18 Best Turkey Hunting States in USA. Paradise for avid Hunters.

13 Best Turkey Hunting States

Passionate hunters know they have arrived in the ideal turkey hunting states as the first light of morning comes over the vast American landscapes, resonating with the yells of wild gobblers. The United States provides an abundance of various habitats that provide a sanctuary for these majestic birds, from the rocky hills of the East to the wide grasslands of the Midwest and beyond. Certain states stand out as great places for individuals looking for an enjoyable and demanding turkey hunting experience.

This guide will dig into the best turkey hunting states in the United States, providing insights into their unique landscapes, robust turkey populations, and the hunting chances they provide to fans of this time-honored exercise. Whether you’re an experienced hunter or just starting out, these states provide a bit of hunting heaven that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

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Table of Contents

18 Best Turkey Hunting States in USA.

1- Washington:

Turkey hunting in Washington may be a gratifying experience, particularly in the state’s eastern and southern regions. The Merriam’s turkey is the most common species in Washington, mostly inhabiting wooded and hilly areas.

Excellent turkey hunting possibilities may be found on the Colville National Forest, the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, and other public areas. Turkey numbers are typically steady, and hunters can chase these birds in scenic wilderness areas.

2- Minnesota:

Minnesota has both Eastern and Merriam’s turkey populations, providing a diverse range of hunting options. Eastern turkeys are more common in the state’s east, whereas Merriam’s turkeys are found in the southern and western areas.

For turkey hunting, hunters have access to public lands such as state forests, wildlife management areas, and national forests. The landscape fluctuates, offering hunters with a variety of hunting opportunities.

3- Indiana:

Indiana has a flourishing population of Eastern turkeys, making it a favourite hunting location for these birds. The state has a lengthy spring turkey season as well as an autumn season, giving hunters plenty of opportunity.

Turkey hunting is permitted on public properties such as state forests, Fish and Wildlife Areas, and state recreation areas. Preseason scouting is critical for identifying bird movements and improving your chances of success.

4- Virginia:

Virginia has some of the best turkey hunting in the country, especially in the western and central regions of the state. There are both Eastern and Osceola turkeys here, with the Eastern kind being more common.

Turkey hunting is permitted in national forests such as the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, as well as Wildlife Management Areas. The undulating hills and wooded areas provide a lovely setting for your hunting excursions.

5- Oregon:

Merriam’s turkey hunting in Oregon is possible in the state’s northeastern region. The area is made up of woods and rocky mountains, making hunting both tough and rewarding.

Hunters can go turkey hunting on public lands such as national forests, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) regions, and state forests. Prepare to traverse across a variety of environments while chasing your goals.

6- Alabama:

Alabama is well-known for its abundant turkey population, particularly in the south. The state has many Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) and national forests with great hunting possibilities. The Oakmulgee and Black Warrior WMAs are two prominent WMAs for turkey hunting.

7- Mississippi:

Another state where turkey hunting is popular is Mississippi. Its various ecosystems, ranging from pine woods to hardwood bottomlands, provide excellent turkey hunting opportunities. The state oversees various Wildlife Management Areas and state-owned areas, including the popular Bienville and Caney Creek WMAs.

8- Texas:

Texas is more recognised for its deer hunting, but it also has excellent turkey hunting opportunities, particularly in the state’s eastern and central regions. East Texas, with its wide forests and river valleys, is a popular turkey hunting location.

9- Georgia:

The combination of public and private property in Georgia gives a diverse range of turkey hunting options. Some of the greatest turkey hunting opportunities in the state may be found in the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests, the Piedmont National Wildlife Refuge, and different Wildlife Management Areas.

10- Kansas:

Kansas has a strong turkey population, and its public hunting properties, such as wildlife areas and Walk-In Hunting Access (WIHA) zones, allow hunters to chase these elusive birds.

11- Missouri:

Missouri has a strong turkey population, and the Ozarks and neighbouring areas provide good hunting opportunities. Conservation areas and national forests in the state, such as the Mark Twain National Forest, draw hunters from all over the country.

