Legendary Turkey Hunter Tom Kelly Died at 99
The veteran and author passed away on October 2 after an 85-year career in pursuit of wild turkeys.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Hunting
Tom Kelly, a renowned figure in the hunting community and author, died on October 2 at age 99. His life was defined by an 85-year turkey-hunting career and a career as an author of over 20 books.
Why it matters
Kelly left an indelible mark on the sporting world through his writing and dedication to the craft of turkey hunting. His career bridged a gap between military service and environmental stewardship in the timber industry.
Kelly earned a forestry degree from Auburn University and spent 50 years in the timber industry. He also served 30 years in the U.S. Army and held the rank of colonel.
The players
Tom Kelly
He was a decorated U.S. Army colonel and prolific author who became an iconic figure in the American turkey hunting community.
Auburn University
This public research university in Alabama provided Kelly with his formal degree in forestry.
The details
Born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1927, Kelly enlisted in the U.S. Navy at age 17 to serve as an aerial gunner and Morse code operator. He later gained widespread recognition among outdoor enthusiasts for self-publishing the seminal 1973 book Tenth Legion, which remains a staple of hunting literature.
Timeline
Tom Kelly was born in Mobile, Alabama, in 1927.
Kerr County, Texas, opened a spring turkey hunting season in 1970.
Kelly self-published his influential book Tenth Legion in 1973.
Tom Kelly died on October 2, 2026.
Culture Shift
The rise of modern conservation-minded hunting practices mirrors the expansion of regional hunting seasons like the 1970 Kerr County opening. Kellys legacy tracks the evolution of hunting from a regional necessity to a codified sporting tradition in the American South.
Readers interested in the history of Alabama outdoors can explore Kellys extensive bibliography to better understand the development of regional hunting ethics. His transition from military service to the timber industry highlights how many Alabamians have historically balanced professional careers with deep ties to the land.
The takeaway
Kellys life illustrates that passion for a hobby can lead to lasting contributions in literature and conservation. His work reminds enthusiasts that documenting personal experiences can influence how future generations approach nature and sporting ethics.
Further reading
Discover more about regional sporting traditions in the Alabama Hunting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Houston Chronicle.
