Turkey Hunting

| 2008 spring turkey regulations (PDF) |
| 2008 spring turkey brochure and applications (PDF) |

Turkey Surveys
| 2007 Spring Turkey Hunter Email Survey |
| 2006 Spring Turkey Hunter Survey--Results |

The return of the wild turkey to Nebraska, other states that historically had turkey populations and to states outside the turkey's historic range is one of the great success stories of wildlife management.

The wild turkey was extirpated from Nebraska by about 1915. The modern history of wild turkeys in Nebraska began with releases in 1959. The population prospered, especially in the Merriams subspecies and hybrid birds, and the turkey's range now includes most major river drainages and the pine ridge. Small, isolated populations are found in appropriate habitat outside the primary range.

The wild turkey is the largest upland game bird in North America. Adult Merriam's toms taken in the fall season average 18 pounds and adult hens average 10 pounds. Hybrid birds can be heavier weighing more than 25 pounds.

Most of Nebraska's turkey hunting takes place on private land, and preseason scouting to establish and renew landowner contacts and locate flocks are the first steps to a successful hunt.