Any certified Turkey Experts here? Like actual biologists?

[dannyb278]

The reason I ask, I am putting together a podcast that will be very heavy on science and history of hunting. For my first episode, i am breaking down the history of the Pittman Robertson Act. For my 2nd, i was thinking about the history of the wild turkey, as we are in that season. While I am prepared to do it "solo," are any of you a turkey expert, or know one? One that might be interested in giving a "crash course" on wild turkey history and biology? One that would be willing to do so for free on a podcast no one has heard yet?

A big leap of faith i know.

As a bit of background, I am a lifelong hunter, received my M.S in Geography before going to work for the USFS, and have humped a ruck on surveys across Forests in most states west of the Mississippi and a few in the east. Then went to work in the private sector, helping to put together EIS, NEPA and other federal regulatory documents for energy companys. I am now 100 percent out of the environmental analysis and conservation fields as a profession, but have a continued itch to work on these issues, hence the podcast.

I apologize if my spelling and grammar are atrocious, I have what has been described as "sausage fingers" and it took 2 doubles of fine Kentucky bourbon to get the courage to the write this.

Thanks.

 

[archer wapiti]

Without naming any names (probably a busy time for a turkey biologist, with turkey season upon us)... many (all?) state game agencies have a specialist in game bird biology. Some even have one specific to turkeys. NWTF has biologists on staff as well. Those are the places I would start.

 

[Gellar]

I am by no means a certified expert, but have read material from the Iowa DNR on the history of the Wild Turkey in our state and they have published it on their website as well. http://www.iowadnr.gov/Hunting/Turkey-Hunting scroll down until you see the tab for Turkey History.

 

[dannyb278]

Great, thanks guys!

 

[406LIFE]

Archer has the right idea. IDK where you are hailing from, but there will be differences in birds from various areas and subspecies. And don't forget about the oscellated.

 

[Wally Dog]

Nice idea but the history will differ from State to State.......Here in ID will surely differ from native turkey country like MS or GA. Maybe reach or to NWTF to an overview.

 

[dannyb278]

Nice idea but the history will differ from State to State.......Here in ID will surely differ from native turkey country like MS or GA. Maybe reach or to NWTF to an overview.

For sure. It's amazing than each individual state with wild turkeys has made a conservation success story for their area. In Minnesota are reintroduction efforts really kicked off in the 1960s. History of the turkey in the US goes back thousands upon thousands of years. In fact one of the most widespread fossils found in the La Brea Tar Pits are of a now extinct western Turkey.