Great Spots to Hunt Wild Turkeys in California

California has some of the best wild turkey hunting in the US. There are three species of turkey that make the State home; Merriam’s, Rio Grande and Eastern. Hybrids are also plentiful and they can include any mix of the three species above.

Merriam’s have white tips on the tail feathers; Eastern feathers are much darker over the entire body. Rio Grande is the most common species and they’re most likely found in areas with lower elevation levels and dry, oak woodlands. Merriam’s are found in elevations that are over 5,000 feet and Eastern range the wet dense forest areas. All three species interbreed in overlapping territories.

Where?

Rio Grande turkeys can be hunted in the foothills of San Joaquin and Sacramento Valleys. Merriam’s range the mountains of El Dorado, San Bernardino, Stanislaus, plus Siskiyou County. Easterns are found in Cleveland National Park and along the North Coast.

Wild turkeys range throughout the entire State, but are more plentiful in Northern California. There are a few areas that offer fairly good turkey hunting south of Bakersfield, but the best hunting is between the Oregon border and Modesto.

Locating Wild Turkeys

Even if you know a particular area has a high population of turkeys, it’s not easy to find them. Only small sections of these areas are home these magnificent birds. Good turkey hunters spend much of their time calling and walking the areas that the turkeys inhabit.

Another way to locate turkeys is to drive along rural roads and look for sign, which includes droppings and tracks. If you still can’t seem to flush the turkeys out of hiding, as a forest ranger or game warden. They’ll be able to point you in the right direction.

For years locals wouldn’t divulge where wild turkeys hung out. That’s changed. Today wild turkey populations are so high that many property owners will tell you exactly where they can be found.

Hot Spots

Turkeys tend to range and establish new territories often. However, they can be found in these general areas, which tend to have frequent hot spots.

• The hills above Lake Shasta. Turkeys are plentiful along Backbone Ridge and Pit River Arm.
• East of Crescent City in Six Rivers National Park.
• East of Gaberville in the southern part of Humbolt County.
• The Berry Creek area around Lake Oroville.
• The western section of Plumas County.
• Hogsback Road, Black Butte Reservoir and the area around Lake Ruth in Tehama County.
• Almost anywhere in Mendocino Pas and Mendocino National Forest, east of Covelo.
• The best wild turkey hunting in the State is in Lake County.

The best wild turkey hunting opportunities are on private property. Be sure to get permission before hunting on private land. Many owners will be glad to grant you the right to hunt for turkeys, while others would prefer that hunters not trespass. Respect their wishes for a positive wild turkey hunting experience. Good luck.