Ever looked out your window and spotted a wild turkey strutting through your yard? These birds have made one of the most remarkable comebacks in wildlife conservation history. From near extinction in the early twentieth century to thriving populations today, wild turkeys now number around six and a half million across the country. Yet not all states are equally blessed with these impressive birds. Some regions have become absolute hotspots for wild turkey populations, offering hunters and wildlife enthusiasts extraordinary opportunities to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Let’s be real, the distribution of wild turkeys across America tells a fascinating story. It’s about geography, habitat, conservation efforts, and a whole lot of determination from wildlife managers who refused to let these birds disappear. The states with the highest populations have something special going on. Let’s dive in and explore which six states are leading the pack.
Texas: The Undisputed Wild Turkey Capital
Texas leads the nation, with an estimated 600,000 wild turkeys in 2025. Everything really is bigger in Texas, and that includes their commitment to wild turkey conservation. The Lone Star State’s vast and diverse landscapes create perfect conditions for these birds to flourish. From the rolling hills of the Hill Country to the dense woodlands of East Texas, turkeys have found plenty of room to roam.
The state’s vast landscapes and diverse habitats provide ideal conditions for Rio Grande turkeys, the subspecies that thrives in the Lone Star State’s climate. What sets Texas apart isn’t just the sheer numbers. It’s the diversity of habitat available across this massive state. Turkeys need a mix of open areas for feeding and wooded zones for roosting, and Texas delivers both in abundance…