(WWJ) There's no better time than the present to celebrate turkeys.
A lot of turkeys.
Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is touting what it calls "Michigan's wild turkey comeback" — estimating that there are now more than 200,000 of these big, brown birds gobbling all across our state.
But this wasn't always a thing.
By the turn of the 20th century, conservation officials say wild turkey populations across the state were decimated due to the destruction of critical habitat and unregulated hunting.
Thanks to "collaborative conservation," the DNR says these incredible birds are once again thriving across Michigan's forests and open woodland habitats.
How did it happen? In the 1950s, the Michigan DNR began an effort with partners to reintroduce wild turkeys to the state, according to MI Birds. First, 50 wild turkeys were purchased from Pennsylvania and released into the open woodlands of Allegan County, helping to strengthen and diversify the population. Thirty years later, more wild turkeys from Missouri and Iowa were released across Michigan.
“Conservation success stories like the reintroduction of wild turkeys in Michigan are examples of what is possible through years of strong partnerships and community support,” said Adam Bump, DNR upland game bird specialist. “We work closely with conservation organizations like the National Wild Turkey Federation and their local chapters to restore and enhance habitat that wild turkeys need to thrive.”
What to learn about how you can help support Michigan’s wild turkey populations? Read more from MI Birds at this link.