Ian Bronson
Turkey hunting is a big deal in some states, but let’s be honest—what makes certain places so good at it? Turns out, wild turkeys are pretty picky about where they hang out, and some states have cracked the code. Want to know where these feathered creatures are living their best lives? Keep scrolling; the answer might surprise you.
Texas
Beyond cattle and oil, Texas is home to one of the largest wild turkey populations in the country. The Rio Grande subspecies dominate, thriving in brushy rangelands and wooded river bottoms. Ongoing habitat management, along with landowner cooperation, has fueled population growth across much of the state.
Arkansas
Arkansas has long been a prime location for wild turkeys, with its abundant forests and clear rivers creating ideal conditions for these birds. Their population continues to climb, and the state’s hunting seasons remain one of the most sought-after across the region.
Alabama
Alabama’s wild turkeys are a symbol of the state’s thriving wildlife. But have you ever wondered why they’re so abundant? Warm southern climates, expansive forests, and conservation efforts have created the perfect environment for turkey populations to soar, though recent challenges have slightly impacted their numbers.
Kentucky
Kentucky’s turkey population has enjoyed a strong comeback. The Bluegrass State’s varied terrain provides excellent habitats for turkeys. Additionally, its vast forests and agricultural lands offer the ideal blend of shelter and food for these incredible birds to thrive.
North Carolina
North Carolina’s wild turkey population made a major comeback after plummeting in the mid-1900s, thanks to extensive restocking programs and habitat restoration efforts. Today, hunters find steady success across the state, especially in the Piedmont and mountain regions, where turkey numbers continue to thrive.
California
California may surprise you as a prime wild bird haven, with numbers nearing 200,000. From the Sierra Nevada foothills to the southern desert edges, turkey populations flourish, especially the Merriam’s subspecies, which has adapted well to the varied climates.
Tennessee
Tennessee’s rolling hills and dense woodlands create ideal conditions for wild turkeys to thrive. Every spring, hunters flock to the state for its renowned turkey season. Decades of careful wildlife management have helped maintain one of the Southeast’s most robust turkey populations.
Virginia
Virginia’s terrain has it all— wetlands and rugged terrain—making it an ideal home for wild turkeys. With a population of approximately 180,000, the state offers plenty of opportunities for turkey watchers to catch sight of these birds. The Blue Ridge Mountains only add to its charm.
New York
New York might seem like an odd entry on this list, but its sprawling forests and vast open spaces are home to a growing turkey population. From the Adirondacks to the Catskills, turkey species have flourished, thanks to restoration projects in the late 20th century.
Ohio
Ohio has experienced impressive growth in turkey production in recent decades. Expansive terrain and diverse habitats—wetlands and farm fields—provide the perfect balance for wild turkeys. It’s no surprise that the Buckeye State is now home to a thriving population.
Mississippi
Mississippi is home to around 250,000 wild turkeys, and its diverse woodlands make it a natural hub for these creatures. Whether it’s the swamps or hilly forests, they have found their sanctuary here, offering both residents and visitors a chance to experience them in the wild.
Montana
Montana may be known for its wide open spaces, but it’s also home to around 120,000 wild turkeys. These birds thrive in the state’s expansive grasslands and scattered groves. In fact, among the ridges and winding valleys, wild turkeys find shelter, food, and room to roam.
Iowa
Iowa may evoke images of rolling farmland, but it also supports a sizable turkey population. Forests and rivers provide the perfect space for these birds to roam, though recent challenges have caused a slight population decrease. Even so, it’s a prime spot for hunters and wildlife enthusiasts.
South Carolina
With rich pine forests and a mild climate, South Carolina has long supported a strong wild turkey population. While numbers have declined in recent years due to habitat loss and poult survival issues, the state still remains among the top for overall turkey abundance in the Southeast.
Indiana
Indiana’s natural terrains and farmlands are key to sustaining the state’s growing wild population. The restoration efforts in the late 20th century helped bring the Eastern wild variety back, and now the state sees booming numbers, especially in the southern part.
West Virginia
With its mountainous terrain, West Virginia is a bird lover’s dream. The state hosts around 130,000 wild turkeys, thriving in dense forests and secluded hollows. Rugged landscapes limit human intrusion, allowing flocks to expand steadily across much of the state’s backcountry.
Maine
Maine’s rugged woods and mountainous terrain might seem an unlikely home for wild turkeys, but their numbers have flourished here. The state’s restoration efforts in the 1970s and 80s also played a key role in reintroducing them, and today, they can be found in both urban and rural areas.
Missouri
Have you ever considered Missouri for turkey hunting? You should because the state has around 500,000 wild turkeys, making it one of the top destinations for hunters. Its rolling hills and dense forests offer ample habitat, giving hunters of all levels a chance to track these magnificent birds.
Oklahoma
Known for its diverse terrain, Oklahoma is home to both the Rio Grande and Eastern wild turkey species. The state’s mix of grasslands and woodlands, especially in the Ouachita Mountains, creates the perfect environment for these birds. Despite population declines, Oklahoma’s hunting season remains highly anticipated.
New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s wild turkey population has been steadily increasing, reaching around 45,000 birds. With thick forests and quiet waterways throughout the region, turkeys find everything they need to thrive. Here, bird watchers can enjoy the peace of nature while catching sight of these magnificent creatures.
