North Dakota Turkey Unit 51

Unit 51 is in the northwest portion of the state and runs to the border with Canada. Burke County, most of Renville County (excluding the portion east of U.S. Highway 83), the western part of Bottineau County, and the western part of Ward County feature a diverse landscape of rolling hills, grasslands, and wooded river valleys, providing varied habitats for wild turkeys. These areas are dominated by semi-arid prairie, with the Missouri River and its tributaries creating fertile riparian corridors with trees and shrubs that serve as key areas for nesting, roosting, and foraging. The terrain also includes hilly uplands, creeks, and wooded draws that offer shelter and cover for turkeys, as well as open grasslands for food sources like seeds and insects. The combination of prairie and riparian zones in these counties provides a balance of open foraging space and protected roosting sites, which are essential for wild turkeys. While turkey populations in these areas are still relatively small, the varied topography, particularly along the river corridors and forested draws, supports a growing turkey presence. Overall, the diverse terrain in these regions provides the necessary resources—shelter, food, and cover—for wild turkey populations to thrive and expand.