Check out this dandy Corey Parsons shot. It weighed in at 24.92 pounds, had a 10 ¾-inch beard and 1 3/8-inch spurs.
by Jay Anglin
Calling turkeys is intrinsic to the American hunting heritage and while many hunters are content with their abilities, there is always room for improvement and refinement. Pro turkey callers don’t just stumble into good calling, they earn it through practice and by honing their abilities with a wide range of calls.
“I started turkey hunted when I was 14, almost 30 years ago now, and started dabbling in call making late in high school,” said the turkey calling virtuoso and Blocker Outdoors Elite Pro, Jason Powell. “I served in the United States Army as a Combat Engineer and was severely injured in Afghanistan in 2012. I am a Purple Heart recipient, and a disabled veteran.”
When Powell returned from Afghanistan, in 2013, he started making calls at home and competing in calling contests. “I've been fortunate to win calling contests in multiple states and I now travel the country to compete in major contests, but I also enjoy supporting as many local contests as I can.”
Chuck Powell (left) and cousin Danny Parsons had a good turkey opener, getting their birds within two days of each other.
Powell’s bird weighed 22.60 pounds, had a 10 7/8 inch beard and 1 ¼-inch spurs.
Parson’s bird weighed 25 pounds, had an 11 1/4-inch beard and 1 5/8-inch spurs.
MDNR Report
Spring turkey licenses leftover from the application period are on sale now.
Licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit. See which turkey management units still have licenses available at DNR eLicense.
Are you looking for a more flexible hunt?
Spring turkey licenses for Hunt 0234 are also available now. This hunt is a statewide, guaranteed spring turkey license that does not require an application in the drawing. With the Hunt 0234 license, you can hunt on:
Hunt 0234 season dates are May 3-31. Learn more about this license on page 5 of the 2025 Spring Turkey Hunting Regulations Summary.
Please note: Licenses purchased online through eLicense will be mailed to you in seven to 10 business days.
Purchasing your tag through the DNR Hunt Fish App gets you the license instantly. New for spring turkey season, hunters now have the option to get an electronic kill tag (eHarvest tag) through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app.
To use an electronic tag for your harvested turkey, you must purchase your license through the Hunt Fish mobile app, as paper tags are not available for spring turkey when buying in the app. Once purchased, your eHarvest tag will be immediately accessible on your mobile device. While in the field, you must be able to present the eHarvest tag on your device, as no paper kill tag will be issued. Read more about eHarvest tags.
Find additional information, including season dates, bag limits, and hunting regulations at Michigan.gov/Turkey.
MDNR Report
Check your drawing results for the spring turkey hunting season online at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses, through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app or by calling 517-284-9453.
If successfully drawn, you can purchase licenses online, in the app or over the counter at a license agent.
If you applied for a license but were not drawn – mark your calendars! Hunters who were unsuccessful in the drawing can purchase a leftover license Monday, March 10, at 10 a.m.
Remaining leftover turkey licenses will go on sale to everyone Monday, March 17, at 10 a.m. Licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no guarantee that leftover licenses will be available for any hunt unit.
Please note: Licenses purchased online through eLicense will be mailed to you in seven to 10 business days.
Hunt 0234
Licenses for Hunt 0234 will also go on sale March 17 at 10 a.m. This is a statewide, guaranteed spring turkey license that does not require an application in the drawing.
The season dates are May 3-31. With the Hunt 0234 license, you can hunt on:
Find season dates, bag limits and hunting regulations at Michigan.gov/Turkey.
EHarvest tags available for spring turkey this year
New for spring turkey season, hunters now have the option to get an electronic kill tag (eHarvest tag) through the Michigan DNR Hunt Fish app. Purchasing your tag this way means you can get it instantly! Many states now use electronic tags for turkeys as this option becomes more common across the country.
To use an electronic tag on your harvested turkey, you must use the app to buy. Paper tags are not an option for spring turkey when purchasing in the app. When you purchase your spring turkey license through the app, your eHarvest tag will be available on your mobile device immediately. You must be able to present the eHarvest tag on a mobile device while in the field. You will not receive a paper kill tag.