PRESENTS
Welcome to Split Reed's 2nd Annual
Turkey Week
A week dedicated to the wild turkey and aimed at telling the story of turkey hunting in America through craft, conservation, heritage, and compelling storytelling.
Hunt Smarter
Turkey Hunting Tactics
Master the art of turkey hunting with essential techniques to outsmart even the wariest toms.
Late-Season Western Longbeards: Why May is Our Time
If you can crack the code on mid-May birds, you can consistently cut tags.
Master Calling in Hens to Kill More Gobblers
Sometimes the best way to kill a gobbler is by calling hens. We explore how and when to do...
Five Common Turkey Hunting Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these 5 common turkey hunting mistakes to improve your odds of filling a tag this season.
Dos and Don’ts of Public Land Turkey Hunting
Public land turkey hunting is a challenging but rewarding pursuit. These do's and don'ts will leave you prepared for...
Turkey Species Interactive Map
Across five regions of the United States, we’re tracing the regions that define Turkey Hunting — the species that thrive in them, and the people who keep them wild.
Click to explore locations
Merriam's Wild Turkey
Found across the Rocky Mountains and high plains, often in ponderosa pine forests and rugged terrain.
- Bright white-tipped tail feathers
- Lighter wings (more white, less black)
- Smaller spurs and shorter beards
- Common in higher elevation western habitats
Rio Grande Wild Turkey
Native to Texas and the central U.S., thriving in open country, river bottoms, and brush.
- Tan-tipped tail feathers
- Highly adaptable to dry, open landscapes
- Often found near rivers and farmland
- Will roost in non-traditional spots (even power lines)
Hybrid Wild Turkey
Found where subspecies ranges overlap, especially in the central and western U.S.
- Mix of Eastern, Rio Grande, or Merriam's traits
- Vary in appearance and behavior
- Most common in transition zones between regions
- Still being studied and not fully understood
Gould's Wild Turkey
The rarest North American subspecies, found in southern Arizona, New Mexico, and northern Mexico.
- Large body size (biggest of the subspecies)
- White-tipped tail feathers (similar to Merriam's)
- Light to moderately colored wings
- Lives in mountainous pine-oak forests
Eastern Wild Turkey
The most widespread subspecies across the eastern U.S. and parts of Canada.
- Chestnut-brown tipped tail feathers
- Longest beards of all subspecies
- Strong, classic gobble
- Found in hardwood forests and river bottoms
Osceola Wild Turkey
Native only to Florida, living in swamps, palmetto flats, and pine forests.
- Dark brown tail tips
- Mostly black wings with minimal white barring
- Longer spurs than most subspecies
- Known for being one of the toughest to call in
Data and Insights Courtesy of the National Wild Turkey Federation
Make Every Hunt Count
The Best Turkey Hunting Gear
From the best shotguns and camo patterns to calls and decoys, we break down the essentials to give you the edge in the field.
You Don’t Need a Dedicated Turkey Gun. Here’s Why
Five reasons buying a turkey-specific shotguns aren't worth the money for most hunters
New Turkey Gear from NWTF Convention 2026
This year at the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Convention, hunters saw an influx of exciting new turkey gear....
New Turkey Guns and Ammo from NWTF Convention 2026
Every year, the National Wild Turkey Convention (NWTF) holds its annual convention in Nashville. This show brings together turkey...
Preserve the Culture
Turkey Heritage
From the evolution of turkey calls to hard-earned lessons in the woods, Heritage explores the roots of turkey hunting its history, traditions, and the stories that shape it.
Turkey Week Podcast
Dedicated Turkey Week podcasts featuring real stories, hard-earned lessons, and unfiltered conversations from the woods. From close calls to calling strategies, it’s the kind of insight you only get after seasons spent chasing birds.
From Field to Table
Food & Culture
The hunt doesn’t end at the harvest. Recipes, wild game cooking, and the rituals that bring people together—because turkey season is just as much about the table as it is the woods.
Protect the pursuit
Turkey Conservation
Healthy habitat means more birds—and better seasons ahead. We highlight the people, projects, and practices working to ensure turkey hunting thrives for generations to come.
