Turkey season is already in full swing in some states and quickly approaching in all others. If you aren’t already, it’s time to get mentally dialed-in with the best turkey hunting books. Below is a list of 10 of our favorites but there are many, many more turkey hunting books out there for when you get finished with these. One thing to note, several of the books in this list are tough to locate at cheap prices, we’ll provide a link to a sure source, but be sure to check local used bookstores from time to time – it’s worked for us over the years.
10. Traditional American Wild Turkey Hunting by Edward A. McIlhenny
The first book on our list of the best turkey hunting books is also the oldest in the collection. Originally written in 1918, this book is fascinating to read because it gives us a glimpse in the common thoughts on turkeys and turkey hunting tactics in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Any modern hunter will fly through this book and walk away with numerous “this is how they used to do it,” facts to share around the fire.
Grab a copy by clicking HERE.
9. The Old Pro Turkey Hunter by Gene Nunnery
Written by a master turkey hunter, as well as turkey call-maker, this book is full of lessons learned by Gene Nunnery and some taught to Nunnery by the generations before him. More than just a book of simple turkey tales, Nunnery delves into topics like sportsmanship, ethics, and turkey hunting theories. This book is also available on Audible (unlike many on this list), so it would make for great listening material on the way to turkey camp.
To buy a copy, click HERE.
8. The Season by Col.Tom Kelly
This isn’t the first time you’ll see Tom Kelly on this list, but we’ll save the discussion of his other book for later. This is another classic by the great turkey hunter and writer. Unlike most hunting books, this book is focused on one season – not a lifetime of stories. As you read the book, you’ll feel like you ran into Tom somewhere, and he started telling you about his turkey season. You’ll see why I consider him a master storyteller.
To grab a copy, click HERE.
7. Any Given Spring Morning by Hunter Farrior
The newest by Spring Legion founder, Hunter Farrior, is another epic little book of hunting stories by the next generation of hunters who are doing things the right way. If you haven’t read anything by Farrior yet, go ahead and grab a copy of both of his books (the first one appears later on the list). It’s great storytelling that I’m looking forward to reading throughout Farrior’s career.
To grab a copy of this one, click HERE.
6. The Flaming Turkey by Robert Hitt Neill
Robert Hitt Neill might be described as the John Gierach of turkey hunting based on this book. By that, I mean that it’s great hunting material with a generous helping of humor woven throughout. This book is about hunting and family and life. It’s a welcomed break for the chaos of the world around us.
To buy a copy, click HERE.
5. Turkey Hunting: A One Man Game by Kenny Morgan
This book is the perfect split between quality hunting stories and educational facts – both will make you a better hunter. If for no other reason, grab a copy of this book so that you can study Morgan’s turkey calling chart that helps you know the best sounds to make in a variety of circumstances.
To buy a copy, click HERE.
4. Ballad of a Turkey Hunter by Hunter Farrior
Some may bristle at a book written by a young author making it into the top 5 and placed ahead of some of the legends of the sport, but those people haven’t read this book. This book deserves to be in the top five for two reasons: one, it’s an excellent book. Two, the age of the writer shouldn’t matter. Hunter can write, and this book proves it.
If you want to find out for yourself, grab a copy by clicking HERE.
3. 50 Years Hunting Wild Turkeys by Wayne Bailey
Written by a wildlife biologist with a passion for turkey hunting, this is book (and the next on the list) are highly-recommended for anyone who wants to shorten the learning curve on turkey hunting by learning more about the species in the hunting context. The drawback to this book is that it can be difficult to locate. On that topic, if you’re in the book publishing business, check out some of these books no longer in publication and bring them back for us. We’ll all thank you by buying a few copies. I promise.
That said, I found a copy for sale online. Click HERE.
2. The Book of the Wild Turkey by Lovett E. Williams, Jr.
Tom Kelly is rumored to have quipped that he planned to forward all calls with turkey questions to Lovett Williams because “he knows everything.” Regardless of whether any calls actually got forwarded to Williams, the joke gives you an idea as to what kind of book this is. It’s highly ranked for a reason. Not only is it flat-out great writing, but it is also packed with educational information about turkey biology and behavior. This is one of those that I can guarantee will make you a better hunter.
To buy a copy, click HERE.
1. Tenth Legion by Col. Tom Kelly
It should come as no shock that this book was ranked #1 on our list of the best turkey hunting books. You’ve heard Steven Rinella talk about it on The MeatEater Podcast. You’ve seen it listed as the best of all time by other reviewers. It’s a masterpiece of turkey hunting writing that is difficult to describe. You either give it an accurate description, something like, “This may be the single best hunting book, period,” which sounds like it must be hyperbole. Or you under sell the book’s greatness. To borrow an adjective from the title, legions of turkey hunter re-read this book every spring to get ready for the season. After you’ve read it once, you’ll see why. It’s more like a long fireside conversation with the oldest member of turkey camp than a book. It’s educational, fun to read, and it’s emotionally moving.
To buy a copy, click HERE.