The eastern turkey prefers timbered areas in the eastern fourth of Kansas. It has a reputation as the more difficult subspecies to hunt, due to wariness and the thick cover it prefers. Eastern turkeys are larger than Rio Grandes, reaching weights up to 30 pounds. The eastern's tail feathers have bronze or caramel-colored tips. Where ranges overlap in northcentral and southeastern Kansas, cross-breeding can occur.
Hybrid turkeys can show characteristics of both subspecies.
Kansas is divided into three turkey management units. Unit 1, in southwestern Kansas, only has 100 resident-only spring permits and is closed for fall hunting. Permits are limited in this region because bird numbers haven't kept pace with populations elsewhere. Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from department programs is available to all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability. 900 Jackson St., Suite 502, Topeka, KS 66612.