Wild turkeys — Utah flocks, once sparse, now flourish

Where populations need to be thinned, Mitchell said in most cases the birds are trapped using what is called a Texas box trap. Bird are baited for a time, then the traps are brought in and bait is placed inside. The birds walk into the trap but can't get out.

"We like these traps because it's easier on the birds, and they take less manpower. One biologists can work six, eight or 10 traps."

Other methods include using large nets that are dropped over birds coming in to eat bait, and rocket nets that are shot over feeding birds.

"In some areas, where they've been doing this longer than we have, they can't use the box traps. Over time, the birds have become wary of the traps. They have to use nets. We're not to that point yet," he noted.

The cost of moving birds in-state is also much more economical. To bring in a turkey from another state can cost as much as $190 when food, disease testing, fuel and manpower are added in. Trapping and moving in-state costs are around $25 a bird.

As to the question of just how smart are turkeys, Mitchell said it depends on whom you talk to. There are a number of stories recounting how hunters have been led on a merry chase by turkeys, only to find themselves lost.

"They are smart," Mitchell said. "They can drive you nuts. Just when you think you've got them figured out, they change the whole pattern of their day and change everything. Sometimes everything works out, and other times everything you planned ends up going south.

"They do have excellent hearing and sight, and trying to sneak up on a flock of turkeys with all those eyes and ears is nearly impossible."

Today, the NWF will recognize Utah for its wild turkey program by sponsoring a special Thanksgiving release on land owned by Kennecott Copper Lands.

As for other parts of the state, Mitchell said Utah has excellent habitat and a sound wild-turkey program, "So if people ever wonder if that big, black bird they see off in a distance is really a turkey, they can be assured that it is."

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