be particularly sensitive to human presence. Because of this, we recommend keeping the hunt to one client per guide. This approach minimizes disruptions and enhances your chances of a successful hunt.
What's Included
- Professionally trained guide
- Snacks and refreshments
- Gun rentals are available for an additional fee
What To Bring
Bring a face mask, camo gloves, and a 12-gauge shotgun with a tight choke (preferably turkey) choke. Additionally, be prepared for the unpredictable spring weather. Temperatures can swing from chilly mornings to warm afternoons, and rain is always a possibility. Layer your clothing and bring a pack to stow away your gear as you move through the terrain.
- Face mask
- Camo gloves
- A 12 gauge with a tight (ideally turkey) choke
- Weather this time of year can be all over the map, so come prepared to hunt rain or shine
- Alcohol (after the hunt it’s ok, but no consumption prior to using firearms)
- Drugs
Spring Turkey Hunting FAQs
Have a question? We've got answers. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
$600 - $1350
Trip Rate
Other Trips
Upland Hunting – Grouse and Woodcock
Michigan Wild-Released Pheasant Hunting – Thundering Aspens
