3 Great States for a Non-Resident Turkey Hunt
Stack the odds in your favor by hunting the states that produce results year after year.
Sport Hawk | 3.7.21
Browse any online analysis of the top states for a DIY turkey hunt, and most likely either Missouri, Nebraska, or Kansas will be on everybody’s short list. If populations in your state are down this year, or if you are just looking to walk some new country, you’ll find reliable gobbler hunting in one of these perennial favorites.
MISSOURI
Missouri should be on any turkey hunter’s bucket list. There are public lands throughout the state, which is well known for its abundant Eastern wild turkey population. One caveat: Spring hunting hours end daily at 1 pm, but that shouldn’t deter anyone from loading up their rig for The Show-Me State.
Wildlife Agency: Missouri Department of Conservation
Public Land Option: Mark Twain National Forest
NEBRASKA
Cornhusker country boasts big toms, rope beards, and one of the longest turkey seasons anywhere. Merriam’s dominate the west, with a mix of Rio, Eastern, and hybrids (Merriam’s/Eastern/Rio) farther east. Archery-only season starts in late March, and the regular season runs through May. Hunters are allowed three permits per person in the spring, with one tom or bearded hen per permit.
Wildlife Agency: Nebraska Game and Parks
Public Lands Option: Fort Robinson Wildlife Management Area and State Park
KENTUCKY
Kentucky’s has one of the largest estimated turkey populations in the country. The state’s general season begins April 13 and runs through May 5 with a bag limit of two bearded birds, one per day. Pay attention to spring weather patterns, and if the early weeks bring harsh weather and delayed gobbling, consider a late-season turkey hunt in the Blue Grass State if you are still looking to bag that eleventh-hour bird.
Wildlife Agency: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources
Public Land Option: Land Between the Lakes
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Outdoor Life Spring 2022 Turkey Hunting Forecast
Bowhunting.Com 12 Best Turkey Hunting States (2018)
Wide Open Spaces 5 Best Turkey Hunting States (2016)
American Hunter Top 10 Turkey States (2011)
Staff photo