Wild Turkeys Make Comeback in North Carolina

November 18, 1996

Greensboro, NC: A staple in Thanksgiving lore, the wild turkey, at one time almost completely vanished from the North Carolina landscape. However, through careful management and aggressive restoration efforts, the wild turkey population has grown significantly.

According to Mike Seamster, wild turkey project leader for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, in 1970, only about 2,000 turkeys existed within North Carolina's borders. By 1995, that number had grown to nearly 85,000.

"Due to extensive timber clearing practices and year-round market hunting, the wild turkey almost completely vanished from North Carolina," said Seamster. "Restoration efforts began in the 1950s, and since 1970, we've seen numbers double, and sometimes triple, about every five years."

The wild turkey resides primarily in deeply wooded areas, but it has also been known to dwell in restricted woodland stands amid agricultural areas. Adult male turkeys typically weigh between 15 and 30 pounds, while females tip the scales in the range of 8 to 12 pounds.

An extremely wary bird, the wild turkey prefers areas where it can live apart from humans and their pets. "In general, wild turkey flocks require secure roosting areas, open land for brood rearing, and several miles of suitable terrain over which to find food and cover," said Dr. Robert Williamson, a natural resources specialist with the North Carolina A&T State University Cooperative Extension Program.

"Though turkeys are attracted to hardwood forests, in the spring and summer, young turkeys require forest openings or agricultural areas where insects are abundant."

Several North Carolina counties are concentrating efforts to restore their wild turkey population.

In Watauga County, Dale Roark, a forestry aide in the Watauga County Extension Center, has been helping landowners in his area establish habitat to attract wildlife.

"Through the Forest Stewardship Program, we are able to help area farmers decide how best to establish habitat for the wildlife species they want to attract," said Roark. "Part of this process is meeting with the county's Forest Stewardship Committee to develop a plan suitable for their land and needs."

The Forest Stewardship Program operates through a collaboration involving the North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service, Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, North Carolina Wildlife Service, and the North Carolina Forestry Service. Each North Carolina county has a Forest Stewardship committee. Roark is chairperson of the Watauga County Forest Stewardship Committee.

A common habitat plan involves planting shrubs, bushes and trees in areas that have been cleared, Roark indicates. "In the past three years, we have seen a tremendous growth in the wildlife population," said Roark. "Where we used to see only a few turkeys, we now are seeing flocks of 17 to 20."

Landowners interested in establishing wildlife habitat on their property should contact their local county extension office.

Did You Know?

• In 1776, Benjamin Franklin proposed the wild turkey to be the national bird. After a congressional vote, the bald eagle emerged the winner, beating the wild turkey by only one vote.
  
• The turkey got its name when Europeans mistakenly believed that the exotic bird was imported from the country Turkey.