In the U.S. there are five different types of wild turkeys:
Eastern, Gould's, Rio Grande, Merriam's, and Osceola. The true
strain of Osceola is located in one small area of southern Florida.
The terrain is wet and wild. Glen Lau and Flip Pallot will share
their skills while hunting the wild Osceola on "Quest For
Adventure."
The wild turkey, its continued existence questionable in the
1930's, has made a marvelous comeback. Due to the contributions of
hunters through licenses, excise taxes, and donations – and the
trap and transplant programs of state fish and wildlife agencies,
the wild turkey populations have increased substantially topping
more than 4 million birds.
The demise of the wild turkey around the turn of the century was
due to a combination of the turkey's habitat quickly dwindling, and
the relentless pressure from market hunter to feed the growing
number of colonists. Today the wild turkey is found in 49 states and
the populations support enough birds to allow hunters an opportunity
to take home a feast for the table.
The eastern subspecies is the most abundant in numbers and states
in which it is found. Ranking second in numbers is three Rio Grande
subspecies found in the plains states and drier portions of the far
west. Third numerous is the Merriam's subspecies found scattered in
the mountainous regions of the West as well as the northern Midwest.
The Florida subspecies - the Osceola - is found only on the
peninsula of the state. The fifth species, the Gould's is found in
Arizona and New Mexico and is the only subspecies not hunted in the
United States.
To find out hunting seasons and regulations on turkey hunting in
your state, contact your state fish and wildlife agency.
National Wild Turkey Federation
www.nwtf.com
For further information on the wild turkey contact the National
Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). NWTF is dedicated to the conservation
of wild turkeys and to the preservation of turkey hunting tradition.
National Wild Turkey Federation
770 Augusta Road
Edgefield, NJ 29824
(803) 637-3106
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