Prime Spots for Turkey Hunting Throughout California

For avid turkey hunters, California offers excellent opportunities to bag your bird in beautiful wilderness settings. The state is home to robust wild turkey populations spanning diverse habitats. While many reside on private lands, plenty of public lands harbor large flocks as well. Here we’ll explore some of the top destinations and tactics for successful turkey hunting in California.

Favorable Turkey Habitats in California

Wild turkeys thrive in various environments across the state from oak woodlands to pine forests The highest concentrations occur in the foothills and mountain ranges, Key features turkeys flock to are

• Oak savannas with scattered trees and grassy understory
• Riparian areas along creeks and rivers
• Forested areas with meadow openings
• Agricultural fields and pastures bordering woodlands

Food sources like acorns, berries, seeds and insects also draw in turkeys. Their favored roosting spots are tall pine, oak and cypress trees.

Top Counties for Bagging Birds

According to California Department of Fish and Wildlife surveys, the highest turkey take occurs in these counties:

• Butte
• Calaveras
• El Dorado
• Mendocino
• Nevada
• San Luis Obispo
• Shasta
• Tehama
• Yuba

Many thriving flocks inhabit private ranches and woodlands in these hotspots. However, ample public land hunting opportunities exist as well.

National Forests Prime for Turkeys

Several national forests provide excellent access to huntable turkey populations Top national forests include

• Mendocino National Forest – Rio Grande and Merriam’s turkeys ranging from oak woodlands to higher elevation pine forests.

• Shasta-Trinity National Forest – Mostly Rio Grande turkeys around Shasta Lake, Trinity Lake and adjacent public lands.

• Tahoe National Forest – Mix of Rio Grande and Merriam’s turkeys in oak foothills and higher elevation terrain.

• Plumas National Forest – Scattered flocks of Rio Grande, Merriam’s and eastern turkey hybrids.

• Los Padres National Forest – Mostly Rio Grande turkeys in wooded foothills and inland mountain areas.

Consult forest service district maps to locate promising hunting zones. Focus efforts near meadows, streams and forest openings.

Productive State Public Lands

Several state-managed public lands harbor huntable turkey populations:

• Spenceville Wildlife Area – Top spot in Yuba County holding a robust Rio Grande flock.

• Daugherty Hill Wildlife Area – Excellent for Rio Grande turkeys near Collins Lake in Yuba County.

• Grey Lodge Wildlife Area – Prime destination in Butte County. Mix of open terrain and oak woodlands.

• San Jacinto Wildlife Area – Supports growing Rio Grande flocks in Riverside County.

• Cache Creek Wildlife Area – Known hotspot in Lake County for bagging Rio Grande turkeys.

Check regulations as some areas are limited draw or permit only.

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Territories

The BLM manages several public access areas with huntable turkey populations:

• Cow Mountain Recreation Area – Supports Rio Grande turkeys in Lake County.

• San Benito Mountain Recreation Area – Productive for Rio Grande turkeys in San Benito County oak woodlands.

• Forks of Butte Recreation Area – Popular for finding Rio Grande turkeys in Sutter County.

• Walker Ridge Recreation Area – Attracts good number of Rio Grande turkeys in Colusa County.

Prime State Parks and Recreation Areas

Several California state parks allow hunting in designated zones or seasons:

• Brannan Island State Recreation Area – Open for turkey hunting on designated dates. Hosts Rio Grande turkeys.

• San Luis Reservoir State Recreation Area – Allows turkey hunting during season in open zones. Mostly Rio Grande turkeys.

• Cascade Creek State Recreation Area – Supports small flocks of Rio Grande turkeys open to hunting.

• Sugarloaf Ridge State Park – Huntable turkeys in spring season by special permit. Mix of Rio Grande and eastern.

Tips for Turkey Hunting Success

Follow these tips to increase your odds of bagging a bird in California:

• Scout areas thoroughly before season – Locate flocks, roost sites, feeding areas and travel corridors.

• Use turkey calls like box calls, slate calls and locators judiciously – Don’t overcall. Mimic natural hen sounds.

• Set up near roost sites early morning as birds fly down or near feeding zones before sunset.

• Wear camo and facemasks to blend into surroundings. Sit still against trees or blinds.

• Pack light to enable moving quickly when needed. Bring a seat pad for comfort.

With excellent turkey habitat and ample public lands to access huntable populations, California offers prime turkey hunting opportunities. Do your homework to pinpoint productive areas and hunting strategies to maximize your chances of success. Follow the turkey trails to a great season!