SPECIES OVERVIEW TURKEY

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Research by State

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Western Turkey Hunting by State

Written By: Hunter LeMasters | Advisor

I have spent an extensive amount of time researching and have put together what I believe to be the one-stop shop for all things turkey across the Western states. The rest of the Midwest and eastern states are all fairly easy, as almost everything, from deer to turkeys, is available over the counter with no deadline or draw application to put in for. The sixteen western states covered in this article all have a draw system for big game hunting, which can be daunting for a traveling hunter to figure out, but not all of these states have a draw for turkeys. On this page, you’ll find a quick cheat sheet to western turkey hunting. To go along with it, I have created an even more in-depth article for each state where I cover spring and fall draws, OTC options, odds, harvests, where to hunt, season dates, prices, ways to obtain tags that aren’t a draw or OTC, and much more. To access this detailed information click on the state icons above.

Using This Western Turkey Hunting Research

The data I have piled together here and in the state-specific pages is to help hunters on their quest to travel and turkey hunt. The data provided is the most recent data available from each state as of October 2026. Some states had information available for upcoming seasons, which was included when available, but this information is a mainly a reference for what it was like hunting in a given state in prior seasons. Hunt codes are liable to change. Season dates, quotas, and more can also change. Use this information to draw your own conclusions and help you plan for your hunt, but make sure you are also consulting current regulations for each state and following the rules. For those trying to draw a tag, you can also use these resources to review when draw deadlines took place and where it would be best to focus your applications to increase your odds of drawing a tag.

If you want help planning a hunt or have further questions surrounding turkey hunting after reading this magazine and the online information for each state, reach out to myself or another hunt advisor. We would be glad to help. If you are looking for a guided turkey hunt, we work with some great HFA-Endorsed Outfitters, and we can get you connected with the right one for the subspecies you are after.

Western Big Game Hunting Strategy

Advisor Articles from Our Magazine on Turkey Application and Hunting Strategy

Western Turkey OTC Opportunity by State and Season

State Spring OTC? Spring OTC Opportunity Fall OTC? Fall OTC Opportunity
Arizona YES - RESTRICTED Adult, archery-only, non-permit tags in listed units; youth-only, shotgun, non-permit tags also offered. YES - RESTRICTED Adult, archery-only in listed units; youth-only, shotgun in selected units.
California YES Statewide general spring, archery-only, and additional junior seasons are OTC. YES Statewide general fall season is OTC for either-sex birds.
Colorado YES - LISTED GMUs Unlimited OTC licenses for bearded turkey in listed open GMUs. YES - LISTED GMUs Unlimited OTC in listed GMUs; late private-land-only beardless licenses in Units 112 and 113.
Idaho YES General OTC spring seasons across most of the state; male or bearded birds. YES - OPEN UNITS General OTC fall seasons in open units; special-unit tags also available for designated northern units.
Kansas NO No standard OTC spring permit for ordinary non-residents; qualifying non-resident tenants may buy OTC, and leftover draw permits may be sold first-come. NO SEASON Kansas has no fall turkey season.
Montana YES Unlimited OTC spring licenses, including the statewide general license and applicable regional/area licenses. YES - AREA SPECIFIC OTC fall licenses are available, but validity depends on region, county, boundary, and sex authorization.
Nebraska YES - QUOTA LIMITED Statewide non-resident spring permits are sold OTC until the 10,000 permit quota fills. YES Statewide fall permits are unlimited OTC for residents and non-residents.
Nevada NO No unlimited statewide OTC tag; Unit 051 landowner-signed tags and unpredictable adult leftovers are the main non-draw paths. NO No unlimited statewide OTC tag; Unit 051 landowner-signed tags and possible adult leftovers are the alternatives.
New Mexico YES - OPEN UNITS Statewide OTC in open units, plus a youth OTC season; listed draw areas and closures are excluded. YES - OPEN UNITS OTC fall bow and general seasons in open units; extensive listed closures apply.
North Dakota NO No state spring OTC option for non-residents; tribal permits and three NWTF licenses are separate pathways. LEFTOVERS ONLY Non-residents may buy unit-specific fall leftovers first-come after the resident draw, if licenses remain.
Oklahoma YES Regular and youth spring seasons are OTC statewide; controlled hunts remain separate. YES Statewide fall archery and fall gun in open counties are OTC; area-specific public-land rules apply.
Oregon YES Unlimited statewide OTC spring tags; up to three tags may be held. YES - OPEN WMUs OTC fall tags in open western and eastern WMUs; private-land beardless permits are also OTC.
South Dakota YES - ARCHERY Unlimited statewide spring archery for non-residents; Prairie leftovers may be sold first-come. Black Hills firearm requires a non-resident draw. LIMITED ONLY No broad general OTC route; eligible mentored licenses are unlimited, and draw leftovers may be sold first-come.
Utah YES Unlimited statewide general-season permit outside closed areas, trust lands, and CWMUs. YES - LIMITED SALE Fall management permits are limited and sold first-come for four mostly private-land regions.
Washington YES Statewide OTC spring season except areas closed to bird hunting; youth receive an early season. YES - DESIGNATED GMUs OTC fall general seasons in designated eastern, north-central, and Klickitat / Skamania-area GMUs.
Wyoming YES - AFTER DRAW General Area 1 licenses are unlimited OTC through issue-after-draw sales; Type 3 leftovers may also be available. YES - AFTER DRAW Unlimited General Area 1 licenses move to issue-after-draw sales; Type 3 leftovers may also be available.

