The most predominant sub species in North America with a population estimated at more than 5 million birds, the Eastern turkey inhabits nearly the entire eastern half of the United States. Its range extends from the eastern edge of Nebraska to the East coast and from Maine to the panhandle of Florida, and as a result is the most popular species with hunters.

The Merriam turkey is the main species in the western mountain states of Montana, Wyoming, South Dakota, and parts of New Mexico, Arizona, Idaho, and Washington with an estimated population of 325,000-350,000 birds. The Merriam is very similar in size to the Eastern but is easily distinguished by its nearly white lower back and tailfeather margins, as well as stronger blue, purple, and bronze reflections in its overall sheen.

The Rio Grande is named after its prime location - that of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Northeastern Mexico, as well as a successful transplantation effort in California. The Rio numbers between 1 to 1.3 million birds making it the second most prevalent subspecies. Its size is similar to that of the Eastern though typically a bit taller. The Rio Grande is visually distinct from its cousin species in that its tail feathers and rump coverts have tan or yellowish-buff tips.

Anywhere the different subspecies overlap in territory, there is a possibility of hybridized turkeys (crosses between the different subspecies). A great example of this is Nebraska, which is also one of the biggest conservation success stories of the wild turkey. Sixty years ago, there were no wild turkeys in Nebraska. After decades of efforts to introduce the different subspecies around the state, three of the four main North American subspecies now call Nebraska home, as well as a great many hybrid turkeys. This is okay for the sportsman however, as the NWTF considers a turkey to count for whichever subspecies it most closely resembles.