Wild Turkey Populations Thrive, Offering Prime Opportunities for Wyoming Spring Hunters

Thanks to a recent population surge, Wyoming hunters are enjoying one of the best spring wild turkey seasons in recent memory, Cowboy State Daily reports.

Wildlife experts say the conditions are ideal for both veteran hunters and newcomers looking to explore the sport.

“This is arguably one of the best springs to get out and hunt turkeys,” said Brandon Werner, wildlife management coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Casper region.

Factors contributing to this strong season include several mild winters and moist springs, which have led to productive hatches and increased turkey numbers across the state.

Wyoming is home primarily to Merriam’s wild turkeys, and their numbers are on the rise, especially in the Black Hills, Laramie Range, and Bighorn Basin. Werner noted that the birds are also expanding their range farther south and west.

Owen Miller, a northeastern Wyoming resident and hunting guide, reported a productive season so far for himself and those he guides.

“Breeding season is in full swing. Hens are nesting and the toms are responding well to calls,” he said, describing how he was able to call in several birds from hundreds of yards away.

According to Werner, an average of four young turkeys (pullets) per hen has been recorded in recent years — a sign of a robust and growing population.

Wyoming’s spring turkey hunting season runs through the end of May. Turkeys, alongside black bears, are among the few species that can be hunted during both the spring and fall. Spring is particularly popular due to the interactive nature of turkey hunting — involving calling, camouflage, and strategic movement — and because it provides families a chance to enjoy the outdoors together after a long winter.

“Younger kids can join, and it’s a great way to get outside as the snow melts,” said Game and Fish spokeswoman Janet Milek.

The popularity of spring turkey hunting is growing, drawing not only local hunters but also enthusiasts from out of state. Many come in search of the elusive Merriam’s turkey to complete what’s known as a “grand slam” — harvesting all four major wild turkey subspecies: Merriam’s, Eastern, Rio Grande, and Osceola.

Miller expects this trend to continue, especially in regions like the Black Hills.

“I feel the turkey population is very healthy,” he said, “and will be guiding hunters in the following years as many come to Wyoming in search of a Merriam’s gobbler.”

Despite the common perception that turkeys are not particularly intelligent — often seen wandering into traffic — hunting them in the wild is anything but easy. Turkeys have keen eyesight and hearing, making them a challenge for even experienced hunters.

“Don’t ever underestimate the intelligence of these birds,” Milek cautioned.

Most hunters use shotguns, often making close-range headshots after calling toms into range. According to Werner, about 70% of spring harvests are with shotguns, 12% with rifles, and the rest with archery equipment or muzzle-loaders.