[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

RE:speaking of turkeys




Fortunately, there is not as much conflict between turkey hunters and
birders as there is between deer hunters and birders.  Turkey hunters *have*
to make a visual confirmation of the bird because the target is so small
(the turkey's head).  The bird has to be within 30 or 40 yards of the hunter
before a decent shot can be made.  Most hunters prefer to hunt in more open
areas because of this and because it is where the birds are.  Tom Turkeys do
perform a dance for females, known as "strutting", that involves tail
fanning, fluffing out the contour feathers on the body, and dragging the
wings while walking in a large circle or figure eight in front of the
prospective hen (which the hunter is pretending he is by imitating female
clucks and purrs).  The turkeys prefer to do this in more open areas.

If you are out looking for spring warblers, you are probably pretty safe
from turkey hunters.  You are (or should be) in the trees; the hunter is on
the edges.

Remember, it was for the hunters that the various state wildlife agencies
"saved" the turkey.  And they've done a good job of it. As Alex mentioned,
turkeys have been successfully re-introduced (for the ABA counters out
there, it is my understanding native stock was used in most places) in
places that were only "historical ranges" a few years ago.  The turkey's
recovery has been successful in large part because hunting regulations (bag
limits and seasons) are strictly enforced and because population levels are
monitored to determine length of seasons and bag limits.  

Here's hoping you hear a few big toms gobbling to an April morning.
Donna Bailey
Winnsboro, SC
e-mail: dsbailey@conterra.com
URL: http://www.conterra.com/dsbailey
     "Where are the Birds?  Migration across South Carolina"
URL: http://www.conterra.com/dsbailey/audubon	
    "Columbia Audubon Society"