It was part of a reintroduction effort to bring back a species that had been wiped out in New England before the Civil War, thanks to a one-two punch of vanishing forests and unchecked hunting. “Originally, I never thought it would get beyond a few thousand turkeys,” says Walski, who’s still on the job 48 years later.
Why are there so many turkeys in Massachusetts?
Wild turkeys in Massachusetts
The new flock grew, in an ideal mixture of agricultural and forested lands, and by fall of 1978 the estimated population was about 1,000 birds. As more birds moved in from adjacent states, turkeys soon ranged throughout most parts of Massachusetts west of the Connecticut River.
Why are there so many wild turkeys in New Hampshire?
NH Fish and Game began transplanting wild turkeys into the state in in 1969-70 (this initial effort failed), then again in 1975. Today the population is estimated at upwards of 25,000 birds.
Why are there so many turkeys around?
Fish and Game began live-trapping wild turkeys in places like Texas and Nevada, and releasing them in the California wilderness. These live-trapped turkeys thrived, successfully reproducing and growing their population in the state to the hundreds of thousands.
What state has the most wild turkeys?
What makes Alabama a standout for turkey hunting is really two things: it has the largest turkey population (except Texas in some years), and hunters can harvest up to five turkeys over the fall and spring seasons, at a limit of one per day.
Why are there so many turkeys on Cape Cod?
According to the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, the last known native turkey was killed in the state in 1851. Thus, a gobble-free era came to pass on Cape Cod. And it lasted more than 130 years. Meanwhile, state biologists started trapping wild turkeys in New York and releasing them in Massachusetts.
What to do if a turkey chases you?
Don’t let turkeys intimidate you
Don’t hesitate to scare or threaten a bold, aggressive turkey with loud noises, swatting with a broom or water sprayed from a hose. A dog on a leash is also an effective deterrent. Turkeys that repeatedly challenge or attack people may ultimately have to be destroyed.
Why are there so many turkeys in the city?
In urban areas, wild turkeys, as large as they are, have few natural predators. “They’re also a little more on the aggressive side, so they’ll be chasing other birds and wildlife away,” Mayntz said. “Dogs, cats, skunks or raccoons can prey on eggs, but the adult turkeys — there’s nothing really to stand in their way.”
Is it legal to feed wild turkeys in NH?
The NH Fish and Game Department discourages people from purposefully feeding turkeys because doing so enhances the likelihood of disease, predation, and human conflicts. Fish and Game does not provide turkey feed or compensate individuals for the cost of turkey feed.
When were turkeys reintroduced to Massachusetts?
Fast-forward to 1972, when the MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (now known as Mass Wildlife), in cooperation with the University of Massachusetts, received permission to live-trap turkeys in New York state and release them in Massachusetts. Between 1972 and 1973, a total of 37 birds were released.
Is it illegal to feed wild turkeys in MA?
While feeding wildlife is not illegal in Massachusetts, supplemental feeding can: Habituate animals to humans and eventually lead to problematic and aggressive animal behaviors; Congregate wildlife into unnaturally high densities, thus increasing the risk of disease spread among wildlife (e.g., mange, avian pox);
Are turkeys protected in Massachusetts?
Because they are a protected species under state law – even when they threaten the mailman, there’s not much the town can do when it comes to removing the birds.
How do you get rid of wild turkeys?
Scare away problem turkeys
It’s easy to scare turkeys away by making noises (try waving your arms and yelling or blowing a whistle), popping open an umbrella, throwing tennis balls, or dousing the turkey with water from a hose or squirt gun. A leashed dog may also be effective in scaring a turkey away.
What state has no wild turkeys?
America’s 5 Wild Turkey Subspecies. The wild turkey is one of the most widely distributed game animals in North America, with huntable numbers in every state except Alaska. Estimates put the country’s total population at about 7 million, made up of five different wild turkey subspecies.
What is the only state that doesn’t have wild turkeys?
Thanks to this conservation, every state except Alaska has a spring hunting season for turkey. And that’s simply because the turkey range doesn’t extend into Alaska. After deer, turkey is the most common animal hunters choose to hunt. There are a few key things to know before heading out for your spring turkey season.
What U.S. state does not have turkeys?
After World War II, active restoration pro- grams and research efforts by state agencies eventually led to wild turkey populations in every state except Alaska. In 1991, spring wild turkey hunting seasons were for the first time open in every one of the 49 states having turkey populations.
Why would a wild turkey be by itself?
Your lone turkey could be one of those guys. The bachelor toms will eventually be welcomed back by the females and their broods, once the mating season is over. It might also be a younger turkey that has become separated from its flock and is calling out to its mother and friends.
Where do wild turkeys sleep in the winter?
Where Do Turkeys Sleep During the Winter? Wild turkeys love to sleep in trees during winter. Most times, they stay in areas where food is easily accessible. During the day, they hunt for food and rest up in the trees at night.
What do wild turkeys eat in my yard?
Offer Seeds and Browse: Turkeys browse on plant buds and shoots in the early spring and feed off fern fronds, club mosses, and weeds such as burdock, especially when there is a lot of snow cover and other foods are hard to find. Grasses, sedges and many wildflowers provide wild turkeys with seeds to eat.
Can a turkey bite you?
Turkeys Will Fight You
Turkeys follow a strict pecking order and are known to attack birds and even people they deem subordinate, especially during the spring mating season. People who have suffered turkey attacks recommend not looking the birds in the eye.
Can you outrun a turkey?
He said it’s probably not best to try to outrun a turkey as they can run or fly upwards of 25 mph. “If you can just hold your ground and be more aggressive than the turkey, you’ll be in pretty good shape,” Drake said.