#160 Zak Danks - Turkey Numbers, Research & Spring Season Forecast

About this episode

Zak Danks discusses turkey hunting preparations and research insights for the upcoming spring season in Kentucky.

Turkey season is right around the corner in Kentucky, and there’s no better way to get prepared than hearing straight from the source. In this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we sit down with Zak Danks, the Turkey Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, to break down what hunters can expect this spring. With Youth Season set for April 4–5 and the General Statewide Season running April 18 through May 10, Zak shares why optimism is high heading into 2026. Thanks in part to strong cicada hatches over the past two years, turkey numbers are looking solid across much of the state. Hunters in western Kentucky can expect a great crop of 2-year-old gobblers, while central and eastern portions of the state should offer a healthy mix of jakes and mature toms. We also dive into the science behind the season. Zak walks us through ongoing research efforts—including banding studies, GPS-tracked hens, and audio monitoring of turkey vocalizations—and explains how this data is shaping management decisions and ensuring sustainable hunting opportunities for years to come. Whether you're a seasoned turkey hunter or gearing up for your first season, this episode…

People in this episode

Host: Kentucky Afield

Guest: Zak Danks

Topics covered

• turkey hunting
• wildlife management
• spring season forecast
• research efforts
• Kentucky wildlife

Keywords

• turkey season
• hunting forecast
• cicada hatches
• gobblers
• jakes
• GPS tracking
• banding studies
• sustainable hunting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife

Places: Kentucky

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