Speed

The wild turkey is a true American icon.

Our forefathers even considered this forest dwelling fowl as a symbol of our freedom. We all know that the bald eagle won out, leaving the wild turkey in all it’s magnificent splendor simply as a smart and majestic game bird. Through the conservation efforts of hunters, sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts, millions of dollars and man hours have been spent conserving and protecting their habitat and nesting sites. The wild turkey now inhabits nearly every state in the union in large enough numbers to allow for selective harvests. Four subspecies, the Merriam’s, Rio Grande, Osceola and Eastern turkeys inhabit marshlands, timber, river bottoms and mountainous terrain. The wild turkey has excellent eyesight, can run as fast as a deer, and their plumage allows for extraordinary camouflage from would be predators. So next time you see one of these winged warriors, take a moment to thank the sportsmen, hunters and conservationists who have made their comeback one of the great success stories in recent American history.