The Best Turkey Hunting States for Your Next Big Bird

Whether you're in a big turkey hunting state or look forward to the planning and excitement of a turkey hunt as an out-of-stater, there's plenty of opportunity to uncover exciting new locations and target a new species, whether that be Eastern, Merriam's, Osceola, or Rio Grande turkeys. 

In this guide, we'll explore the best turkey hunting states to add to your list, helping you plan your next adventure for that trophy gobbler and discover the enjoyment a turkey hunt will bring. 

Why Location Matters When Turkey Hunting

Each state offers unique opportunities for hunting turkeys, so aligning your hunting goals with the best location is crucial.

Typically, the turkey population is considered one of the primary factors, as a healthy and abundant number of gobblers will increase your chances of encountering a bird. However, you'll also want to consider the subspecies you are targeting — if you're completing a turkey slam, you may need to go to a state that holds a specific subspecies. 

Land access is another critical consideration, as states with national forests and wildlife management areas are ideal for locating less-pressured hunting zones that hold impressive birds.

Finally, while we'd all like to be hunting all year round, season timing and duration vary across states. Sometimes, the best state for a turkey hunt is the one that aligns with your schedule and provides enough time for a meaningful experience. 

Our Recos for the 10 Best Turkey Hunting States 

Considering those starting points mentioned above, let's explore some of our favorite turkey-hunting states (with a few honorable mentions) below. 

1. Missouri: A Turkey-Hunting Powerhouse

When it comes to turkey hunting, the numbers don't lie. Missouri is an elite turkey hunting destination with over 500,000 birds supported across 900,000 acres of stunning public land.

The seasons are generous, and tags can be purchased online or over the counter, making this a popular destination for locals and out-of-state hunters. 

2. Florida: The Osceola Turkey Destination

If you encounter a turkey hunter in Florida, they're likely there for one thing: the Osceola turkey. As the only place to hunt these birds, Florida is a highly prized destination for those completing the Grand Slam or simply wanting to challenge themselves with a notoriously tricky bird. 

To make the most of the experience, you'll want to go private with an outfitter hunting on leased land with a guide who knows the environment and Osceola behaviors, or apply for a tag and do your homework. 

3. Texas: The Turkey Hunter's Dream

Texas comfortably sits near the top of many hunting breakdowns due to the well-managed game species initiatives and vast landscapes supporting a range of species.

With a healthy population of 510,500 birds, the Rio Grande turkey puts your skills to the test in the Lone Star State. Texas has plenty of opportunities to hunt private land with outfitters or secure access rights.

The best way to draw in Rios is with clear yelps followed by silence to allow time for a response. They're also highly responsive to decoys. Try breaking up the outline with some vegetation cover and keep your setup simple. 

4. Kansas: A Hidden Gem For Hunting Turkeys

Kansas offers everything that makes a public turkey hunt worthwhile: a diversity of species (Rio Grande and Easters), vast public lands at your disposal, and a high hunter-success rate due to a healthy population of about 400,000 birds. 

To navigate the sometimes tricky mix of public and private lands, download the HuntWise app for a precise mapping overlay of all demarcation lines and contact details for landowners. Then, you can request permission or seek further clarification. 

5. Pennsylvania: A Classic Turkey Hunt 

Pennsylvania is a proper turkey hunter's state. The mixed environment, including rolling hills, woodlands, and agricultural zones, provides a dense Eastern turkey population and a challenging hunt for an authentic experience. 

Early morning hunts are PA's go-to strategy, so begin by scouting roosting locations and landing zones from that roost. After marking these on your HuntWise app, set up a blind well ahead of your intended hunting window and get out pre-dawn to wait for the first gobbles of the morning. 

6. Tennessee: Eastern Turkeys Abound 

Tennessee is one of the top southern states for turkey hunting due to an abundance of eastern turkeys (over 200,000) and public land that supports hunters of all skill and experience levels. The varied terrain, from rolling hills and hardwood forests to agricultural fields and river bottoms, allows for a shift in approach and the opportunity to try differing strategies and hunting zones throughout the season. 

7. South Dakota: Your Merriam Turkey Haven

South Dakota is synonymous with Merriam turkeys. These elusive birds are high on the Grand Slam list due to their challenging and cautious nature.

The state has over 5 million acres of public land, providing ample space and access for hunters to explore. These vast landscapes, from prairies to hills, produce some of the most breathtaking scenery you're likely to find on a turkey hunt. 

Honorable Mentions 

Several states earn a place on our list because ten is a nice round number, and they are arguably among the best states for turkey hunting. Check these out.

8. Alabama

Alabama honors a long-standing turkey hunting tradition and boasts a healthy population of Eastern Wild turkeys across some challenging landscapes. The turkey population is estimated at around 365,000, providing ample opportunity to chase these elusive birds across 1 million acres of public land. 

9. Nebraska

Another state that offers Merriam hunting experiences, Nebraska, has a lot going for it. It has generous public and private land opportunities and flexible tag options for residents and non-residents. 

10. Kentucky 

Kentucky rounds out our list of the best turkey hunting states.

Its mix of hardwood forests, rolling hills, and agricultural fields supports an abundant Eastern turkey population. With generous bag limits and relatively easy access for non-residents, Kentucky is a top choice for hunters looking for a scenic and quality hunt.

How to Choose Your Next Turkey Hunting Destination 

Before you set foot in the wilderness, familiarize yourself with the turkey hunting regulations in the state where you plan to hunt — whether it's one of the ten we've highlighted today or your home state.

These regulations include bag limits, hunting methods, and application deadlines for permits or tags. Be sure also to examine the licensing systems, as while some may offer over-the-counter licenses and tags, a lottery-style approach will not guarantee your right to hunt in a specific location. 

After selecting a location, it's essential to determine whether you want to hunt public or private land.

• Public land provides opportunities in accessible hunting zones such as national forests and wildlife management areas
• Private land opportunities are generally less pressured by other hunters

Look into access programs that lease private land for public hunting, or consider leasing directly from landowners to hunt some exclusive and turkey-rich locations. 

Finally, consider your schedule and how it aligns with the different hunting periods. Spring seasons are for gobblers in their peak mating period, making them very responsive to calls and decoys. However, if this is not possible, a fall hunt can offer great variety and allow you to hunt turkeys in flocks. 

Planning Your Hunt 

Once you've determined your intended hunting location, start scouting.

I'd recommend researching with the HuntWise mapping feature to target areas with cover, food sources, water access, roosting sites, and strutting sites if hunting Spring, as these signs will indicate a high probability of holding birds. After marking a few potential locations on your map, get out and look for signs of turkey activity, such as droppings and tracks, and listen intently for calls and other sounds, such as drumming or gobbling. 

Selecting gear will depend on your chosen hunting environment. For example, in warmer southern climates, such as a Texas hunt, opt for lightweight, breathable camo and clothing, and consider building up these layers and adding waterproof gear in cooler climates.

Consider your intended environment, whether woodland, grassland, or brush pattern, and match patterning to these natural colors. 

Plan The Ultimate Turkey Hunting Experience With HuntWise

Are you planning an epic turkey hunt this year? Proper planning is essential to success, whether planning a guided tour on one of the well-cultivated Texas private lands or a DIY hunt in the hills of Tennessee. It aligns your goals, preferences, and hunting style with the unique opportunities of each state. 

To get a kickstart on your turkey hunt, download the HuntWise app to explore public land access, gear recommendations from our staff and pros, weather insights, discounted gear, and more. 

HuntWise is free to try for your first week!