Wild Turkeys On The Move

LEWISTON -- In an effort to establish wild turkeys in suitable habitat in southeastern Idaho and to lessen landowner conflicts where turkey populations have increased to problem levels, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game has teamed up with the National Wild Turkey Federation and volunteers from the University of Idaho to trap and relocate birds from the Clearwater region. Trapping has been conducted in several areas, with 84 birds captured and moved to the Roberts and Inkom areas of southeastern Idaho. Capture efforts will continue until birds disperse in early spring. The goal is to reduce the populations in areas where conflicts have increased and relocate turkeys to areas of good habitat throughout Idaho. The efforts have been largely funded by donations from the National Wild Turkey Federation. Several federation members and wildlife students from the University of Idaho have also volunteered to assist. IDFG has welcomed their support. "Without their help we would be limited in what we could accomplish," said John Nelson, IDFG wildlife technician. "It's ultimately people like this, who give back, who are responsible for the comeback of the wild turkey," he added. Wild turkeys are not native to Idaho, but were first introduced in 1961 near Riggins. Since then, more than 150 relocation efforts have been conducted statewide. Populations have done so well that during the 2000-hunting season, an estimated 4,896 birds were harvested. The department hopes to establish turkey populations in all suitable habitats and produce hunting opportunities for 20,000 hunters.