Where to Hunt Turkey in Colorado: A Complete Guide

As a Colorado resident and turkey hunting enthusiast, I often get asked by friends and fellow hunters about the best places to hunt wild turkey in our beautiful state. Turkey hunting has grown rapidly in popularity here in recent years, but many lifelong locals and new transplants still find themselves unsure about where exactly to start.

That’s why I decided to put together this complete guide on where to hunt turkey in Colorado. Whether you’re an experienced gobbler getter or a complete beginner just starting to get into the sport, this guide will provide you with all the key information you need to have a successful hunt.

Overview of Turkey Hunting in Colorado

Wild turkeys can be found throughout much of Colorado, with an estimated population of around 35,000 birds statewide. We have both Rio Grande and Merriam’s turkey subspecies here. Turkeys live predominantly in the foothills mountains and high plains, usually at elevations between 5,000 and 9,000 feet.

The best turkey hunting can be found in the central and southwestern regions, where there are higher turkey densities. Prime gobbler habitat exists in places like the San Luis Valley, the Uncompahgre Plateau, the Flat Tops, and throughout the Southwest River drainages. Parts of the Front Range and Eastern Plains also offer turkey hunting opportunities.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife manages spring and fall turkey seasons annually. Hunters must have a proper license for the season they want to hunt. Spring licenses are issued through a limited draw, while fall licenses can be purchased over-the-counter. Private land access provides your best odds, but there are also opportunities on public lands.

The Best Public Land Units for Turkey Hunting

For hunters without access to private ground, Colorado does have some quality public land units that allow over-the-counter turkey hunting. Here are some of the top units to consider

• Unit 211 – Located between Salida and Canon City, this unit has a good turkey population and plenty of National Forest and BLM land in the Arkansas River drainage.

• Unit 441 – Home to Merriam’s and Rio Grande turkeys on lands like the Uncompahgre Plateau. Look for birds in oak brush habitats.

• Unit 55 – Large numbers of Merriam’s turkeys in this southwest Colorado unit around the San Juan National Forest.

• Unit 82 – Mixed conifer forests on the San Isabel National Forest offer turkey habitat Look in areas burned in past wildfires

• Unit 61 – Large unit with Rio Grande and Merriam’s turkeys on BLM lands along the Gunnison River.

• Unit 521 – Contains the Flat Tops Wilderness Area, which holds good numbers of turkeys during the fall season.

When hunting these units, do your scouting ahead of time to locate areas holding birds. Quality habitat with openings, water sources, and roosting trees is key. Arrive as early as possible, do some light calling, and remain mobile. Display patience and hunt safely.

Top Techniques for Hunting Turkeys in Colorado

Mastering a few essential turkey hunting tactics and techniques will help prepare you for success:

• Scout thoroughly – Locate flocks, identify roost sites, find strut zones, and scout travel corridors.

• Use effective camo and play the wind – Conceal yourself and stay downwind of a gobbler’s keen eyesight and nose.

• Call sparingly and effectively – Use owl hoots, clucks, yelps, and purrs to draw in gobblers while avoiding overcalling.

• Set up properly – Make sure you have a clear shooting lane when setting up on a distracted tom.

• Remain still and patient – Don’t move too much when turkeys are approaching your setup.

• Aim for the head – Go for a clean headshot when the turkey presents a good opportunity.

Practice these skills and you’ll be tagging your first green gobbler in no time. Never stop learning, as every turkey hunt presents new challenges.

Best Times to Hunt Turkey in Colorado

The timing of your hunt is also critical for success:

• Early morning – Target roosted birds at first light when toms are most responsive to calling.

• Late afternoon – Try calling in the evening when toms become active again before fly up.

• All day during the peak breeding season – Hunt hard when breeding activity peaks in late April/early May.

• Mid-day during the fall season – Toms tend to respond better to calling around midday in the fall.

Hunt when birds are most active and vocal for your season and region. Be flexible based on weather patterns too.

Top Places to Hunt Turkey on Private Land

While public land provides great opportunity, the best and most consistent turkey hunting is on private property in Colorado. Here are some of the top private land options to consider pursuing:

• Ranching for Wildlife – This CPW program offers access to private ranches through a draw system. Great turkey hunting abounds on most ranches.

• Ask Farmers/Ranchers – Don’t be shy about asking private landowners for spring turkey hunting access. Many will say yes.

• Hire an Outfitter – Guided turkey hunts ensure access to prime private ground and experienced guides. Worth the investment.

• Private Land Tags – Purchase leftover private land spring tags over the counter in early April when available.

Doing your homework and knocking on doors will help you gain access to hunt private land turkeys in Colorado. The extra effort is usually rewarded.

Things to Know as a Beginner Turkey Hunter

If you’re new to turkey hunting, make sure you understand some key considerations before hitting the field:

• Safety – Familiarize yourself with safe turkey hunting practices and wear blaze orange when moving between setups.

• Scouting – Don’t just show up on hunting day. Scout preseason to pinpoint turkey locations and patterns.

• License – You need the valid, appropriate license for your season, unit and weapon type. Study the regulations.

• Camouflage – Conceal yourself well when setup, including your face and hands. Wear gloves and facemask.

• Calling – Practice calling techniques preseason so you sound like a realistic hen when trying to lure in gobblers.

• Patience – Moving too much when birds are near or leaving your setup too early is a common mistake. Stay still and be patient.

Follow this advice and you’ll avoid some beginner pitfalls when starting your turkey hunting journey.

How to Prepare for Your First Turkey Hunt

Being well prepared is vital for beginners before their first turkey hunt:

• Take a Hunter Education course – Complete your online hunter ed course and field day class. It’s required and teaches key skills.

• Get the right gear and clothes – Buy appropriate camo, calls, decoys, and other essential turkey hunting gear. Don’t wear cotton.

• Practice setting up – Find realistic turkey habitat and practice making quick, proper setups with your decoys and blind/chair.

• Practice calling – Master basic clucks, purrs, yelps and other calls. Consider joining a local NWTF chapter for help.

• Pattern your shotgun – Spend time at the range patterning your turkey gun and choke tube at various distances.

• Ask a mentor – Recruit an experienced turkey hunting mentor who can show you the ropes and take you hunting.

Preparing thoroughly ahead of time is the key to making the most of your first turkey hunt. Do your homework and you’ll have an amazing experience.

In Closing

Well, there you have it – the complete guide on where to find and hunt wild turkeys all across Colorado. Whether you want to chase public land gobblers in the San Juans or hunt private land Merriams along the Front Range, this article provides the key tips and insights you need to have an incredible hunt.

Use this guide to help point you in the right directions. But don’t forget to spend time scouting specific areas, fine-tuning your skills, and absorbing as much local knowledge as possible. The turkey woods are calling, so get out there and start your adventure! Wishing you the best of luck tagging a longbeard this spring.