What is the secret to draw an earlier turkey season in Wisconsin?

[Keep'er Movin]

Every year I seem to always get season D in Wisconsin for spring turkey even though I request A or B. Sure enough, the draw results came in the mail today with another big fat D on the card. In fact, the earliest I think I've ever got was C. My neighbor has always gotten his first choice and he's only been turkey hunting the last 5 years. Is there a trick to this draw that I'm unaware of? I do not claim landowner preference and I always apply alone. My neighbor gets a patrons license every year and he thinks that may have something to do with it. Any thoughts?

 

[Nick87]

If it makes you feel any better another member here and I drew season B first time applying. Likely a different zone though. How many points do you have?

 

[Chad Gus]

I prefer the later seasons so I apply for season C first choice and I always draw it

 

[Keep'er Movin]

I didn't have any points when I applied. However, I figured out why I keep getting these later seasons.

 

[Nick87]

I didn't have any points when I applied. However, I figured out why I keep getting these later seasons.

FIBS taking all your tags?

 

[Keep'er Movin]

I called the DNR and they told me that because I answer the third question which is something like "is there a zone where you would be happy to get a tag if you don't get your first two preferences", I end up kind of shooting myself in the foot. The guy said that if you leave the third question blank, then you will either get your first or second choice or you will get a preference point for the next year. You then can still buy a leftover tag when they go on sale and not lose your preference point that you earned for that spring's draw. All these years I keep answering the third question which is basically saying, "yeah, I will be happy whatever season I get as long as I get it in zone ______ (fill in the blank).

 

[Keep'er Movin]

FIBS taking all your tags?

Yup...that's why I said I hate the state of Illinois in the "what do you hate for no good reason" thread.

 

[Nick87]

Yup...that's why I said I hate the state of Illinois in the "what do you hate for no good reason" thread.

I know. I got my tag. I was able to read the regs, though. Chalk one up for another fib with a high school education.

 

[Keep'er Movin]

FIBS taking all your tags?

In all seriousness, what is Illinois good for when it comes to hunting? I've heard of Pike county producing massive deer but a friend was explaining your pheasant season which seems entirely screwed up.

 

[Keep'er Movin]

I know. I got my tag. I was able to read the regs, though. Chalk one up for another fib with a high school education.

Wisconsin calls that Illinois luck. Congrats on getting what you wanted.

 

[Nick87]

Illinois good for when it comes to hunting?

I've done alright at deer, ducks, geese, coyotes, doves, and trapping. No wild pheasants left so I don't do that.

Wisconsin calls that Illinois luck.

I call it reading comprehension.

What good is it to live in a state that you don't understand how to draw a tag in?

 

[Keep'er Movin]

I prefer the later seasons so I apply for season C first choice and I always draw it

Curious as to why you enjoy the later seasons?

 

[Keep'er Movin]

I've done alright at deer, ducks, geese, coyotes, trapping, doves, and trapping. No wild pheasants left so I don't do that.

I call it reading comprehension.

What good is it to live in a state that you don't understand how to draw a tag in?

Show me where it says anything in the regs about that 3rd question and how it may limit your first and second choice.

 

[Nick87]

Show me where it says anything in the regs about that 3rd question and how it may limit your first and second choice.

Sorry, busy planning my turkey hunt.

 

[TheGreek]

In all seriousness, what is Illinois good for when it comes to hunting? I've heard of Pike county producing massive deer but a friend was explaining your pheasant season which seems entirely screwed up.

There’s better hunting on public in IL than some people would think.

 

[Keep'er Movin]

Sorry, busy planning my turkey hunt.

That's because there is nothing. Definitely HS maturity.

 

[Nick87]

There’s better hunting on public in IL than some people would think.

 

[EKYHunter]

Glad I live in a state where I can just buy my license and tag and go hunt. Like others, I prefer later during our 3 week turkey season. Hunters give up, most hens are bred, and gobblers are eager for love.

 

[Nick87]

That's because there is nothing. Definitely HS maturity.

Enjoy your hunt.

 

[Keep'er Movin]

There’s better hunting on public in IL than some people would think.

I have a friend that lives in Lake Zurich but bought hunting land in Wisconsin towards the Green Bay area. He just never had anything good to say about hunting in IL. I have another friend in Gurnee who refuses to pheasant hunt in IL and comes up to WI to do so. I have no first hand experience, just hear what my IL friends say.