With spring hunt season about to kickoff, turkey country is buzzing: demand is climbing, new gear keeps hunters agile, and NWTF programs continue investing in habitat, outreach, and the artistry of calling.
Demand is climbing
Delaware's spring lottery pulled a record 992 applicants for 540 State Wildlife Area permits after last year's 801-gobbler harvest. Digital permitting, reporting, and mandatory turkey education keep the season organized as interest grows. Idaho's spring controlled-hunt application window (Feb. 1 - Mar. 1) promises premium tags, with notifications arriving by Mar. 20 and leftover tags on sale April 1.
Calls and vests built for today's mobile caller
Field & Stream evaluated more than 50 calls, naming the Mountain Hollow Double Reed tree yelper, Kluk Custom Rasp Attack mouth cutter, and Woodhaven Fusion Ceramic friction call as category winners. Avian-X's Ridge Runner and Ridge Runner X vests pair stowage for multiple call types with hydration compatibility, EVA-molded pockets, magnetic seat storage, and a lightweight frame so you can hustle while keeping calling tools at the ready.
SHOT Show hints at the future kit list
At SHOT Show 2026, NWTF highlighted ALPS OutdoorZ co-branded upgrades to the Grand Slam, Impact Pro, and Vantage Bino Harness lines; Realtree is releasing 400 limited-edition waxed-cotton 40th-anniversary turkey vests; Marsupial/Mossy Oak debuted an enclosed binocular chest pack with MOLLE modularity; Grind Outdoors teased an EVA Half Strut Jake decoy; and Muck Boot's Outmax keeps feet dry in early-season muck.
Conservation, heritage, and the artistry of the call
Kentucky's NWTF chapter approved $60,060 for conservation, $14,300 for research, and $41,199 for hunting-heritage outreach, all matched by more than $1 million from partners. The Grand National Custom Callmaking Competition (Feb. 3 entry deadline, Feb. 13 live auction) champions callmakers across five divisions.
Check your lottery status, lock in controlled-hunt applications, probe the new calls and vests mentioned above, and consider supporting your local NWTF chapter or the callmaking community. Spring Thunder is shaping up to be the loudest season yet, and a focused plan keeps your name on the draw and your gear at the ready.
