High Plains to Forests: Turkey Hunting in Colorado

Colorado Turkey Hunting

Colorado, with its diverse landscapes ranging from the high plains to dense forests and rugged mountains, offers some of the most varied turkey hunting opportunities in the United States. The Centennial State is home to thriving populations of wild turkeys, providing hunters with a chance to pursue their quarry in breathtaking settings.

Why Colorado is a Great Destination for Turkey Hunting

Colorado's combination of high desert plains, rolling foothills, and forested mountains creates ideal habitats for two primary turkey subspecies: Merriam’s turkey and Rio Grande turkey. Merriam’s turkeys are predominantly found in the mountainous regions, while Rio Grandes inhabit the plains and river corridors. The state’s extensive public lands and strong conservation efforts make turkey hunting accessible and rewarding.

Whether you’re stalking birds in the rugged terrain of the Rockies or calling them in from open prairie, Colorado provides a diverse and exciting turkey hunting experience.

Turkey Subspecies Found in Colorado

Merriam’s Turkey

• Habitat: Merriam’s turkeys are primarily found in the mountainous regions of Colorado, including ponderosa pine forests, oak brush areas, and mid-elevation meadows.

• Behavior: These turkeys are known for their striking white-tipped tail feathers and their tendency to roost in tall pines. When hunting Merriam's turkeys, it is crucial to identify deciduous trees near water sources, listen for faint gobbles, and use various calls to attract them while exploring vast public lands.

• Locations: Western and central Colorado, including the San Juan Mountains, Gunnison Basin, and Front Range foothills.

Rio Grande Turkey

• Habitat: Rio Grande turkeys are more common on the eastern plains, thriving in riparian areas, cottonwood groves, and agricultural fields.

• Behavior: They are often seen near water sources and fields, making them easier to spot in open terrain.

• Locations: Eastern Colorado along river corridors such as the Arkansas River and South Platte River.

Top Turkey Hunting Locations in Colorado

San Juan National Forest

Located in southwestern Colorado, this area is a prime spot for mountain turkey, specifically Merriam’s turkeys. The mix of pine forests, meadows, and rugged terrain provides ideal habitats. Hunters should focus on areas with ponderosa pines where turkeys roost and nearby meadows where they feed.

Pike National Forest

Situated in central Colorado, this forest offers excellent hunting for Merriam’s turkeys. The foothills and lower elevations provide a mix of oak brush and pine forests, perfect for finding turkeys during the spring season.

Arkansas River Valley

The Arkansas River Valley, located on Colorado’s eastern plains, is a hotspot for Rio Grande turkeys. The cottonwood groves and agricultural fields along the river create prime habitat that can hold turkeys. This area is ideal for hunters seeking more accessible terrain.

South Platte River Corridor

The South Platte River region, in northeastern Colorado, is home to thriving populations of Rio Grande turkeys. The riparian zones and nearby agricultural fields attract birds, making this an excellent area for turkey hunting.

Gunnison Basin

The Gunnison Basin in western Colorado is another great location for Merriam’s turkeys. The area’s mix of open meadows, sagebrush, and pine forests provides diverse hunting opportunities. Hunters often face challenges locating these mountain birds, as they wander across various elevations in search of food, requiring tactics like hiking long distances and scouting different areas.

Comanche National Grassland

Located in southeastern Colorado, this grassland is an excellent area for Rio Grande turkeys. Focus on riparian zones and areas with scattered trees for the best chance of success.

Turkey Hunting Seasons and Regulations in Colorado

Colorado offers both spring and fall turkey hunting seasons, with spring being the most popular for pursuing gobblers.

Spring Season

• Timing: Typically mid-April through late May.

• Focus: Male turkeys (gobblers) and bearded hens.

• Calling: This is the ideal time for calling turkeys into range during their breeding season.

Fall Season

• Timing: Typically September through October.

• Focus: Both sexes may be harvested.

• Strategy: Ambush and spot-and-stalk tactics are effective as turkeys travel in groups.

Licenses and Permits

Hunters must obtain a Colorado small game hunting license.

A separate turkey license is required for the spring or fall season.

Habitat stamps are mandatory for hunters aged 18–64.

Consult the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) website for specific season dates, bag limits, and zone regulations.

Additionally, effective land management practices by the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management play a crucial role in hunting conditions and wildlife populations, so it is advisable to consult local land management offices for information regarding road closures and turkey habitats.