12- Nebraska:

Nebraska’s varied landscapes, which include plains and river valleys, offer a variety of turkey hunting opportunities. The Nebraska National Forest and the Merriam-Frontier WMA are two prominent public hunting grounds.

13- Iowa:

Turkey hunting is available in Iowa on both private and public grounds. Turkey hunters flock to the state because of its abundance of public lands and wildlife management areas, such as the Yellow River State Forest.

14- South Dakota (SD):

South Dakota’s Black Hills provide an outstanding turkey hunting experience. Hunters might look for possibilities to bag these birds in national forests and other areas.

15- Wisconsin:

Wisconsin is well-known for its large turkey population, and the state’s extensive public resources, including state parks and wildlife refuges, make it a favourite turkey hunting destination.

16- Kentucky:

Turkey populations in Kentucky are strong, and hunters can find chances in a variety of wildlife management areas and national forests.

17- Tennessee:

Tennessee has a variety of turkey hunting possibilities throughout the state, with public properties such as Wildlife Management Areas and national forests drawing hunters.

18- Oklahoma:

Oklahoma has excellent turkey hunting opportunities, with several public hunting sites and Wildlife Management sites open to hunters.

How To Hunt Turkey Full Guide

Turkey hunting in the United States is a treasured tradition for many hunters. Follow these steps to have a successful and ethical turkey hunting experience if you’re new to turkey hunting or want a full guide to enhance your skills:

Know the Laws and Regulations:

Research and become acquainted with the turkey hunting restrictions in the state where you intend to hunt. Learn about hunting seasons, bag limits, licence requirements, and any additional limitations that may apply.

Obtain All Required Permits and Licences:

Purchase the necessary hunting licences and permits for turkey hunting in the state where you want to hunt. A general hunting licence and a turkey tag are frequently included.

Scout the Hunting Area:

Scout the hunting area before the season begins to find turkey roosting spots, eating areas, and transit patterns. Tracks, droppings, and feathers are all evidence of turkey activity.

Choosing the Right Equipment:

Invest in high-quality hunting equipment, such as a shotgun loaded with turkey loads, camouflage apparel, a turkey call, and decoys. Select camo designs that will fit well with the terrain you will be hunting in.

Practice Calling:

Learn the skill of turkey calling by practising various cries such as yelps, clucks, purrs, and gobbles. Effective turkey calls may bring turkeys within shooting distance.

Install Decoys:

Place turkey decoys strategically to lure and bring the birds in. Toms can be enticed by realistic hen and jake decoys.

Conceal Yourself:

Hide under natural cover or utilise a portable blind to keep your movements hidden from sharp-eyed birds.

Hunt at the Appropriate Time:

Turkeys are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon. When turkeys are more noisy and receptive to calls, this is the best time to hunt.

Be patient and be silent:

Patience is required for turkey hunting. Stay motionless and watchful once you’ve set up your equipment. Avoid making needless movements that might frighten turkeys.

Practice Safe Shooting:

Before pressing the gun, be sure you have a clear and safe shot. Always keep an eye out for your surrounds and never shoot until you are convinced of what is beyond your objective.

Ethical Harvesting:

To guarantee a clean and ethical kill, just fire within your effective range and aim for the turkey’s essential regions.

Respectful Behaviour:

Respect the rights of other hunters, landowners, and wildlife. Hunting ethics dictate that you leave no sign of your presence in the hunting area.

Stay Informed About Safety:

Keep up to date on hunting safety measures and requirements, such as wearing hunter orange if necessary during certain hunting seasons.

Follow your local requirements when it comes to tagging and shipping your turkey.
Remember that turkey hunting is a difficult sport with no assurance of success. However, for many hunters, the excitement of the chase and the adventures in the vast outdoors make it a treasured activity. While enjoying this time-honored ritual in the United States, always prioritise safety and conservation.

FAQs

When is turkey hunting season in the United States?

The hunting season for turkeys varies by state. It usually runs in the spring and autumn, with the spring being the most popular season for hunting toms (male turkeys). Individual state wildlife agencies decide the particular dates for each season, so it’s critical to verify the restrictions in the state where you want to hunt.

