Wild turkeys were reintroduced up here about ten years ago and they have
been very successful thus far.  We see good sized flocks in corn fields and
the edge of woods frequently.  There are a few hunters and they are
moderately successful so keep the turkey numbers in check.  Wild turkeys
are not as stupid as their domestic cousins so hunting them is said to be a
real challenge.  We raise domestic turkeys--just a few for ourselves and
friends to have fresh turkey for Thanksgiving.  And I do give thanks--for
fresh turkey.  Last year was a bumper year with our largest weighing in at
44# dressed weight--and no that's not New York dressed.  Ruth






At 9:12 AM -0400 10/23/01, Ken Follett wrote:
In a message dated 10/22/01 2:48:57 PM Central Daylight Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:

By the way Ken, how much is a turkey worth as a "recreational resource"?



Cuyler,

I suppose it depends on the form of recreation. I think the Village Idiot
has more experience in this venue than I.

As to predation... an idle activity that comes rarely and is practiced on
domesticated pheasant let loose in the morning for a brief confusion of
naturalized freedom. Not much higher in the predatory chain than hunting
flying chickens. I'm not very good at it and find it more interesting to
play with the gun and shoot clays. The added-value challenge, in part, is
to not shoot your partner or your guide or the poor dog in the field or
woods, this being the Eastern PA version... as opposed to what I hear is
done in Iowa where a large group lines up and walks through a corn field
and shoots anything in flight, including hats and beer cans.

I'm sorry that turkey are not taking to Ontario as the increase in their
population in NY and PA (possibly we have fewer predators... not!) is truly
neat.

][<en

--
Ruth Barton
[log in to unmask]
Westminster, VT