| Turkey Hunting -- Introduction and Turkey Subspecies |
From "The Outdoor Zone"
episode TOZ-104 |
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Turkey Hunting -- Introduction In this episode, of DIY's The Outdoor Zone, we explore the port of turkey hunting, a particularly challenging brand of hunting that -- because of its wary prey -- requires special skills, technique and lots of patience. Not only does this episode prepare the neophyte for a first turkey-hunting experience, it also explores the important link between hunting and conservation. Topics covered include turkey species, the importance of camouflage, the art of turkey calling, hunting technique, gear, equipment and hunter safety. Many avid turkey hunters belong to The National Wild Turkey Federation, a grassroots organization formed in 1953 that has grown to more than 450,000 members. The conservation efforts of the organization are a contributing factor in the re-population of wild turkeys in the US. During the 1800s, wild turkeys practically became extinct in the US. Current population estimates are close to 5.5 million. According to Michael Tull of the NWTF, turkeys make particularly challenging quarry because of their wary disposition, intelligence and ultra-keen eyesight. Turkeys' eyes are located on the sides of their head, so they can see nearly 360 degrees of their surroundings. Moreover, turkeys have remarkable ability to pick up on details and sense danger in their environment. Unlike most of their domestic counterparts, wild turkeys can fly. In fact, they can run up to 25 mph, and fly at more than 50 mph. The scientific name of the American wild turkey is Meleagris gallopavo, but there are five identified subspecies native to the US. Before taking up turkey hunting, it's helpful to know the various subspecies and their geographic ranges.
Turkey Subspecies
- The Eastern wild turkey (figure A) inhabits a range in the US, east of the Mississippi river.
- In Florida, however, dominant subspecies is the Oceola wild turkey (figure B).
- The region running from Texas up through Colorado is home to the Rio Grande turkey.
- In the Rockies, the dominant species is the Miriam (figure C).
- In Arizona and New Mexico, the Gould turkey (figure D) is slowly growing to a huntable population.
Turkey Tracking Check with your state wildlife agency to find out about turkey-hunting season, licensing and other requirements in your area. In most areas, turkey season takes place in the spring of the year.
- Though relatively plentiful as a species, wild turkeys are not always easy to locate in the wild. Being a good turkey hunter typically is only possible once you've become a competent and observant woodsman. Hunters rely on signs in the woods to indicate that turkeys are present. Signs include feathers, droppings, and turkey tracks in soft earth.
- When male turkeys "strut" -- the courtship behavior characterized by the familiar pose with the chest protruding and fanned tail -- they drag their wingtips along the ground. Experienced hunters can recognize impressions left in the dirt by the dragging wing feathers.
- One of the chief signs is scratch-marks in the forest floor (figure E). These are left when turkeys scratch the ground -- much like chickens do -- in their hunt for food. Particularly during the late spring when there are no acorns to feed on, turkeys scratch in the leaves and grass looking for insects, a high-protein part of their diet.
RESOURCES :
How to Turkey Hunt: The Real Truth About How It Is Done
Model: 0595214762
Author: Marc D. Greer
Writers Club Press
The Field & Stream Turkey Hunting Handbook
Model: 1558219137
Author: Philip Bourjai
The Lyon's Press
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 212-620-9580
Fax: 212-929-1836
Website: www.lyonspress.com
The Complete Book of Wild Turkey Hunting: A Handbook of Techniques and Strategies
Model: 1585740993
Author: John Trout
The Lyon's Press
New York, NY 10011
Phone: 212-620-9580
Fax: 212-929-1836
Website: www.lyonspress.com
National Wild Turkey Federation
National Wild Turkey Federation
Website: www.nwtf.org
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