Paul Douglass
Member
- Messages
- 4,995
- Location
- S E Washington State
I live out in the country along a river, called the Yakima. I live in a group of 5 acre parcels, there are 13 parcels in all. Most have river front with lots of trees and brush. We have deer moving in which is a great thrill. I've been thinking I'd like to see wild turkeys down by the river. I've been contemplating maybe getting some, raising them and then turning them loose down by the river. I've talked to neighbors and they seem real excited by the idea and one even offered to pay half for the birds. My problem is I don't know what breed of turkey survives on their own. Are wild turkeys domestic turkey that have escaped and gone wild, like the wild pigs that are plaguing parts of the country? Or, are wild turkeys a breed all their own?
Years ago, our game department use to give away pheasant chicks to anyone that wanted to raise them and release them. I got about 50 and tried to raise them. It was difficult because pheasants, confined in a pen will eat each other. I only succeeded in getting about 50% to adulthood to release. Pheasants use to be plentiful in this area, now it is a joy to see one. Same thing with jack rabbits. Anyway, I just thought some of the turkey hunters on here might know something about wild turkeys. The only predictors for the turkeys would be coyotes for the most part. Most people out here keep their dogs at home.
Years ago, our game department use to give away pheasant chicks to anyone that wanted to raise them and release them. I got about 50 and tried to raise them. It was difficult because pheasants, confined in a pen will eat each other. I only succeeded in getting about 50% to adulthood to release. Pheasants use to be plentiful in this area, now it is a joy to see one. Same thing with jack rabbits. Anyway, I just thought some of the turkey hunters on here might know something about wild turkeys. The only predictors for the turkeys would be coyotes for the most part. Most people out here keep their dogs at home.