8: CALIFORNIA'S TURKEY STOCKING PROGRAM*
ABSTRACT Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) have been stocked in California since 1877. From 1938 to 1951, 3,350 game‐farm turkeys were stocked on 71 sites in 23 counties. Turkeys were successfully established in three areas from these introductions of game‐farm stock. One release of 23 wild‐trapped...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1973-01-01
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| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.1973.tb00038.x |
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| Summary: | ABSTRACT Wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) have been stocked in California since 1877. From 1938 to 1951, 3,350 game‐farm turkeys were stocked on 71 sites in 23 counties. Turkeys were successfully established in three areas from these introductions of game‐farm stock. One release of 23 wild‐trapped birds, obtained from Arizona in 1949‐50, became established in the Brush Creek area of Kernville. The turkey stocking program was temporarily terminated in 1951. In 1958, 62 wild‐trapped turkeys from Texas were flown to San Diego for release. These birds were established near Pine Valley, San Diego County. From 1959 to 1969, wild‐trapped turkeys have been released in 35 areas of the state. These birds were obtained from established flocks in San Luis Obispo and San Diego counties, three western states, and Texas. Excellent reproduction has been reported for most of the areas stocked. Potential turkey habitat is mainly found on private lands, with more than 9 million acres of hardwoods, woodland‐grass, woodland, chaparral, pine forests, and mixed conifers holding promise for wild turkey stocking. Some Forest Service lands located mainly in the northern part of the state are also suitable for stocking. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |