Best Public Lands for Turkey Hunting in Virginia
Virginia is one of the top turkey hunting states in the country, and the best part — you don’t need to know a landowner to find great birds. The state’s extensive public land system gives every hunter access to quality turkey habitat.
Top WMAs for Spring Gobblers
Goshen Wildlife Management Area
Located in Rockbridge County, Goshen’s 33,000+ acres of mountain terrain hold excellent turkey populations. The mix of hardwood ridges and open hollows creates natural funnels that gobblers use regularly.
Clinch Mountain WMA
This 25,000-acre property in Smyth, Tazewell, and Russell counties is classic Appalachian turkey country. High ridges with scattered clearings make for productive setup spots.
Hardware River WMA
In the Piedmont region, Hardware River’s 10,000 acres offer easier terrain than the mountain WMAs. Flatter ground and mixed hardwood-pine forests hold good turkey numbers.
Big Survey WMA
At over 12,000 acres in Bland County, Big Survey has consistent turkey populations and sees moderate hunting pressure. The terrain is rugged but rewards hunters willing to cover ground.
National Forest Hunting
Virginia’s two national forests — George Washington and Jefferson — together encompass over 1.6 million acres. Much of this is open to turkey hunting and holds strong populations.
Key areas within the national forests:
- Highland County sections of GWNF — remote, lightly pressured
- Craig Creek area of Jefferson NF — good road access, productive ridges
- Massanutten Range — steep but holds birds
Spring vs. Fall Strategy
Spring (April – May): Focus on ridge tops and field edges at dawn. Gobblers are vocal and responsive to calling. Set up where you hear birds roosting the evening before.
Fall (October – November): Scatter and call-back tactics work best. Find flocks feeding on acorns in hardwood hollows, scatter them, then set up and call.
Regulations to Know
- Virginia’s spring season typically runs mid-April through mid-May
- Fall turkey season varies by county — some counties are closed to fall hunting
- One bearded turkey per day in spring, two per spring season
- Fall bag limits are typically one per day, varying by county