Essential Gear for Turkey Hunting in Colorado

Turkey hunting in Colorado’s varied landscapes requires specialized gear to ensure success and comfort:

• Shotgun and Ammunition: A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun with turkey-specific loads (e.g., #4 or #5 shot) is ideal for ethical kills.

• Camouflage: Opt for terrain-appropriate patterns, such as forest or prairie designs, to blend into the environment.

• Turkey Calls: Box, slate, or mouth calls are essential for attracting gobblers during the spring season.

• Decoys: Lightweight hen and jake decoys can be highly effective, especially in open terrain.

• Binoculars: Quality optics help spot turkeys in dense forests or across open plains.

• Boots: Sturdy, waterproof boots are necessary for navigating Colorado’s rugged terrain and varying conditions.

• Backpack: Carry water, snacks, and extra gear for extended hunts in remote areas.

• Cold-Weather Gear: Colorado’s spring mornings can be cold; dress in layers to stay comfortable.

Strategies for Successful Turkey Hunting in Colorado

Scouting

• Pre-Hunt Scouting: Locate roosting sites by listening for gobbles at dawn and dusk. Look for tracks, droppings, and scratching in feeding areas. 

• Trail Cameras: Use cameras in likely areas to identify patterns and pinpoint turkey activity.

• Map Study: Study topographic maps and satellite imagery to locate prime habitat, such as water sources, meadows, and ridgelines.

Calling Techniques

• Start Soft: Begin with soft yelps or clucks to avoid spooking wary birds.

• Mimic Realism: Vary your calls to mimic natural turkey sounds, such as cutting or purring.

• Locator Calls: Use owl hoots, crow calls, or coyote howls to elicit gobbles and locate birds.

Decoy Placement

• Field Hunting: Set decoys in open areas near likely travel routes or feeding spots. Position hen decoys with a jake decoy nearby to attract territorial gobblers.

• Forest Hunting: Use minimal decoys in dense terrain to avoid detection by sharp-eyed turkeys.

Ambush Strategies

• Set Up Near Roosts: Position yourself near known roosting areas early in the morning.

• Interception Points: Identify travel routes between roosts and feeding areas to intercept turkeys during their daily movements.

Adjusting to Terrain

• Plains: Focus on riparian zones, agricultural fields, and scattered tree groves. Use decoys and longer calling sequences to attract turkeys across open spaces.

• Forests: Hunt along ridgelines, meadows, and water sources. Be patient and rely on soft calls to coax wary gobblers into range. 

Conservation and Ethical Hunting Practices

Colorado’s wild turkey populations rely on responsible hunting and habitat conservation. Hunters can contribute by:

• Adhering to bag limits and season regulations.

• Minimizing waste and ensuring clean, ethical kills.

• Respecting private property and securing permission for hunts on private land.

• Supporting conservation organizations and habitat restoration initiatives.

Conclusion

From the rolling plains to the rugged Rocky Mountains, Colorado offers a turkey hunting experience like no other. Whether you’re pursuing Merriam’s turkeys in the forests or Rio Grandes along river corridors, the state’s diverse landscapes and abundant public lands provide endless opportunities for success. By scouting effectively, mastering calling techniques, and adapting to the terrain, hunters can enjoy a challenging and rewarding turkey hunting season in the Centennial State.

FAQs

What makes Colorado a great destination for turkey hunting?

Colorado’s diverse habitats, thriving populations of Merriam’s and Rio Grande turkeys, and abundant public lands make it an excellent choice for turkey hunters.

What are the key turkey hunting seasons in Colorado?

The spring season runs from mid-April through late May, focusing on gobblers and bearded hens. The fall season, typically in September and October, allows hunters to harvest either sex.

Where are the best places to hunt Merriam’s turkeys in Colorado?

Merriam’s turkeys are found in the mountainous regions of Colorado, including the San Juan National Forest, Pike National Forest, and Gunnison Basin.

What gear is essential for turkey hunting in Colorado?

Key gear includes a shotgun with turkey-specific loads, camouflage, turkey calls, decoys, sturdy boots, binoculars, and cold-weather clothing.

Do I need a special license to hunt turkeys in Colorado?

Yes, a separate turkey license is required for the spring or fall season, in addition to a Colorado small game hunting license and a habitat stamp.