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The late winter winds blow anticipation across the desk of many hunters. It still looks like winter, but snow in February doesn’t last nearly as long as a half-foot of the white stuff that falls in mid-November.

Spring is inevitable. The start of the spring snow goose conservation season, coupled with late season hard-water fishing, all indicate that winter is out the door.

But the ultimate sign that the seasons have really changed is spring turkey hunting.

To participate in that season, you need to apply now. The application deadline is Feb. 14.

Even before the license lottery drawing is held it’s not too early to start preparations to ensure a successful hunt when spring turkey season opens in April.

Once you draw a license, nothing is guaranteed other than the opportunity to hunt. If you don’t have an idea of possible land to hunt, or areas within a unit to hunt, this is a short-term must do. Check with other hunters through a local wildlife club, or investigate some possible turkey habitat and potential landowners who may allow hunting access. Identifying a place to hunt is probably the most important preparation you’ll make.

For most spring turkey hunters, the quest is more than just about finding a bird and taking it home. Spring offers better odds of calling in turkeys compared to the fall season, and this can be tricky when it comes to securing a place to hunt.

You may find landowners frustrated with the number of turkeys in and around their farmstead. This can work in your favor as far as obtaining permission to hunt, as many landowners welcome turkey hunters.

On the other hand, there may be other hunters in the same area with the same idea. If you desire an undisturbed place to call in a turkey, be up front with the landowner and explain, if possible, that you’d like to coordinate with other potential hunters who may also have permission. Perhaps you might be able to hunt one small area of the land, while other hunters agree to hunt another piece of the property.

First and foremost, remember it’s up to the landowner.

Another factor to consider is that just because you’ve secured permission to hunt, don’t assume that also includes your friends or other family members. Be up front and let the landowner know how many are in your group, and what type of vehicle you’ll be driving. Most landowners will remember your vehicle and if they observe another, they may wonder what’s going on.