Turkeys Expanding in Maine

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Turkeys Expanding in Maine





Wild turkeys continue to show resilience by expanding north beyond what was once thought to be their boundaries. Today, turkeys are becoming established in northern areas such as Ontario, Quebec and Maine.


Relocating wild turkeys will enhance their habitat
Photo by: Author
"Wild turkeys are very adaptable," said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, National Wild Turkey Federation senior vice president of conservation programs. "If the habitat has food, cover and roosting areas, turkeys will survive and expand providing hunting and economic opportunities."

Because turkeys exhibit such an ability to adapt, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife (MDIFW) has stepped up turkey restoration efforts by trapping and relocating 227 wild turkeys within the Pine Tree State. The MDIFW recently made expanding wild turkeys into all suitable habitat a priority.

The MDIFW used rocket nets to capture turkeys for relocation in winter and early spring because birds are flocked together in large bunches making it easier to trap-and-transfer birds.

Along with relocating wild turkeys, the MDIFW and the NWTF Maine State Chapter have partnered to enhance habitat for wild turkeys and other wildlife.

One ongoing habitat project in Maine is being conducted on Page Farm wildlife management area close to where wild turkeys were released in the Penobscot hunting region in east central Maine. MDIFW staff and NWTF volunteers are reestablishing openings in food plots, planting fruit trees and fertilizing trees already located on the former farm to enhance the area for wildlife.

"We are working with the state to improve turkey habitat and turkey hunting in Maine," said Jim Plourde, NWTF Maine State Chapter president. "This is just one project that is being conducted for the benefit of wild turkeys."

During the 2005 trap-and-transfer season, the NWTF partnered with 24 states, two Canadian provinces and one American Indian reservation to move 4,055 wild turkeys across North America through its Making Tracks program in 2005.

For more information about the NWTF, its Maine State Chapter or Making Tracks call 1-800-THE-NWTF. 

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