BirdAnalyst
Species · California · BBS 2025 Release · 1966–2024

Wild Turkey Population Trend in California

All statesGeneralists

Wild Turkey in California has surged: up 37× on the route-weighted index since 1973.

37×Since 1973
97Routes In State
50Years

Notable Wild Turkey Trends in California

long arc increasecomputed index

Wild Turkey has surged in California: up 37× on the route-weighted index since 1973.

Wild Turkey Population Forecast in California

If the recent trend holds, Wild Turkey in California is projected to rise about 56% by 2029 — from 0.85 in 2024 to a central estimate of 1.3 (95% range 0.92–1.7). A 5-year backtest shows a typical error of ±18.4%, with 100% of held-out values landing inside the 95% band.

+56%Change by 2029
1.3Projected 2029 index
0.92–1.795% range
±18.4%Backtest error
19692029
Projection of the recent trend (dashed) with 80/95% bands — a projection, not a prediction. Habitat, climate, and land use are not modeled.
YearProjected index95% low95% high
20251.20.811.6
20261.20.831.7
20271.30.861.7
20281.30.891.7
20291.30.921.7

Wild Turkey Survey Routes in California

Routes recording Wild Turkey in California.
Coalinga1420221995
Sisquoc1220141975
Creston1020212003
Tracy 21020242011
Gold Hill920241979
Oneals820231999
Tres Pinos 2820112005
Folsom720241987
Cal Hot Spgs720191997
Iron Gate720032001
Lockwood620221993
Copperopolis620241988
Paxton620142004
Bass Lake520052005
Mark West520241994
Glen Ellen 2520222005
Rumsey420081996
Morro Bay420192013
Point Reyes420221993
Navarro420111995
Jackson419921992
Poloma420241995
Wawona420232009
Strawberry420142014
Glen Ellen 3420242024

Wild Turkey Population Trend in Other States

alabamaarizonaarkansascoloradoconnecticutdelawarefloridageorgiaidahoillinoisindianaiowakansaskentuckylouisianamainemarylandmassachusettsmichiganminnesotamississippimissourimontananebraskanevadanew-hampshirenew-jerseynew-mexiconew-yorknorth-carolinanorth-dakotaohiooklahomaoregonpennsylvaniarhode-islandsouth-carolinasouth-dakotatennesseetexasutahvermontvirginiawashingtonwest-virginiawisconsinwyoming

Source: USGS North American Breeding Bird Survey, retrieved 2026-05-22.