Turkey Trap & Transfer Program

Wild Gobblers Unlimited started the Trap and Transfer program back in 1958. The program facilitated rapid population expansion and opened Manitoba's first Wild Turkey hunting season in 1977. It has been an extremely successful program in establishing new Wild Turkey populations in Manitoba, as well it educates communities, creating Turkey advocates, conservationists, and turkey hunters. Historical peaks in turkey license sales can be accompanied by new turkey introductions to previously uninhabited areas in Manitoba. The Trap and Transfer program is designed to assist with trapping nuisance Wild Turkeys and relocating the species to different areas in accordance with all stakeholders and partners, and as per the Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources criteria of suitable habitat. Currently Wild Gobblers Unlimited is managed and delivered by passionate volunteers, MWF local fish and game clubs, and government staff. WGU falls under the MWF banner, we administer WGU financials under a restricted account and multiple representatives (staff, board and members) sit on their committee and executive roles. The group is essential to sustain good landowner relations with wild populations, remove nuisance turkeys, relocate them to establish new populations, promote the species, gather essential data and science, and provide turkey hunting opportunities for all Manitoba residents.
A special thanks goes out to Manitoba Habitat Conservancy for making this video possible with the support from the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund.