By the early 1900's, Most Wild Turkey Populations had been wiped out in North America, Victims of centuries of habitat destruction and commercial harvest. As late as the Great Depression, Fewer the 30,000 Wild Turkeys remained in the entire United States, Small pockets of Wilderness in East Tennessee held some good numbers of pure eastern Wild turkeys, some wildlife management areas of public land in Eastern Tennessee still hold some pure eastern turkeys but the hunting pressure makes it even harder to harvest a very difficult and even more shy turkey.

The Eastern turkey is somewhat smaller in body weight (rarely reaches 20lbs.) than the eastern mixed with the "feral" turkeys that commonly exceed 20lbs. in body weight. The serene and peaceful Cumberland Mountains of East Tennessee Holds the Purest of the Eastern Wild Turkey.

Calling tactics are very often "run and gun" or very soft and gentle calling, the pure eastern is one of the most difficult turkeys to call and work in. very few people have harvested a pure eastern turkey, although few in numbers, there are some avid veteran guides around to assist and educate the novice on hunting these unique birds.

Season is same as Tennessee statewide turkey season; open March 29 - May 11, 2008.

Bag limits are not to exceed one bearded turkey per day not to exceed 4 per season.

For more info on hunting license go to www.tnwildlife.org.