STATUS OF WILD TURKEY RESTORATION IN EAST TEXAS

Abstract Wild turkey restoration efforts in east Texas began in the early 1940's. From then until the early 1950's penreared eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) were released in one county and wild‐trapped Rio Grande turkeys (M. g. intermedia) in 27 counties. The wild‐tra...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Charles E. Boyd, Roy D. Oglesby
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 1975-01-01
Series:Wildlife Society Bulletin
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.1975.tb00083.x
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Summary:Abstract Wild turkey restoration efforts in east Texas began in the early 1940's. From then until the early 1950's penreared eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) were released in one county and wild‐trapped Rio Grande turkeys (M. g. intermedia) in 27 counties. The wild‐trapped birds generally increased for the first three to five years and then declined. Wild turkeys from Georgia, South Carolina, and Florida (M. g. osceola) were stocked on five areas from 1959‐74. Results were moderate to good on three areas, one was a failure, and one is inconclusive. Eight other areas were stocked with a combination of eastern gobblers and Rio Grande hens and with wild turkeys from two of the original release areas. Restoration efforts are handicapped by loss of suitable habitat.
ISSN:2328-5540