Mesquite and hickory are two of the most popular woods used for smoking turkey. Both woods impart a strong, smoky flavor to the meat, so it really comes down to personal preference as to which one you use. Mesquite is a bit sweeter than hickory, while hickory has a more bitter flavor. Hickory also produces a lot of smoke, so if you're looking for a lighter smoke flavor, mesquite might be the better choice.