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

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-southern-outdoorsmen-hunting-podcast-559331/780-inside-20m-of-turkey-research-what-hunters-are-missing-dr-patrick-wightman
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-southern-outdoorsmen-hunting-podcast-559331/780-inside-20m-of-turkey-research-what-hunters-are-missing-dr-patrick-wightman.md
Podcast: [The Southern Outdoorsmen Hunting Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-southern-outdoorsmen-hunting-podcast-559331)
Published: 2026-04-06T05:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://www.thesouthernoutdoorsmen.com/podcast/
Audio file: https://audio4.redcircle.com/episodes/a4f781cd-6ac1-48fe-a1f6-017c867c25b9/stream.mp3
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Duration seconds: 4718

## Resource

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. Got a question for the show? Submit a listener Q&A form - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXP Get a discount on your Poncho Outdoors shirts here - https://linkly.link/2bfPZ Grab some Southern Outdoorsmen merch here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aK Join Woodsman Wire - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1u4aR Use the promo code “southern” for a discount on your OnX Hunt membership here - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1tyfm Check out Latitude Outdoors for your mobile hunting gear - https://2ly.link/1zVDI Use code TSOP1…

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