Turkey Hunting Slams: Grand, Royal, World & U.S. Super Slam

There are a lot of hunters traveling around in the spring, searching and hoping to complete their U.S. Super Slam as well as complete their Grand and Royal Slam. The Royal Slam requires adding a Gould’s to your Grand Slam (Eastern, Rio, Merriam, Osceola). This is going to be very hard to do unless you book a hunt with an outfitter in Mexico, as only a couple of states (New Mexico and Arizona) have a Gould’s population. The only way a non-resident can draw a Gould’s in the states is by hoping to pull one of the very few tags in Arizona randomly, as there are not enough tags offered per hunt to allow one to go to the non-resident with the most points. New Mexico also has a draw for Gould’s, but they only allot four tags, and that is not enough tags for there to be a quota for non-residents. While in Mexico, you could also add an Ocellated turkey to complete your World Slam.  

Understanding Turkey Subspecies and Slam Requirements

The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) relies on the geographic location of the harvest and physical characteristics of the bird, such as its plumage, to accept it in the record books towards your slam. So, if the bird displays characteristics of the subspecies recognized by the state agency, then NWTF will accept it. You can also go over to NWTF and check their subspecies distribution map to get a better understanding. It might be worthwhile to hunt areas where there is one identified subspecies, rather than hunting an area where they are overlapping and have hybrids. I will also go into detail here on where you can find each subspecies in each state. 

Turkey Subspecies and Distribution by State

State Turkey Subspecies or Genetic Influence Distribution and Hunting Context
Arizona Merriam's, Gould's, Rio Grande Merriam's are the primary opportunity. Gould's occur in the southeast. Rio Grandes occur on the Arizona Strip, but there is no current huntable population or draw code for them.
California Rio Grande, Merriam's, Eastern, hybrids Rio Grandes are the most widespread. Merriam's favor higher pine country; Eastern and hybrid birds occur in smaller, localized populations.
Colorado Merriam's, Rio Grande Merriam's occupy mountain and foothill habitat; Rio Grandes occur mainly in eastern riparian and agricultural country.
Idaho Merriam's, Rio Grande, Eastern, hybrids Merriam's provide the most opportunity. Rio Grandes occur along major river corridors; Easterns were introduced near Dworshak Reservoir.
Kansas Rio Grande, Eastern, hybrids Rio Grandes dominate the western two-thirds; Easterns are common in the northeast and southeast, with a transition zone between them.
Montana Merriam's, Eastern, hybrids Merriam's are strongest in ponderosa breaks and southeastern badlands; Easterns favor eastern river bottoms and agricultural cover.
Nebraska Merriam's, Eastern, Rio Grande, hybrids Most birds are hybrids. Merriam's traits are strongest in the Panhandle and Niobrara Valley; Eastern influence increases eastward; Rio traits occur mainly in central and southern Nebraska.
Nevada Rio Grande, Merriam's, hybrids Rio Grandes make up most opportunity in irrigated valleys and riparian habitat. Merriam's and mixed birds occupy colder, higher country.
New Mexico Merriam's, Rio Grande, Gould's Merriam's anchor public-land OTC hunting. Rio Grandes use lower river corridors. Gould's are limited to far southwest draw-only opportunity.
North Dakota Merriam's, Eastern, Rio Grande, hybrids All three were introduced and have been managed as one species. Hybridization and translocations blur exact subspecies boundaries.
Oklahoma Rio Grande, Eastern, Merriam's, hybrids Rio Grandes are the most widespread. Easterns occupy the far east and southeast. Merriam's influence is localized in far western Cimarron County.
Oregon Rio Grande, Merriam's, hybrids Modern populations have been introduced. The source notes that few, if any, genetically pure Merriam's remain, so hunters should expect Rio Grandes and mixed influence.
South Dakota Eastern, Merriam's, Rio Grande, hybrids Easterns occupy suitable habitat east of the Missouri River; Merriam's dominate west of the river, especially the Black Hills. Rios inhabit small northeast and southeast pockets.
Utah Rio Grande, Merriam's, hybrids Rio Grandes favor lower river bottoms and agricultural edges; Merriam's are most dependable in higher ponderosa and mountain habitat.
Washington Merriam's, Rio Grande, Eastern, hybrids Merriam's and Rio Grandes are concentrated east of the Cascades; Easterns occur west of the Cascades in localized counties.
Wyoming Merriam's, Rio Grande, hybrids Merriam's are the signature public-land bird in pine country. Rio Grande influence is strongest along lower river corridors and agricultural bottoms.
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Climbing to 49: Chasing Turkeys Across the United States

