Michigan’s Spring Turkey Harvest Tops 18,700: See Every County
Michigan hunters reported taking 18,702 turkeys during the spring 2026 season through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) reporting system. That's a lot of turkey legs.
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The fall count? Just 582 birds have been reported statewide as of 10:24 a.m. on October 8, with Allegan County reporting the most harvested at 25.
So, did the turkeys figure something out, or is there more to it?
Why Michigan's Fall Turkey Harvest Is Lower
For starters, fall hunters aren't finished. Their season runs September 15 through November 14, while spring's numbers cover a completed hunt. Plus, spring hunters get a little help from hormones.
Spring is mating season, so mimicking female turkey calls can draw males closer. Think of it as catfishing with camouflage.
But by fall, turkeys are more focused on food, so hunters need to figure out where they eat, sleep, and travel. Calls can still bring scattered flocks back together, but finding the birds is a bigger part of the job.
Why Michigan Has Turkey Hunting Seasons
And yes, there's a reason for hunting beyond putting dinner on the table and leftovers in the fridge. The DNR uses regulated hunting to provide recreation while managing turkey populations sustainably. Fall hunting may also help ease nuisance problems in some areas.
Michigan's 2026 Spring Turkey Harvest by County
Now, back to those 18,702 spring birds. Allegan led that season, too, with 653 reported turkey harvests.
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How did your county do? Keep scrolling for Michigan's 2026 spring turkey harvest, county by county.
Michigan's 2026 Spring Turkey Harvest by County
Gallery Credit: Scott Clow