BISMARCK, N.D. (G&F) – The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is offering 7,005 wild turkey licenses for the 2021 spring hunting season, 775 more than last year.

Fifteen of the 22 hunting units have more spring licenses than last year and six remain the same. Unit 21 (Hettinger and Adams counties) is again closed due to lack of turkeys in the unit.

One noteworthy change from last year is muzzleloading rifles are no longer a legal firearm. Only shotguns, including muzzleloading shotguns, no larger than 10 gauge are legal.

Spring turkey applicants can apply online at the Game and Fish Department website, gf.nd.gov. Applications can also be submitted by calling 800-406-6409.

The deadline for applying is Feb. 10.

Successful spring turkey applicants must purchase a 2021-22 hunting license. In addition to the spring turkey license, hunters must have a general game and habitat license. Also, hunters ages 16 and older must possess a small game license, or combination license. These required licenses must be purchased in advance of the successful applicant receiving the turkey license.

First-time spring turkey hunters ages 15 or younger are eligible to receive one spring license valid for any open unit. To be eligible, the youth hunter must be 15 or younger on opening day of spring turkey season and have never received a spring turkey license in North Dakota.

Spring turkey licenses are available only to North Dakota residents. Per legislation, an additional four spring wild turkey licenses are made available to the Outdoor Adventure Foundation and three to the National Wild Turkey Federation.

The spring turkey season opens April 10 and continues through May 16.