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

The Southern Outdoorsmen Hunting Podcast

Andrew Maxwell & Jacob Myers

Sports, Wilderness

4.9 • 1.4K Ratings

🗓️ 6 April 2026

⏱️ 84 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

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 TSOP15 for a discount on Mossy Oak - https://linkly.link/2ERb8 Save 10% on your next Vortex Optics order at eurooptic.com using the Promo Code “southern10” - https://2ly.link/1wyYO Use code SOUTHERN20 for a discount on all Vortex apparel, including eyewear Have you tagged a deer using something you heard on the show? Submit your listener success story here - Share Your Story Here Come chat with us on our Thursday Hunter Hangouts! Join our Patreon - https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uMXU NOTE: Not all advertisements run on this show are endorsed by The Southern Outdoorsmen Podcast unless an ad is read by one of the hosts. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Transcript

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0:00.0	Being able to pinpoint exactly where a gobbling turkey is is half the battle in a successful hunt.
0:06.0	My favorite tool for pinpointing goblers is the compass mode feature on on X hunt.
0:11.0	When you enter compass mode on your app, the map orients to whatever direction you're facing,
0:15.0	and a line is drawn on the map with different distances marked.
0:19.0	So for instance, I'll be out hunting some hill country
0:21.4	and I'll have a bird goblin. So I'll turn on compass mode. I'll face the bird and I'll look at my phone and it's got those different yardages marked. And basically I can say, okay, that bird is probably about 250 yards away. I can look at my map and say, oh yeah, look, there's a ridge point directly where I'm facing about 250 yards.
0:38.1	He's probably right there on the end of that ridge point.
0:39.8	Or, oh, there's a ridge point directly where I'm facing, about 250 yards. He's probably right there on the end of that ridge point. Or, oh, there's a food
0:40.6	plot, about 250 yards out. He's probably in that food plot. So it's made a big difference for me,
0:45.2	and again, pinpointing birds. I know it'll probably help you out too. So check it out
0:48.7	compass mode on on X hunt. And you can get a discount on your onex elite membership if you use the code southern at checkout
0:55.0	make sure use that discount code because not only will you get a discount but it helps a show out as well
1:00.0	know where you stand with on x hunt as you're getting prepped and ready for this spring turkey season
1:04.5	whether you're wanting to add a new red dot to your shotgun new parabino spotting scope range finder
1:09.8	vortex optics has you covered.
1:12.0	With a wide selection and a wide price point, you can find something that fits your needs
1:16.1	and your price point at Vortexoptics.com. And best yet, they have got the best warranty
1:20.6	in the business with their VIP warranty. If anything happens to it, they're going to get it
1:24.8	taken care for me and get you replacement or repair it at no cost to you. So for more information from Vortex Optics, head over to Vortexoptics.com and go check out my favorite red dot they've made, which is the Defender ST. Fantastic on a handgun and fantastic on a turkey gun as well. If you hunt deer out of trees, you need to go check out Latitudeoutdoors.com.
1:44.6	They got a little something for everybody, whether you're a saddle guy or if you hunt out of a climber.
1:48.8	Of course, Latitude makes some of our favorite saddles and climbing sticks,
1:51.7	but they also make some great packs and backpack straps that you can attach to the bottom of a climbing tree stand
	...

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