Turkey Hunting in Kentucky. Where Have All the Birds Gone?

Turkey season is knocking, and from April 12 to May 4, 2025, thousands of Kentucky hunters will hit the woods hoping to hear that first thunderous gobble at sunrise.

But if you've been paying attention, you've probably noticed a trend, there just aren’t as many birds as there used to be.

Looking at recent harvest numbers, 2023 saw 35,663 turkeys taken, while 2024 dropped to 33,465. That’s a decline of over 2,000 birds in just one year.

Compare that to 2022 (26,862) and 2021 (29,221), and you’ll see that while numbers have rebounded from some lower years, we’re still seeing fluctuations that point to a longer-term issue.

The last peak year was 2017, with over 33,000 harvested, but since then, the numbers have been up and down, with no clear sign of long-term growth.

Kentucky was once a turkey hunting powerhouse, with populations booming in the early 2000s. 

But over the last two decades, numbers have dipped, and biologists point to habitat loss, disease, and an increase in predators as the culprits. Some areas are still holding strong, but others? Not so much.

Wildlife experts are calling for better habitat management and more strategic harvest practices to keep the population from slipping further.

If numbers continue to decline or show volatility, hunters may face tighter regulations in the future.

That said, 2025 could still be a solid season if hunters play it smart.

If you're heading out this season, scout early, hunt smart, and maybe let a jake walk, Kentucky's turkey future depends on it.

Want the full breakdown? Check out these sources:

• Kentucky Fish & Wildlife Turkey Report

• National Wild Turkey Federation on Turkey Decline

• Garden and Gun - Biologists and Hunters are worried