TURKEY, PART 2: One name ... .many birds ... the noble 
turkey ... details ahead on Passport to Texas
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Passport to Texas from Texas Parks and Wildlife

Although turkey hunters will be on the look-out for Rio 
Grande turkeys this fall ... the Texas turkey population is 
made up of more than this one species.

We actually have two other sub-species of turkey in the state. 
Over in the Piney Woods, east Texas region, we have eastern 
wild turkey. And out in the Davis Mountain areas, the Trans 
Pecos area, we do have some pure strain Merriam's turkey. [:14]

The eastern turkey population had dwindled significantly 
since the 1800's due, in part, to unregulated hunting. So 
for the twelve years, using wild-trapped turkeys from 
other states, Texas Parks and Wildlife set out to restore 
the bird to its habitat. 

And it's been a real successful effort, and the populations are 
starting to take off. But we don't offer a fall season yet. [:07]

In addition, DeMaso says that until a joint research 
project with Sul Ross University in Alpine, nobody knew if 
a pure strain of the Merriam's turkey existed in Texas.

Back in the 1950's and early 1960's, there had been some 
transplant type projects out there where they tried to establish 
Merriam's turkeys, but we never knew if those transplants were 
successful or not. [:12]

Biologists continue to monitor populations, to learn what 
they can about this least common species of Texas 
turkey. And you can learn more about turkey Sub-species 
on the Texas Parks and Wildlife Website.

That's our show for today ... made possible by the Sport 
Fish and Wildlife Restoration Program ... working to 
increase fishing, hunting, shooting and boating 
opportunities in Texas. For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm 
Cecilia Nasti. 

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