Ep. 333 | State of the Wild Turkey Union with Dr. Mike Chamberlain

From boom to bust in some regions and concerns in others, we’ve seen wild turkey populations change dramatically over the years. What factors are impacting the wild turkey? Should declines in states traditionally known as turkey strongholds be a cautionary tale for others - and all who love the wild turkey? Wild turkey researcher and expert, Dr. Mike Chamberlain, gives us the rundown on what’s happening and what we can do.
00:00 - Intro
2:42 - Mike's Background
7:33 - Turkey Population History
16:06 - Regional Population
30:58 - Landowner Impact
37:19 - Public Land
42:11 - Predators
1:02:26 - Optimal Spring for Turkeys
1:13:31 - Mike's Research
1:19:35 - Closing Thoughts
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[@bz9138]

I’m in south Florida, despite what people think there’s a bunch of Osceolas down here. Only problem is most the land is private and whatever public land there is you have to draw a tag and you have to trek through miles of heat, swamp, mosquitoes, snakes and gators

[@carlkessler303]

I'm Ohio I never saw turkeys growing up. Now several times a year I have to stop my car in the suburbs so I don't hit them. What's worse is a turkey tag costs the same as a deer tag. You can get a second turkey in the spring, but either way, the value in poundage of meat just doesn't compare.

[@mattp9574]

Great podcast guys- the number priority one is habitat. So how do we convince our local governments to support habitat restoration? The only incentive for the governments is revenue from taxation… so large blocks of public habitat gains them no property tax revenue comparative to a nice new subdivision or shopping mall. Private land owners can’t hardly purchase more “hobby land/ recreational properties” due to high interest rate and low return on investment. Who is our lobbyist to protect this resource?

[@whisper8742]

We don't have a representative or Lobby now. Those all belong to Israel and China...

[@Yeoman7]

Does anyone know what kind of bird that is hanging from the ceiling?

[@bisleyblackhawk1288]

I think it’s an aluminum winged quail…they are hard to find except from the Home Depot parking lot…😆😄😁😃

[@angelosantora6625]

Western Massachusetts turkey population is insane.