Fall wild turkey leftover licenses available staring Sept. 15 (September 11, 2008)

Turkey hunters who were unsuccessful in this year’s lottery for the fall hunting season may apply for 2,243 surplus permits starting at noon Monday, Sept. 15.

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) makes surplus permits available at all Electronic Licensing System (ELS) outlets and online at www.dnr.state.mn.us.

The Web site also contains information on surplus licenses availability and the status of lottery applications. The fall turkey hunt consists of two five-day seasons: Oct. 15-19 and Oct. 22-26.

Hunters who did not enter the lottery will be able to purchase any remaining surplus licenses beginning noon Monday, Sept. 22.

Bill Penning, DNR farmland coordinator, said because hunting access in many zones is limited, hunters should obtain landowner permission before getting a leftover permit. He added that a hunter who obtains a surplus permit does not lose any existing preference for future lottery drawings. Unsuccessful turkey hunting party applicants must apply individually to purchase a license.