The County Press

New Holly Turkey Tract open to turkey hunting this spring



Michigan Department of Natural Resources staffers and partners tour the Holly Turkey Tract, the newest of these unique public-land turkey hunting areas. Photo Courtesy of MI DNR

Michigan Department of Natural Resources staffers and partners tour the Holly Turkey Tract, the newest of these unique public-land turkey hunting areas. Photo Courtesy of MI DNR

HOLLY — This spring, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources invites hunters to discover the great public-land turkey hunting available at Turkey Tracts, including the newly added Holly Turkey Tract in Oakland County.

Located at Holly State Recreation Area off Jossman Road, the Holly Turkey Tract – more than 300 acres, with many miles of hunter walking trails – is now open to hunting.

Unique turkey hunting areas across the Lower Peninsula, Turkey Tracts provide excellent opportunities for a variety of hunters, including youth, adults new to the sport and seniors. The National Wild Turkey Federation and the DNR partner to create these turkey hunting lands. Additional Turkey Tract locations are available at Allegan, Barry and Flat River state game areas.

“We’ve had hunters from all over the country and many international hunters come to Michigan to hunt turkeys,” said Al Stewart, DNR upland game bird specialist. “The comeback of the wild turkey is one of the greatest wildlife conservation stories, and we are happy to share our state’s success with others through these Turkey Tracts.”

A large kiosk, giving hunters information about the area and local business discounts, was unveiled at the new Holly Turkey Tract site last month. Nearby businesses provide a discount when hunters take a “selfie” with the kiosk.

“We are very proud of the Holly Turkey Tract,” said Julie Oaks, DNR wildlife biologist in Oakland County. “A lot of hard work went into the creation of this area, and we’re excited to have turkey hunters out to enjoy it this spring.”

Part of the Turkey Tracts initiative’s aim is to help link hunters with area businesses. Many turkey hunters seek out supplies and accommodations, and area businesses can benefit by encouraging hunters to visit their communities. Businesses interested in connecting with hunters and offering discounts can contact National Wild Turkey Federation biologist Ryan Boyer at 231-878-5131.

“Because of the partnership the National Wild Turkey Federation has with the DNR and local supporting businesses, we are able to make these Turkey Tracts happen, which allows hunters to experience turkey hunting in a way they might not have been able to in the past,” Boyer said.

Michigan’s spring turkey season is in full swing. Those who haven’t gotten a license yet still have a chance to hunt in May – see a list of available spring turkey licenses. Spring turkey hunting licenses are $15 and available anywhere DNR licenses are sold or online at E-License. Brush up on turkey hunting rules in the Spring Turkey Digest.