justnorth posted on July 29, 2007 09:59 :: 1253 Views
Landowners interested in attracting wild turkeys are encouraged to seek information about habitat improvement projects rather than introducing pen-raised or game farm turkeys on their property.
Wild turkeys found throughout much of the southern and central part of the state were trapped from healthy wild populations in the southeast and released by Department of Natural Resources (DNR) personnel at carefully chosen sites. Only DNR personnel are authorized to release wild turkeys. "We truly do appreciate the good intentions of people who want to help us out, but they need to do it in the right way,” said Bill Penning, DNR farmland wildlife program leader. “The best way for landowners to attract turkeys to their property is to provide the right habitat conditions. Local DNR wildlife staff will be happy to provide information for any landowner interested in habitat projects.”
Pen-raised turkeys, which include any turkey that can be purchased from a game farm, farm supply store or catalog, could threaten Minnesota's wild turkey population through loss of reproductive capacity, and the transmission of disease and inferior genetics.
Generally, Penning said, pen-raised turkeys lack wild behavior, tolerate humans in close proximity, and will seek handouts in barnyards and at bird feeders. Pen-raised turkeys tend to roost near, on or inside buildings and often have become a nuisance. "The challenge of hunting a truly wild bird is what makes turkey hunting so exciting," said Dave Mahlke, national board member of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) from Minnesota. "NWTF strongly supports the DNR's efforts to protect our wild turkey population."
Blood testing of Minnesota pen-raised birds has shown that a high percentage carry poultry diseases that can devastate a population of true wild turkeys. Any free roaming pen-raised birds should be recaptured by enclosing in a pen or building and kept permanently confined.
Landowners who are interested in learning more about wild turkey populations and habitat requirements may explore the DNR Web page www.mndnr.gov or contact their local DNR Wildlife office.
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