Turkey Hunting

The LETSGOHUNTING^TM website provides information on and awareness of hunting, including hunting laws and regulations, information on hunting preserves, and other general information for new and experienced hunters.

How to Hunt Turkeys: Everything Beginners Need to Know

Whether you’re drawn to the crisp stillness of spring mornings or the golden hues of a fall forest, hunting wild turkey offers an exciting, accessible way to connect with nature and learn valuable skills. In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of how to hunt turkey, what gear you need, where to go and how to stay safe. We’ll also walk through species identification, calling techniques, regulations, recipes and ways to get involved with conservation-minded organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). Whether you’re starting from scratch or just looking for a refresher, this page will help you head into the field with confidence.

Know Your Subspecies

The U.S. is home to five wild turkey subspecies. Most hunters will encounter one of these four:

Eastern Wild Turkey

Location: Most of the eastern U.S.

Merriam’s Turkey

Location: Mountainous West and parts of the Great Plains

Osceola Turkey

Location: Found only in Florida

Rio Grande Turkey

Location: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, parts of the Southwest

Each subspecies has its own habits and habitats, understanding this, what subspecies you are hunting should factor into how you hunt them.

Turkey Hunting Regulations: What You Need to Know

Before you hunt, it’s critical to understand the rules. Turkey hunting regulations vary by state, including:

Season dates (spring vs. fall)

Bag limits (how many birds you can harvest)

Restrictions on firearm and ammunition type

Tags, licenses, and permits

Check Regulations by State

Where to Hunt Wild Turkey

Turkey hunting is possible in nearly every state and opportunities abound on both public and private lands.

Public Lands

National forests, wildlife management areas and state lands often offer spring or fall turkey hunts.
These areas may require special permits or sign-in procedures.
Scouting is key. Visit ahead of time if possible.

Private Lands

Many beginners hunt with a friend, mentor or family member on private land.
In some areas, guided hunts or outfitted experiences are available.

Each subspecies has its own habits and habitats, understanding this, what subspecies you are hunting should factor into how you hunt them.

Where to Hunt

What Gear Do You Need to Hunt Turkey?

Shotgun

In this video, Travis Sumner with the National Wild Turkey Federation discusses the importance of selecting the right gauge, shotgun, choke, and ammunition for making a clean, ethical shot on a wild turkey. It also emphasizes the need to ensure that the shotgun fits the shooter and to practice shooting at the range to ensure a consistent shot placement.

12 or 20 gauge is the most common.

Chokes

Wild turkeys are tough animals to harvest so a tight-patterning shot is imperative.

In this video, Travis Sumner with the National Wild Turkey Federation explains the basics of choke types used for turkey hunting.

Ammo

Turkey loads in 3” or 3.5” shells with #4–#6 shot.

Turkey Calls

Box calls, slate calls, diaphragm (mouth) calls—learn to use more than one.

Camouflage

Turkeys have exceptional vision. Ensure you are covered Head to toe, including gloves and face mask.

Decoys

Properly set decoys can give you that little extra; decoys can give a gobbler a reason to come in when calling isn't enough.

In this video, Travis Sumner with the National Wild Turkey Federation breaks down the types of decoys, strategy, set-up and safety.

Extras

Turkey Vest: Keeps your calls, shells and tags organized.

Binoculars, headlamp, field knife, blaze orange (required in some states)

Turkey Hunting Tactics and Tips

Patterning Your Shotgun

Pattern your shotgun before hunting to know how it performs at 20, 30, and 40 yards.
Always identify your target and what’s beyond it before shooting.

Learn More:

Scouting

Scout before the season to locate turkey roosting areas, feeding zones, and travel routes.
Look for signs like feathers, droppings, scratch marks, and tracks.
Set up between the roost and feeding areas—preferably before first light.

12 or 20 gauge is the most common.

Using Decoys

In spring, hen and jake decoys attract curious gobblers.
Place decoys in open areas where turkeys can see them.
Don’t overdo it. Sometimes one hen decoy is enough.

Calling Basics

Start simple with a push-button or box call.
Use soft yelps and purrs to simulate a hen.
Listen and respond—don’t call too aggressively if turkeys are quiet.
In fall, you may imitate turkey flock sounds instead of gobbles.

In this video, Travis Sumner with the National Wild Turkey Federation explains the basics of turkey calling.

Safety

Decoy Safety

Like every aspect of hunting, safety is a key concern when using decoys. Here are a few tips on decoy safety.

Ground Blind Safety

Turkeys have incredible eyesight, so camouflage is a must—but so is staying visible to other hunters.

Use hunter orange when moving in or out of the woods.
If using a ground blind, mark it clearly with orange from all sides.
Never stalk turkey sounds—other hunters may be calling.

Learn More:

Ready to Start? Your Next Steps

There’s no better time to start turkey hunting. With a bit of scouting, some practice with your calls, and the right gear, you’ll be ready to experience one of America’s most exciting and accessible hunts.

Learn More

1. Take a hunter safety course

2. Learn your local regulations

3. Gear up and scout your area

4. Practice calling and pattern your shotgun

5. Find a mentor or join a local NWTF chapter

6. Enjoy the sunrise and be patient

Get Involved

Join the Turkey Hunting Community

Founded in 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring wild turkey populations and preserving North America's turkey hunting heritage.

Join the NWTF

Find Your Local Chapter

Turkey Hunting 101

The Official NWTF Turkey Hunting Course will teach you where to hunt, turkey hunting tips and strategies, the best shotgun for hunting turkey, and much more.

Learn More

Printable Targets

All targets are available as PDF documents and print on standard 8.5 x 11 paper. If you are unable to view the targets click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click a target to view and print. Right-click and Save As to save PDF.

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Field to Fork: Wild Turkey Recipes

Harvesting a wild turkey is rewarding but enjoying it around the dinner table with friends and family can make it that much better.

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