If you want to read a phenomenal book about chasing the U.S. Super Slam, a friend of mine, Tanner Burns from West Virginia, was the youngest to complete it until very recently, finishing his slam with a white gobbler in Hawaii. That hunt was actually filmed, and you can find it on “Dave Owens: the Pinhoti Project” YouTube channel. The book is called Climbing to 49. It was written by Darin Potter and contains detailed stories from each state Tanner hunted and harvested a turkey in as well as tips and lessons to help other hunters. Tanner is also the best taxidermist around for Turkeys. If you want a turkey mounted, you need to get him your bird. His business is Full Draw Taxidermy, located in Buckhannon, West Virginia.

Non-resident Turkey Hunting Costs by State

State Required License or Base Fee Turkey Permit or Tag Other Fees and Example Total
Arizona $160.00 combination license $105.00 draw permit tag; $90.00 archery OTC tag $15.00 application/point component listed as included in permit-tag pricing. Example: $265.00 draw; $250.00 archery OTC.
California $225.46 annual or $64.54 two-day No separate turkey tag $25.41 upland game bird validation; draw applications extra. Example: $250.87 annual; $89.95 two-day.
Colorado $12.76 Habitat Stamp $194.21 spring or fall turkey license $11.49 application processing fee for a draw application. Example: $206.97 license purchase; $218.46 with draw fee.
Idaho $141.75 annual small-game or $71.75 three-day; $10.00 access fee $88.00 turkey tag $18.00 controlled-hunt application; $81.75 archery permit when required. Example: $239.75 annual general; $169.75 three-day general.
Kansas $125.00 annual hunting license $85.00 spring permit base price KDWP also described $12.50 application and a $75 permit; checkout fees vary. Example: $210.00 base; source notes draw components may total $212.50 before checkout fees.
Montana $15.00 base hunting + $10.00 conservation $115.00 each; $57.50 each with $110.00 upland license Upland option becomes less expensive when buying two turkey licenses. Example: $140.00 for one turkey; $250.00 for two with upland option.
Nebraska $25.00 Habitat Stamp; no small-game permit $158.00 spring or fall permit Prices include $3.00 issuing fee. Example: $183.00 for one adult turkey permit.
Nevada $155.00 annual hunting & fishing combination $50.00 turkey tag $10.00 application/point, $3.00 game-tag application, & $1.00 processing. Example: $219.00 standard draw route.
New Mexico $90.00 game hunting license $125.00 turkey license $4.00 HMAV; add $10.00 Habitat Stamp on USFS/BLM; $13.00 draw application. Example: $219 OTC nonfederal; $229 OTC federal; add $13.00 to total for draw.
North Dakota $5.00 certificate & $20.00 general game and habitat license $100.00 state fall leftover license State spring is resident-only; Standing Rock spring permit listed at $175.00. Example: $125.00 for state fall route; tribal permit is separate.
Oklahoma $209.00 annual hunting license $40.00 spring or fall turkey license Add $100.00 game-bird permit on listed public areas or $200.00 land access permit on OLAP/leased areas; draw fees separate. Example: $249.00 basic OTC; $349.00 listed public-area route; $449.00 OLAP/leased route.
Oregon $193.00 annual or $36.00 three-day game-bird license $90.00 spring/fall tag; $90.00 beardless permit Game-bird validation not required for turkey-only hunting; no turkey application fee. Example: $283.00 annual one-tag route; $126.00 three-day route.
South Dakota No separate general hunting license $121.00 standard spring; $151.00 two-bird Prairie; $106.00 standard fall; $131.00 two-bird fall $25.00 annual Habitat Stamp; $20.00 optional preference point. Example: $146.00 standard spring; $176.00 two-bird Prairie; $131.00 standard fall; $156.00 two-bird fall.
Utah $144.00 annual hunting license $175.00 spring turkey permit $21.00 draw application/point fee; 2.2% electronic transaction fee. Example: $319 permit route; $340 with draw fee, before transaction fee.
Washington $252.47 annual or $93.08 three-day small-game license $61.22 first tag; $91.58 for each additional tag $152.30 Teanaway application; 2.9% card fee when paying online or via phone. Example: $313.69 annual one-tag route or $154.30 three-day route before card fee.
Wyoming No separate base license $74.00 spring or fall turkey license $21.50 conservation stamp; 2.5% online processing fee. Example: $95.50 for one license before online processing fee.

