In this episode, Luke is back in the saddle alongside his trusty homemade full strut decoy, kicking things off with an important update to Missouri’s 2026 turkey season regulations, specifically impacting youth hunters.

From there, Luke dives deep into historical turkey harvest data across the Midwest, breaking down trends in Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois. While searching for patterns in population health and harvest success, one thing becomes clear—each state tells a very different story. Variations in bag limits, nonresident regulations, and season structures may all play a role in shaping these trends over time.

The good news? Turkey populations across much of the Midwest appear to be holding strong.

If you're heading out into the woods this spring, stay safe, enjoy the hunt, and good luck chasing gobblers. Don’t forget to share your success photos—we’d love to see them!

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