North Dakota’s fall turkey season is set and prospective hunters can apply online, or print out an application to mail, at the state Game and Fish Department’s website, gf.nd.gov.

The fall wild turkey season extends from Oct. 11 through Jan. 11, 2009. A total of 8,700 wild turkey licenses are available, an increase of 675 from last year. In addition, up to 1,300 licenses may be used in specific hunting units if turkey reproduction is exceptionally good this spring.

“At this point it is too early to tell what the numbers of young birds will look like,” said Stan Kohn, upland game management supervisor. “If reproduction is good, these licenses in reserve will be available on a first come, first served basis after the lottery and before Oct. 1.”

An experimental turkey bow hunting season is established within the city of Bismarck to help control a growing population of birds in residential areas. A maximum of 25 licenses will be distributed on a first come, first served basis to individuals who are licensed to bow hunt deer within the city. These licenses will be available at the Game and Fish Department in Bismarck once a person has a valid city archery permit.

Hunting units 21 (Hettinger and Adams counties) and 53 (Divide and Williams counties) will remain closed to fall turkey hunting in 2008 because of a decline in turkey numbers.

Lottery applications will be available by June 16 from Game and Fish Department offices, county auditors and license vendors. Gratis applications are available only at Game and Fish and county auditor offices.

Applications are also accepted at the department’s toll-free licensing line, 800-406-6409. A service fee is added for license applications made over the phone.

Applications for the fall season must be postmarked no later than July 2. Only North Dakota residents are eligible to apply in the first lottery. Nonresidents can apply for fall turkey licenses that are still available following the first lottery.