Spring Gobbles: A Quick Guide to Turkey Hunting in Manitoba
Spring in Manitoba is a time of renewal — melting snow, warming air, and the echo of gobbles cutting through the bush. For hunters, it signals the start of one of the most exciting and interactive seasons the province has to offer: wild turkey hunting. Whether you’re drawn to the challenge of calling in a mature tom or just looking to try something new this spring, turkey season is a chance to experience the outdoors in a whole new way.
Thanks to decades of conservation work and successful reintroduction programs, Manitoba is now home to thriving turkey populations. With growing access to huntable land, diverse habitats, and a season full of action, there’s never been a better time to get out there. In this blog, we’ll walk through the basics to help you get started — from where to find birds to what gear you’ll need, calling strategies, and even a few recipe ideas for when the hunt is done.
Turkey Hunting in Manitoba: A Quick Start Guide
Spring in Manitoba brings with it the unmistakable sound of gobbles echoing through the woods. For many hunters, chasing wild turkeys has become a highly anticipated annual tradition. Whether you’re just getting into turkey hunting or looking to sharpen your approach, this short guide will walk you through the essentials—from where to hunt to how to call, and even what to cook once your tag is filled.
A Manitoba Success Story: The Return of Wild Turkeys
Wild turkeys weren’t always part of Manitoba’s spring landscape. In 1958, the first wild turkeys were introduced near Miami, Manitoba, through efforts by local game and fish clubs, forming an organization called Wild Gobblers Unlimited. This marked the beginning of a concerted effort to establish a sustainable wild turkey population in the province.
Over the years, these efforts have expanded, with the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF) playing a significant role in supporting turkey populations and habitat conservation. The MWF has been involved in various initiatives, including the Trap and Transfer Program, which relocates wild turkeys to suitable habitats across the province to bolster population numbers. Today, Manitoba boasts a robust wild turkey population, offering hunting opportunities in various Game Hunting Areas. This success story is a testament to the collaborative efforts of conservation organizations, local communities, and dedicated hunters.
Where to Hunt
You’ll find huntable populations of wild turkeys across southern Manitoba, with strongholds in the Pembina Valley, Turtle Mountains, southwest agricultural zones, and even Interlake and southeastern pockets.
When planning your hunt, consider:
- Crown land and Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)—legal public land open to licensed hunters.
- Private land—gaining permission from landowners is a must, and a respectful ask can go a long way.
Scouting Smarter with the iHunter App
Whether you’re just getting started in the turkey hunting game or you’re a seasoned caller looking to refine your approach, the iHunter App can be an invaluable tool to take the guesswork out of your next hunt. From navigating Manitoba’s vast landscape to pinpointing productive areas, it puts key information right at your fingertips.
Use the app to scroll through Game Hunting Areas (GHAs) and identify where wild turkey seasons are open, helping narrow down your options across the province. When boots—or wheels—are on the ground, the app’s satellite maps and landowner layers (available as in-app purchases for most RMs) can quickly show if the birds you’re spotting are on public land or private property, and who to contact for permission if needed. Even in areas with no service, you’re covered — simply download HD satellite imagery ahead of time by squaring off your scouting zone. With features like waypoint marking and Track Me mode, the iHunter App helps you mark sightings, track your routes, and stay within legal hunting boundaries, giving you the confidence to make a game plan and move in smart.
Shotgun or Bow?
Turkey hunting in Manitoba can be done with a shotgun or a bow. Most hunters use shotguns, opting for:
- 12 or 20 gauge.
- Turkey-specific loads (e.g., #5 shot).
- A tight choke for clean, ethical shots at close range.
Archery hunters often use broadheads specifically designed for turkeys, with some models built to deliver wide cutting diameters. Because turkeys have small vital zones and can be incredibly alert to movement, bowhunters typically set up at closer ranges to ensure a clean, ethical shot. Ground blinds are especially helpful for concealment, allowing for more movement when drawing a bow. In this style of hunting, patience, stealth, and precision are essential — being patient and waiting for the perfect shot on a stationary bird can make all the difference between success and a missed opportunity.
Mastering the Call
Calling is one of the most exciting parts of turkey hunting. Common types of calls include:
- Box calls—loud and easy to use, great for beginners.
- Slate calls—more subtle, ideal for mid-range work.
