Wild Turkey Hunting

Find out where you can hunt in Algoma Country

By Greg Sacco Greg is a local photographer from Sault Ste. Marie.

January 29, 2024

The Algoma region has always been noted for its quality hunting and fishing opportunities. For those looking for a challenging hunt or just an outdoor getaway after a long winter’s wait – you can now bag a Thanksgiving turkey a few months early!

A flock of turkeys surround a tom and breeding hen seen on St. Joseph Island. (Photo credit: Greg Sacco)

In January of 2004, 84 wild turkeys were introduced from Southern Ontario on St. Joseph Island at three different sites in a joint effort between www.sjiha.ca/ (St. Joseph Island Hunters and Anglers Association) and the MNRF. The population of turkeys flourished and by 2008, the MNR determined all criteria needed were met to arrange a spring hunting season for Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 45 on St. Joseph Island.

(Photo credit: Greg Sacco)

The spring season opens on April 25 in WMU 36 and WMU 45, giving residents and hunters even more opportunities to hunt turkeys not limited to St. Joseph Island. The season closes on May 31. In 2017, the following changes were made: the legal use of #7 shotshells as #4, #5, and #6 were permitted only in the past.

(Photo credit: Algoma Country)

Example of a legal bird by the beard shown on his chest. (Photo credit: Greg Sacco)

Hunting turkeys is most challenging due to the amount of patience and the early hours of the morning you wake up just to find vocal birds. Calling is the most effective way to hunt as in the Spring, male birds are seeking to attract mates with fantastic displays of strutting and vocalizations.