Turkeys and Agriculture

With an increased population of wild turkeys in agricultural regions, the number of perceived conflicts between wild turkey and agricultural producer over crop damages has increased dramatically.  They have made studies on how much damage wild turkeys had on crop damage.  The studies came back and said they have minimal damage and is usually caused by other animals such as deer.  Researchers have put tracking devices on turkeys and they generally they in wooded areas.

How to cook a wild turkey

One of the best meals in the woods is the breast of a wild turkey. Many people think of a Thanksgiving turkey when they think turkey but this is not the same as a wild bird. Wild turkey can be prepared many different ways but my personal favorite is frying. To do this you must cut the breast out of the turkey one half at a time. After you cut out the brest cut them into 1 inch wide pieces while the breast is still vertical. These strips can then be cut into however long strips  you want to make. After all the cutting is done, soak the strips in milk overnight. The next night you will be ready for a feast. Flour the strips and add your favorite seasonings. The final step is to fry the pieces until they are golden brown. Let the strips rest on a paper towel after they come out of the grease for five minutes then enjoy.

NWTF Turkey Festival

Turkey season is right around the corner so the turkey banquets and festivals are about to begin.  On March 10, 2013, there will be the 15th annual turkey festival at the collisium in Jackson Mississippi.  The festival will begin at 5:00 pm Friday through Sunday.  There will be live auctions food and fun.  There will also be turkey calling contest and a number of different special guests such as Michael Waddell, Preston Pittman, and Eddie  
Salter.  We look forward to seeing you there.      

The Impacts of Predation on Wild Turkeys

The wild turkey has many different predators around North America. The impact of predation on wild turkeys nearly brought turkeys to extinction. The main predators for wild turkeys across North America are coyotes, bobcats, racoons, fire ants, hogs, mountain lions, and people.  The National Wild Turkey Federation has many predator management programs that they distribute across the country to help keep the predator numbers down.  By killing coyotes, bobcats, and racoons on your property, you are saving more and more turkeys lives.

Turkey Forage and Habitat

Wild Turkeys forage on the ground and occasionally mounting shrubs and small trees.  Acorns, beechnuts, cherries, ash seeds, small seeds and insects are primary food sources.  Turkeys also eat corn, wheat, millet, alfalfa, and millet.  Hen turkeys like to nest on the ground in thick cover, such as cut over and thick grasses, to be hidden from predators.  Gobblers like big open woods so he can strut around with his hens.