- Diaphragm calls—hands-free but take some practice.
When it comes to calling turkeys, less is often more. Start soft with gentle yelps or purrs to mimic a lonely hen. The goal is to sound natural and relaxed — not like you’re trying too hard to get a gobbler’s attention. Over-calling can spook cautious toms, especially if they’ve already been pressured earlier in the season. Sometimes, going silent after a few calls is exactly what draws a curious bird into range.
Mastering the cadence, tone, and timing of turkey calls is part of the fun — and there’s no shortage of free how-to videos on YouTube to help you sharpen your skills. Whether you’re learning to use a box call, slate call, or diaphragm call, you can practice during your downtime before the season or even between hunts. Becoming confident with your calls can make all the difference when that longbeard finally gobbles back.
Decoys & Setups
Decoys can be one of the most effective tools in your turkey hunting kit — especially when paired with the right calling strategy. While a lone hen decoy can work just fine, a hen and jake combo often adds realism and tension to the scene. This setup simulates a jake about to breed a receptive hen, which not only attracts other curious birds but can also trigger a dominant tom’s territorial instincts. That big gobbler may come charging in, not just to court the hen, but to assert dominance and run off the younger bird — giving you the perfect opportunity to seal the deal.
Where and how you place your decoys matters. Set them within 20 to 30 yards, ideally in a cleared shooting lane, with the hen facing you and the jake angled slightly toward her. Turkeys tend to approach decoys head-on, and this positioning often encourages a tom to circle into your line of fire. Whenever possible, set up with the sun at your back — this not only helps conceal you better but also ensures the birds aren’t staring into a glaring reflection when approaching your spread.
When it comes to concealment, you’ve got options:
- Ground blinds offer comfort, warmth, and excellent cover — perfect for those cold, rainy spring mornings. They’re also a great choice for hunting with youth or first-time hunters, allowing for more movement inside without spooking birds. Being able to whisper, adjust positions, or help coach a new hunter inside a blind can make all the difference in having a successful and memorable hunt.
- Natural blinds are ideal for run-and-gun hunters who want to stay light and mobile. These setups can be as simple as wearing good camo and leaning against a big oak tree, tucking into thick underbrush, or even building a small wall of branches and brush for added cover. The key is to blend into the surroundings and break up your silhouette.
No matter your setup, the final approach is often the most critical part of the hunt. Turkeys have exceptional eyesight, capable of picking up the slightest movement or unnatural shape. When a gobbler is closing the distance, make sure your gun is shouldered and ready or your bow is in hand, minimizing movement when the moment of truth arrives. If you’re well-concealed and remain completely still, chances are good that curious bird will come right into your decoys — offering you a clear shot and an unforgettable spring hunting experience.
Manitoba Master Hunter Minute: Wild Turkey
Check out this Manitoba Master Hunter Minute, where we dive in even further to everything you need to know about hunting wild turkeys.
Also, follow along this adventure, as Jay Siemens takes on his first Manitoba Wild Turkey Hunt:
Bringing It Home: Cooking Wild Turkey
Once you’ve filled your tag, the real reward begins — wild turkey is not only an exciting pursuit, but also outstanding table fare. It’s lean, flavourful, and incredibly versatile, making it the perfect ingredient for everything from backwoods campfire meals to gourmet dishes at home. Whether you’re frying up schnitzel, slow-smoking a juicy breast, or simmering a pot of hearty wild turkey chili, there’s something truly special about eating the harvest from an adventure you earned.
For many, turkey hunting is about more than just the pursuit — it’s about the memories made in the woods, the early mornings shared with friends or family, and the satisfaction of bringing home your own meat. It’s an experience that ties together conservation, connection to nature, and good food.
To help you make the most of your hard-earned harvest, we’ve linked a great Hunt Fish MB recipe below — one that’s sure to be a hit at your table, whether it’s your first turkey or your tenth. And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more wild game cooking inspiration.
Wild Turkey Greek Pita Wraps
Your Spring Gobbler Awaits
With growing populations, accessible land, and a rich hunting tradition, Manitoba is a fantastic place to chase gobblers. Whether you’re out for your first bird or your tenth, remember to hunt ethically, follow the regulations, and enjoy every moment in the spring woods.
Tag us in your photos and stories using #HuntFishMB—and good luck this season!
