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.