Tenth Legion

by Tom Kelly

Tenth Legion has long been considered the greatest - and most hilarious - book on turkey hunting. Yet until now it was only available in a privately published edition. Many people who hunt turkeys do so with an attention to detail, a regard for strategy, tactics, and operations, and a disregard for personal comfort and convenience that ranks second only to war. As for all cultists, it never occurs to them that they may be anachronisms. Supremely unconscious of the rest of the world, blind and deaf to logic and reason, they walk along their different roads in step to the music of their different drums. Tenth Legion - Tom Kelly's first and most famous book - lets you hear, just one time and however faintly, what so many other hear with clarity and purpose all their the dim and distant music of that other drum. (6 1/4 X 9 1/4, 132 pages)

Genres: Outdoors, Nonfiction

114 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1997

Reviews

[Robert Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start.

Throw out a one of the many quotes that are equal parts amusing and insightful? Talk about the Alabaman who was out hunting turkey when it wasn’t all slaughtering rope draggers on private land? When successful was doubtful at best?

Kelly talks about turkey hunting like a crusader conveying information about a fragment of the True Cross. And while he is clearly reverent of the bird and pursuit he has no qualms about dragging his own abilities and tall tales of turkey hunting through a depreciating and amusing lens. Kelly conveys history, pursuit and information with a few tactics. This is far from a how to book though; it is an Ode to the Great and Powerful Turkey.

I don’t know that it is a book that should be recommended to a non-hunter. Or maybe I’m just being insular. It’s possible I don’t want to recommend this book and hear it torn to shred because the punches didn’t land with someone who doesn’t have that relationship, or more accurately frustration with pursuing that “big dumb bird on a golf course”, leaving its excretion on Beamers and Land Rovers alike.

[Caleb Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a book filled with tricks and tips for killing more turkeys. Though the Colonel does offer many takeaways and techniques, it is more than that. This book fully encompasses what it means to be a turkey hunter. The joys, the frustrations, the addiction... all of it! It is filled with sage wisdom that has come from years of experience, wisdom learned through success.... and wisdom learned the hard way. There are many instances that he describes where he has learned hard lessons where all I can think is, "yep... I've been in that exact scenario..." This truly is THE book on turkey hunting! Not because of the tips you take away, but because of the aura around turkey hunting that he presents in his book.

[Jackie Tiernan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy turkey season!

[Chris Sheridan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never have I read such entertaining nature writing. Tom Kelly has a tone and delivery that made me laugh out loud over and over. Tenth Legion reads like a chat over coffee or at a bar discussing one of the most pure things humans can experience, wild life. In this case, turkeys. I bought a four pack bundle of Kelly's books but I think I'm going to have to find a hardback to keep on the shelf of Tenth Legion.

[Evan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a classic. About the only thing that dated it was the price of shotshells.

[Dan Croft · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the better books I've read, bar none. Kelly is as poetic as he is funny and takes turkey hunting to an almost religious experience. Kelly's writing style is somewhere between Aldo Leopold, Mark Twain, and Bill Bryson. This book made me nostalgic for a turkey hunting in the deep South more than 50 years ago now. However, much of Kelly's prose is timeless and still holds true today. His profession as a timber manager lends detail to his writing that makes his story telling all the more vivid. If you're a turkey hunter I suspect you will love this book, as I did. If you're not, you may fall into one of two camps- perhaps you can put yourself in the boots of a turkey hunter on a crisp spring morning and imagine what it's like to hear the cacophony of gobbles coming from the cottonwood trees...or maybe you just don't get it and you'll shake your head at what would make a grown man (or woman) spend hours of their time and hundreds of dollars for a dead animal they could pick up at their local grocery store along with their normal assortment of milk, eggs, and frozen burritos.

[Tenley Skolfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written with a southern gentleman's charm and wit. This classic is a "must read" for any and all turkey hunters. It isn't a "how to" instructional book, although there is much to learn in the stories shared by Col. Tom Kelly. He singularly elevates turkey hunting to the level of a military maneuver and inspires those who pursue this venerated bird to hunt with all the seriousness and attention to detail as a warrior going to battle. Once I opened the cover and turned to the first chapter I could barely put it down. I read my copy of Wingfeather Press 5th printing but am blessed to have a rare "Spur Enterprises" third printing of the same title on my book shelf. It is a treasure!

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

"But there is a period on hour or so before when the hush is utter, and the silence absolute. There is something about three hours alone in here without the sound of another human voice that is restorative. If the same three hours can be spent out of the sight of another human face, the pleasure is at least doubled... Make no mistake but that the purpose of hunting turkeys is to kill some, not to worship nature. Hill country turkeys, though, have the principle added advantage in that they live in such delightful places that simply being able to visit their ground is a pleasure."
- Col. Tom Kelly

[Lukas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been waiting six years to read this book. The problem is that the books are going for hundreds of dollars. Somehow, the gods smiled on me, and I found a new copy for $60.
This book is more philosophical than educational. If you're looking for an intro how to on turkey hunting, I suggest Steve Rinella's book "Hunting, Butchering Wild Game Vol 2."
Once you have a couple of seasons under your belt, which is enough time to afford a copy, then you are ready for Kelly.

The insight and reverence he has for wild turkey is inspiring. I was more impressed with the stories of the shots he didn't take than the ones he did.

