Field Note: Wild Turkey’s Comeback Story in Minnesota

From extinction to abundance what a remarkable comeback story Minnesota’s wild turkeys have to tell. Today, thanks to highly successful wildlife reintroduction efforts by Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources (DNR), partnership with the State of Missouri and stewardship by conservation organizations such as the Belwin Conservancy it is now common to see wild turkeys roosting, feeding and strutting their stuff all across the state’s fields, forests and even urban neighborhoods.

Minnesota’s DNR traded in 1971 ruffled grouse with the State of Missouri for 29 wild turkeys. These turkeys were subsequently released in Southeastern Minnesota where they thrived. The initial flock did so well a few more flocks were soon after trapped and moved to Minnesota.

The wild turkey pictured here that was recently observed at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge is a distant offspring, like tens of thousands of other turkeys currently inhabiting Minnesota, from those small flocks first transplanted more than 50 years ago from Missouri to Minnesota.

Wild Turkey in Shaft of Forest Sunlight

 

Location Details & Camera Settings

Sheburne National Wildlife Refuge is a 30,700 acre nature and wildlife refuge. The refuge has large tracks of prairie land, forested woodlands with oak savanna, wetlands and small lakes. Refuge visitors will find the Oak Savanna Learning Center, several hiking trails, observation decks, and a wildlife drive. Hunting is permitted within refuge areas during designated times of the year pursuant to any and all applicable state laws as well as national wildlife refuge rules, regulations, designated access points, and limitations.

Camera Settings: Sony A7 IV - Focal Length 234 mm - Shutter Speed 1 /250 Sec - Aperture f/5.0 - ISO 320