Spring turkey hunters hoping to bag a tom during the first two weeks of the season have until Friday to apply for a lottery permit, according to a press release.

The season runs from April 18 to May 31 and is divided into six hunt periods, A through F. Hunt A and B licenses for firearms hunters age 18 and older are limited in availability and assigned via lottery drawing.

Turkey lottery applications cost $5 and can be purchased online at mndnr.gov/licenses, by phone at 888-665-4236 or in person from a license agent. Successful applicants will receive a postcard in the mail by mid-February and can purchase their hunting license starting March 1.

Firearms licenses for hunts C, D, E and F are not lottery-limited and will be available for purchase over-the-counter beginning March 1. All licensed turkey hunters can participate in Hunt F if they have an unused tag from one of the earlier hunt periods.

Visit mndnr.gov/hunting/turkey for more information about turkey hunting in Minnesota.

2018 spring turkey hunt periods

Hunt A: April 18-24

Hunt B: April 25-May 1

Hunt C: May 2-8

Hunt D: May 9-15

Hunt E: May 16-22

Hunt F: May 23-31