What are the various turkey species hunted in the United States?

The Eastern turkey and the Merriam’s turkey are the two most common turkey species hunted in the United States. The Eastern turkey is located in the country’s eastern and central areas, whereas the Merriam’s turkey is found in the western and mountainous parts.

What kind of hunting gear do I need for turkey hunting?

A shotgun (usually 12 or 20-gauge) with turkey loads, camouflage apparel (including a facemask and gloves), a turkey call (such as diaphragm sounds, box calls, or slate calls), turkey decoys, and a movable blind or camouflaged chair are all required for turkey hunting.

What is the best way to scout for turkey hunting?

Scouting is critical to a successful turkey hunt. Tracks, droppings, feathers, and scratching in the ground are all evidence of turkey activity. Plan your hunting strategy by paying attention to roosting places, eating areas, and transit patterns.

Can I use decoys to hunt turkeys?

Yes, turkey decoys can help you attract turkeys within shooting distance. Decoys that look like other turkeys, usually hens or jakes, can be efficient in luring in curious toms.

Do I need a hunting licence to go turkey hunting in the United States?

To lawfully hunt turkeys, every state requires a hunting licence. You may also require a turkey tag or a permit designed specifically for turkey hunting. Before you go hunting, make sure you have all of the proper permits and licences from the state wildlife department.

When is the ideal time of day to go turkey hunting?

Turkeys are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon. The hours between sunrise and dusk are often the greatest times to hunt since turkeys are more noisy and sensitive to calls during these times.

Are there bag limitations while hunting turkey?

Yes, state wildlife authorities impose bag limitations, which vary by state and occasionally by hunting unit. Bag limitations describe the quantity of turkeys a hunter may take during a given hunting season. To maintain ethical and sustainable hunting practises, it is critical to understand and adhere to these boundaries.

How do I know if I have a male or female turkey in my sights?

Identifying the sex of a turkey in the outdoors, especially from a distance, can be difficult. Male turkeys, known as toms, have bigger bodies, thicker beards (hair-like feathers hanging from the chest), and more colourful plumage, which includes iridescent feathers on the wings and tail. Female turkeys, often known as hens, are smaller and have duller plumage.

What is the difference between a turkey’s gobble and a yelp?

A gobble is a unique sound emitted by male turkeys, mostly during the mating season in the spring. It is a booming, throaty, and echoing sound intended to attract hens and proclaim their arrival. A yelp, on the other hand, is a more common turkey vocalisation produced by both males and females. It is softer and more diverse, utilised for communication among turkeys, and is frequently imitated by hunters in order to draw turkeys closer.

Are there any rules on hunting turkeys on public lands?

Some public places, such as national forests, wildlife management areas, and state parks, permit turkey hunting under certain conditions. Check with the controlling agency to learn about any limitations, licences necessary, or designated hunting zones on public lands.

When it comes to turkey hunting, how crucial is camouflage?

Camouflage is essential for turkey hunting since turkeys have good eyesight and can detect movement quickly. Wear camouflage gear that complements the surrounding foliage to blend in and stay unseen while waiting for turkeys to approach.

Can I go turkey hunting from a tree stand?

Yes, turkey hunting from a tree stand may be beneficial, especially during the spring season when birds are actively looking for mates. Ensure that your tree stand is well-hidden and that you have a clear firing route to the ground below.

What exactly is “strutting” in the context of turkey behaviour?

“Strutting” is a behaviour that male turkeys (toms) typically exhibit during the spring mating season. To attract the attention of hens, they puff up their feathers, flutter their tails, and stroll with a strong, exaggerated stance.

Can I go turkey hunting with a shotgun equipped with a scope?

While scopes are not commonly used for turkey hunting, some hunters do, particularly for long-range shots. Most turkey hunters, on the other hand, prefer to utilise open sights or red dot sights on their shotguns for rapid target acquisition at close ranges.

How far can a turkey’s acute vision detect movement?

Turkeys have excellent vision and can notice even tiny motions from long distances. They can detect movement from hundreds of yards away, so being calm and camouflaged is critical while turkey hunting.