The Natural Resources Commission has granted final approval to administrative rule changes that will allow turkey hunters to use .410 caliber and 28-gauge shotguns in addition to already-legal shotguns.
The amendments also include requirements associated with shot size and density for these additional firearms, which includes allowing tungsten super shot No. 9 and 10.
This change gives turkey hunters greater flexibility with hunting equipment, particularly for turkey hunting by youth and others who may have been previously hindered by having to use more traditional hunting equipment. By emergency rule, DNR Director Dan Bortner authorized the rule’s immediate use in time for this year’s spring turkey season.
The spring season is April 21 through May 9, 2021. The bag limit is one bearded or male turkey for the spring season. Spring turkey hunting is allowed statewide.
In other action, the Commission granted to allow muzzleloaders that have the powder loaded from the breech end and require only that the bullet be loaded from the muzzle end to be used during firearms, youth, late special antlerless, and reduction zone (when firearms are allowed) seasons for taking white-tailed deer.
Details on all actions taken by the NRC and supporting documents can be found online.