The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) reported a bit of a dip in the turkey harvest this year. In straightforward numbers, this season's count stands at 29,037 birds, a whisker less than an 8 percent decrease since 2024 and a notable 13 percent below the previous five-year average.
In an analysis that combines boots-on-the-ground observations with figures, TWRA's Wild Turkey Program Coordinator Roger Shields shared, "Going into the spring, I thought harvest this year might be down a bit due to the poor reproduction that occurred back in 2023." It appears a combination of less-than-ideal weather and a shortfall in turkey progeny two years prior contributed to a leaner harvest season. Trudging through the data, it's clear that those turbulent skies and less chatty turkeys have cast a long shadow this year.
It wasn't just the turkeys thrown off by the incessant rains—the hunters found themselves out of sync, too. Shields explained, "We heard from a number of sources that birds were not as vocal this year and as hunters, if we’re not hearing birds, we’re often less inclined to keep heading to the woods, especially if it’s raining all the time." As the results from their post-season hunter survey trickle in, a clearer picture of the impact of these factors on the season will emerge.
A total of 23,785 hunters brought home at least one turkey, just a hair's breadth below the five-year average. And for those keeping score at home, here's the breakdown: most hunters managed to nab one bird, while the more fortunate or skilled 22 percent were able to harvest two. As reported by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, the gobblers made up the lion's share of the harvest with 25,797, while the jakes trailed at 3,066.
Looking ahead, the TWRA has set dates for the 2026 season from April 11 to May 24, giving hunters plenty of lead time to prepare.