[Colin Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cult classic for a reason. Kelly's approach to hunting is a great self-depreciating take on hunting (a topic that typically takes itself way too seriously). The book is heavily slanted to the "insights" and anecdotes vs tips and tactics, but you'll still learn some good info on turkeys. The book is nearly 50 years old so some of the approach to hunting, particularly descriptions of deer hunting, are outdated and a bit uncomfortable. But still, much of my time sitting in the turkey woods closely matches the experiences Kelly describes here.

[Travis Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Timeless Read for The Outdoors

I reread this on Kindle in memory of my late dad, who was aquatinted with Mr Kelly.

I do love Mr Kelly's style: you are with him, by the fireplace, bourbon in hand.

As an Upland hunter, I was offended that, to paraphrase, bird hunters are dog owners... until I realized he is right! :D

To me, the real value in this book is he captures the true essence of pursuit and take, and the why of it all. And the calling to be honest with yourself in that pursuit.

Many thanks to Mr Kelly who has lived to 50 years beyond this book!

[Isaac Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book!
Being a turkey hunter I have heard of this book forever but have never had the opportunity to read it. Just recently a dear friend of mine (a most definite member of the legion) loaned me this book. The most precise way I know to sum up this book is: A true telling of why those of us who live for the chase of turkey hunting love it so!

I am proud to be a member of the Tenth Legion!

[Eboley · Rating 4 out of 5]

My initial inclination was a 3 star rating but the last chapter of the nook turned it around for me. In the final.chapter the author did such an incredible job of paying honor to thebwikdnturkey and summing up why turkey hunters exist that I finally felt a kinship to Tom Kelly. This is a fun read with a very profound and focused conclusion. I'm glad to have taken the time to read this book.

[Tommy Schlosser · Rating 5 out of 5]

I appreciate this book all the more as I'm 4 seasons into turkey hunt and only 1 for 4 in harvesting. I could have saved lots of frustration or at least known that I was not alone in my doing everything right and wrong at the same time! There are dozens of one liners and quotes that I pulled out. Probably good enough to read again, though I am going to read some of Tom's other works first.

[Justin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read, funny writing and I picked up some ideas about turkey hunting so it was nice as a preseason read. Old-timer hunter with a great sense of humor. A little local to wherever in Alabama or wherever he's from but the jokes and info is pretty universal to turkey hunting anywhere.

[Laxdaniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read

I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Insightful and humorous, the stories keep you interested. As a turkey hunter, I’ve experienced many of the same emotions elaborated on by the author.

[Ginia Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tom laid it down for someone that wants to start turkey hunting great book

In his book he talks about the most important part of turkey hunting sportsmanship great read
I would recommend this book for any person that loves turkey hunting

[AidanOsborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kelly’s work is engaging, thoughtful, and empathetic towards those who dare to chase turkeys. I can’t wait to get in the woods this fall!

[Dean Kirk Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read

Highly recommended for the turkey hunter regardless their level of experience. Very well written and entertaining read. 5\5 star book.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny and informative

A look into the history, and a few tips and tricks and great tales of turkey hunts gone by, highly recommend to turkey hunters new and old,

[Brad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily one of the best books I've read in a long time. Instant favorite.

[Mark Strong · Rating 5 out of 5]

awesome!

If you’re into hunting turkeys this is required reading!! Will definitely get this hard book at some point to pass on to others!

[Jordan Roberts · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you have friends or family who love the outdoors and turkey hunting this is a really cool/beautiful depiction of what the chase means to those who are truly passionate about it.

[John Felkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

all time favorite

10th legion should be required reading for turkey hunters! Pure wit & wisdom. The final encouragement is the core. You just have to try. Welcome to the Legion!

[Raleigh · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little word drunk but pretty fun and a classic. Big fan of the timber markers perspective

[Christopher Cornelius · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book. It was a bit out of my comfort zone...but listening to him spin yarns and throw zingers was soothing for the sole. I'm not a Turkey Hunter but I would go after reading this book.

[James Beers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short review for the audiobook version: Kelly's Tenth Legion - read by the author himself! - is a national treasure. Honestly, it should be archived for future generations as a piece of Americana, a tribute to turkey hunters and turkey hunting, told in the perfect voice for the subject. If you even remotely consider yourself a turkey hunter and have not at least read Tenth Legion, you need to. If you can listen to it, even better. It IS the spiritual canon of the turkey hunting brotherhood.

Some audio versions of Kelly's reading of Tenth Legion have been floating around for some time. Until recently - and I'm talking spring 2025 recently - they were as rare as hen's teeth. Just this past week (April 10, 2025, to be exact), Mr. Kelly's daughter Laura emailed me a link to the audiobook version available for sale on Tom Kelly's website, and told me they would be adding more audio versions of his subsequent writings on turkey hunting in the near future. I bought Tenth Legion the minute I found out. Go and check it out! You will not be disappointed!

[Chad · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book ever written for the outdoorsman. Kelly is a turkey hunting god and this is his bible. Not as much a "how too" guide as it is a collection of adventures and misadventures of a turkey hunter. I own an early printing of this book and it is one of my prize positions in life. Give this to the hunter in your life and he/she will be forever in your debt.

[AnnaMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what a great book wrote by o e of us, Turkey Nuts!

I would recommend this to anyone who has been biten by the turkey hunting bug. Also, to those that think turkeys are one of the funniest and hardest animals to hunt, along with one of the most aggravating things you'll ever do that you can't wait till the following spring to do again.

[John Lago · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took up turkey hunting this spring. A friend loaned this book to me to help me get ready for the season. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Full of great information, tips and tactics for taking a gobbler. Highly recommended to any new or experienced turkey hunter!