Wild Turkey

Casper
Wild turkey numbers peaked in the Casper Region about a decade ago, likely hitting an all-time high. Bird numbers then fell dramatically before rebounding in 2017 & 2018 to levels about two-thirds of their peak. However, weather patterns across the Region have again caused populations to drop in some areas. In the Black Hills, average to very tough winter conditions the past two years combined with reduced, post-hatch poult survival have caused wild turkey numbers to drop an estimated 25%. This means wild turkey numbers in the Black Hills are again about half of what they were at their peak. Consequently, turkey hunters this fall should expect to find it a bit more difficult to locate birds on the National Forest, while hunting on private land should be fair. In the remainder of the Region (Hunt Area 2), wild turkeys are doing much better. Throughout Area 2 wild turkey numbers have held about steady or increased since 2017. With this wild turkey population stabilizing or increasing, Type 3 license issuance has been raised for both the fall 2019 and spring 2020 hunting seasons. In addition, the portion of the hunt area for which these licenses are valid has been expanded to include Converse County. Type 3 licenses allow hunters to harvest an extra turkey or two in addition to one taken on a general tag. In summary, outside of the Black Hills, folks chasing a wild turkey to set on their Thanksgiving table can expect a good hunt, while Black Hills hunters will have to work harder this fall.
 
Cody
Turkey hunting in Hunt Area 4 will continue to be good, though poult production may be down due to prolonged cold and wet spring and early summer conditions. Shell, Paintrock, Upper and Lower Nowood River drainages have good numbers of turkeys to hunt. Hunters who scout ahead and ask for landowner permission before the season should be able to find a good place to hunt.
 
Laramie
Turkey populations appear to be stable or increasing throughout most of the region. Sportspersons should expect hunting similar to the 2018 season.
 
Sheridan
Fall (2019) and spring (2020) wild turkey seasons in Hunt Areas 1 and 3 will again offer general license opportunity. Campbell, Johnson and Sheridan counties comprise Hunt Area 3, and an increase in Hunt Area 3 Type 3 licenses will provide additional opportunity given high turkey numbers and high tom ratios. Hunters will again be able to obtain the Type 3 license as a second or third turkey license. Type 3 licenses provide additional opportunity for hunters that have access to private land where most turkeys are found.
 
Turkey populations appear to be at a high level in the Sheridan Region. Some damage complaints have been received and some landowners have expressed a willingness to take hunters. However, access to hunt turkeys is difficult as almost all wild turkeys in the Sheridan Region are found on private land, so getting access to hunt is one key to success.