Wild Turkey Federation continues support for transplant program
(2005-02-15)
The Minnesota Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) is
continuing its support for a Department of Natural Resources (DNR) program
to trap wild turkeys from large flocks in southeast Minnesota and release
them in areas of the state with suitable habitat.
NWTF CEO Rob Keck and Minnesota chapter President Dave Mahlke presented the
DNR with a check for $35,000 for the trap and transplant program at the 10th
annual Minnesota chapter convention held recently in Rochester.
"The long-term partnership we've developed with the NWTF has led to an
exceptionally strong wild turkey program," said Bill Penning, DNR farmland
wildlife program coordinator. "It has allowed us to increase turkey hunting
permits again in 2005."
The DNR will be offering 31,864 permits this year, up 15 percent from last
year.
The NWTF funding will be used to hire an additional three trappers (for a
total of six) this winter. More than 145 birds have already been moved this
winter to northern and western Minnesota. To date, approximately 4,200 birds
have been released in 60 Minnesota counties.
Minnesota's wild turkey season, which consists of eight five-day seasons,
runs from April 13 through May 26. In the spring of 2004, hunters harvested
8,434 birds, which was the 10th consecutive record harvest.
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