Guided Turkey Hunts

Merriam's Turkey Hunt on Private Land Turkey
HFA427-3

Merriam's Turkey Hunt on Private Land Turkey

Species: Merriams Turkey
Cost: $2,500.00
Location: Colorado, United States of America
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Turkey Harvest Limits by State

State Spring Limit Fall Limit Annual Maximum or Controlling Condition
Arizona 1 bearded turkey 1 any-sex turkey 1 turkey per calendar year; a spring tag precludes a fall bird.
California 1 bearded turkey per day; 3 total for season 1 either-sex turkey per day; 2 total for season Up to 5 annually across spring and fall.
Colorado 2 bearded turkeys (1 limited license and 1 OTC license) 1 either-sex turkey; late season may allow 2 beardless private-land birds Up to 5 assuming the hunter holds the required licenses and qualifies for the late hunt.
Idaho 2 male or visible-beard turkeys Daily and season limit equals the number of valid fall tags held No single annual number stated; fall harvest is tag dependent.
Kansas 1 turkey with a visible beard Closed 1 turkey in 2026.
Montana Each license authorizes 1 bird under its terms Each license authorizes 1 bird under its terms Up to 16 turkey licenses in the license year; each has its own area, season, and sex restrictions.
Nebraska 2 permits (1 male or bearded female per permit) 1 permit (1 either-sex turkey) 3 for a standard hunter; qualifying landowners may add 1 restricted spring and 1 restricted fall permit.
Nevada 1 bearded turkey 1 either-sex turkey 1 turkey per calendar year; a hunter cannot receive both spring and fall tags.
New Mexico 2 bearded turkeys statewide, subject to permit authorization 1 either-sex turkey Up to 3 across separate spring and fall limits.
North Dakota 1 per license, except for Standing Rock, which lists 2 visible-beard birds; state spring is resident-only 1 either-sex turkey per state license Non-resident state fall maximum depends on leftovers; 2025 allowed up to 5, and the 2026 maximum was listed as pending at the time of print.
Oklahoma 1 regular-season tom 1 regular-season tom A controlled-hunt turkey is a bonus bird; potential annual total of 3 if drawn and otherwise eligible.
Oregon 1 male or visible-beard bird per day; 3 total for season 2 general fall tags (only 1 may be used in eastern Oregon); up to 3 beardless permits with a limit of 3 per permit Theoretical maximum is 14 (3 spring, 2 fall tag birds, & 9 fall beardless-permit birds) subject to all area and sex rules.
South Dakota Standard license authorizes 1 male; Prairie type 35 authorizes 2 Type 31 authorizes 1 either-sex bird; type 37 authorizes 2 License-based; leftover rules can allow additional licenses, so the source does not state a fixed annual cap.
Utah 1 bearded turkey Up to 3 management permits; no more than 2 beardless and 1 either-sex Up to 4 annually across spring and fall.
Washington Up to 3 bearded birds, reduced in some counties Up to 4 birds, reduced in some GMUs Ordinary maximum is 7, though geography can reduce it.
Wyoming Up to 3; at least 2 licenses must be Type 3 Up to 3; at least 2 licenses must be Type 3 Practical maximum of 6, with license-type and area restrictions.
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