Texas We Have a Problem: Spring Turkey

By: Justin "MrJayCam" Campbell | Equalized Outdoors

December 22, 2025

As we head towards another new year, and deer seasons around the country begin to conclude, the anticipation of another spring starts to fill the mind.   For some, the thought of spring is never far.  It is always there, living rent-free in the afflicted minds.  Some have been in the woods on several different occasions, while for others, it is the only time they emerge and venture into the woods each year. 

By now, those minds have already figured out what this article is about.  Turkey hunting. Each spring, legions of hunters put in the time, miles, and effort in pursuit of a mature tom.  Public lands all over the country begin to see a return of activity from hunters in search of one of America’s five subspecies of wild turkey.  Each of which is challenging in its own special way.   Early seasons typically begin in March, while others start in April or even May.

Hunters will drive countless miles as they tag out in their home state and seek other opportunities.  Or maybe they are attempting to complete the ever-popular US Super Slam, which involves killing a turkey in all 49 states that hold wild turkeys.  Tags are usually more affordable for non-residents as well, compared to non-resident big game tags in the fall.  Many states also come with multiple tags.  In Virginia, for example, hunters can harvest up to three gobblers, depending on how many, if any, were taken in the fall.  Here in Texas, that number is four, and it varies across the country, with some states sporting limits as low as one bird.

However, in Texas, despite having four tags, unless you plan on extensive out-of-state travel, you're lucky enough to draw a public land opportunity, or own land that holds birds, your enthusiasm may be rightfully subdued, because here in Texas, we have a Problem.  Spring Turkey in Texas is essentially a pay-to-play game.   

Currently, even though wild turkeys are present in 252 out of 254 counties, according to the Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) website, only 177 of those counties have a wild turkey season.  It doesn’t help that Texas is roughly 99 percent privately owned, either.  Despite having more than one million acres of public land available to hunters, only a small fraction of that is available to turkey hunters. Jason Hardin, the TPWD Wild Turkey Program lead, told us the following: “Much of TPWD’s public lands do not have wild turkeys present; this alone significantly limits opportunity”. 

Image Courtesy of Texas A&M

As it currently stands, hunters can apply to hunt turkey via draw, on only 7 out of 50 Wildlife Management Areas, and a few other locations via the E-postcard hunt process.  There are also some Corps of Engineers hunts available for those willing to do the necessary legwork, but this article’s focus is on the TPWD offerings.   Hunters wishing to enter these draws must do so early, as the deadline to be entered in the draw is typically around November 1^st. 

Texas differs from most other states in this regard.   Sure, different states have drawn or quota hunts, but they usually also have several free walk-in opportunities available for hunters.   Birds may not be plentiful, and the hunting may be difficult, but the opportunity is there.  Something hard to come by for many Texans.

With demand for turkey hunting far outpacing supply in the state, a change is needed, and TPWD is actively working to provide it.  Mr. Hardin also told us, “TPWD is actively restocking with turkeys along the Sulphur, Trinity, Neches, San Gabriel, and Little Rivers. Several public hunting areas are located within these watersheds and have served as release sites over the last few years”. 

Image Courtesy of TPWD

After releasing wild turkeys into an area Mr. Hardin also told us, “TPWD typically waits a minimum of 5 years post restocking before proposing to provide turkey hunting opportunities”, and “Restocking efforts are in large part funded by hunter dollars, and the opportunity to provided hunting opportunities around these release sites on public lands will be a true measure of restocking success”.

Whether and how many of these hunts will continue to be accessible by draw only remains to be seen, but Texas hunters and others can rest assured that the department is aware of the issue and working on it.  Though the timeline currently remains unclear.  We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.