Turkey season is fast approaching and this comes the opportunity to travel and hunt different states. Some may think that every state offers the same opportunity and same species of turkeys when it comes to turkey hunting. Every state can offer different species of turkeys and a higher population of turkeys for a better success rate for your booked hunt.
- South Dakota
South Dakota is definitely a state that is not on many hunters radars. Although many hunters ignore this state, South Dakota offers superb Whitetail hunting and even better Turkey hunting. Many people book their turkey hunts in South Dakota because of the Merriam Turkey. Another thing that South Dakota offers is a ton of public land and a lot of outfitters. This makes South Dakota a cheaper option if you decide to book a hunt in South Dakota.
Picture: NebraskaLand Magazine
2. Florida
Many people come to Florida to hunt the Osceola Turkey, which can only be found in this state. Biologists estimate that their is roughly around 100,000 Osceola Turkeys in the bottom of the states peninsula. The success rate for hunting these birds is also very high. Florida is also a good option because of the low non-resident hunting licenses. A 10 day hunting license can be purchased which is less costly than a $300 full season license
Picture: Mossy Oak
3. Texas
Texas is one of the states that is on my bucket list hunts. Texas offers the highest population of turkeys with an estimated population of 500,000 eastern and rio turkeys. One downside to Texas is the lack of public land making this one of the more expensive hunts. Outfitters are highly populated in Texas and are often reasonably priced to book a hunt with. Texas is overall a very good turkey hunting state where you can harvest multiple turkeys at a reasonable rate.
Picture:Sean Fitzgerald
2. Alabama
Alabama offers some of the best turkey hunting in the United States. The turkey population in Alabama is estimated to be around 500,000 with a limit of 5 turkeys a hunter. No other state has this generous of a bag limit except for South Carolina. Alabama also has the highest harvest each year. If you’re booking a hunt only based off of success then Alabama should be your state. Alabama only has one type of turkey being the eastern turkey but with a population of half a million and the success rate of Alabama it’s a no brainer for this state to be top 5.
Picture: Outdoor Life
- Missouri
Missouri is personally my favorite place to hunt turkeys. Although the hunting used to be a lot better in past years, Missouri is still a favorite. Missouri biologists estimate that they’re around 300,000 turkeys in Missouri. The best part about Missouri is that public land is very abundant with incredible turkey management. You won’t be surprised to hear multiple turkeys in a day of hunting.
New River Outdoors 
Come hunt the Croatan National Forest here in NC. Season starts Saturday morning April 13th.
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