780 - Inside $20M Of Turkey Research (What Hunters Are Missing) | Dr. Patrick Wightman

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Patrick Wightman, National Director of Research for the NWTF, to break down what the latest research is revealing about wild turkeys—and what it means for hunters.

From large-scale population trends to on-the-ground behavior, this conversation covers some of the most important (and often misunderstood) findings shaping the future of turkey hunting.

In this episode, we cover:

• What $20M+ in turkey research is uncovering across the country

• Why turkey populations are declining—and the biggest factor driving it

• What happens after you leave a gobbler (and why patience matters more than you think)

• The truth about harvest rates and how hunting actually impacts populations

• How hunting pressure affects gobbling activity throughout the season

• The role of early successional habitat—and why it’s critical for brood survival

• What GPS and field studies are revealing about turkey movement and behavior

• Differences between “homebody” gobblers vs roaming birds

• How land management practices directly impact turkey numbers

• What hunters and landowners can do right now to improve habitat and success

If you’re serious about understanding turkeys at a deeper level—and becoming a more effective hunter—this episode is packed with insight you won’t hear anywhere else.

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