The license is not available for lottery applicants who drew a tag, but those who were not drawn or missed the deadline can bowhunt the last two weeks of the season if they wish.

"Hunters said they appreciate the expanded hunting opportunity with the archery season," Dunton said.

There are 29 permit areas available to archers from May 16 until May 29. Check the permit map and chart to pinpoint the locations. A benefit archers have is that given the low success rate, even the staunchest landowners might be more willing to grant permission.

I took advantage of this option last year since I was not drawn in the lottery and it was great to be able to get out there. Bowhunting for turkeys is definitely more challenging than shotgunning, but I've never shot a bird with my shotgun that I couldn't have easily taken with my bow.

Being in the field observing birds in their natural habitat was a tremendous learning experience. In the end, I decided not to close the deal on any of the birds that came to the edge of my range. Still, the lessons I learned will definitely help me be a more successful hunter this year and into the future. If you have the time to get into the field, don't let the excuse of not being drawn keep you away. I can usually only justify the time away from work and home if I'm actually hunting and this has been great for that one!

It was an opportunity that I wouldn't have otherwise had and I encourage more hunters to look into it. A huge rule of thumb that I'd advocate is to be even more respectful than usual when going into an area another hunter is working, especially if you know they were drawn in the lottery. Legally, you have as much right to be there as they do, but ethically and logistically speaking, you should give them the nod.

Karma points don't count when it comes to drawing preference points on next year's lottery, but it can't hurt and when you are drawn next time, hopefully, somebody will afford that same respect your way. Enough soapboxing, how about what does it take to get that bird this year whenever and wherever you are hunting?

Tactical Turkey Tips
T.R. Michels is a multi-species hunting expert with tremendous hands-on knowledge about whitetail deer, elk and turkeys to name a few. A resident of the turkey-rich country of southeastern Minnesota, Michels said the more extra time spent scouting a hunter can do before the season the better.