Turkeys tempting fate

[serpentman]

Yesterday we had a flock of turkeys show up, about 15 in all. Pretty daring considering the holiday. They came back again today but it was snowing too hard to get a pic.

 

[Jeff Trout]

shoot 'em

 

[cash03ins]

I had about 6 or 7 in my backyard about two weeks ago.

 

[DEERE G]

There is a Turkey/Target shoot right down the road from me at Freeport Farms every Sunday. Last Sunday it was packed with people. One field over when we were driving home there must have been a dozen Turkeys. The turkeys didn't even seem concerned that there were dozens of shotguns blasting away a couple hundred yards over. My wife and I thought it was pretty funny.

 

[CeasarIM]

thats cool as hell,the only thing I get is a bunch of deer every day and night

 

[jbmynes]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13817307#post13817307 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by CeasarIM
thats cool as hell,the only thing I get is a bunch of deer every day and night

I could come up and take care of that problem in a few weeks with a 12ga...... lol

 

[Old Crusty]

They look like buzzards to me. let us know how they taste.

http://vulturesociety.homestead.com/TVFacts.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_turkey

 

[Apercula]

In mid winter about 2-3 years ago (dont remember which year) one afternoon we had a combined flock/herd of 70 wild turkeys (yes I counted) and 17 whitetails out in our front yard.

 

[oldreefer76]

The more I look at the pics am siding with Old Crusty those are vultures and not wild Turkeys, wild turkeys are elusive and are not known for flocking

 

[serpentman]

Trust me, I know what a vulture looks like. They are definitely turkeys and have been back several times to eat at the bird feeder right near the house. Up close they are unmistakable and HUGE. The do share the common ugly head but turkeys get much larger and have long legs.

Here's another pic of them scratching for food:

Oh and turkeys DO flock:

http://www.wildturkeyzone.com/wildturkey/species2.htm

http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/NDG/BRKDanny.html

http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2299427780101754992pfqhfu

 

[Old Crusty]

your Good .. I see the resemblance, have a nice turkey day all

 

[fambrough]

Turkeys for sure. One of my passions is birding. This calendar year alone I've seen 135 different species of birds in Ohio. That's without really trying: cut WAY back on driving (and birding) this year.

Those are hens. They flock into considerable groups in winter. I've seen several flocks in Ohio. Much more difficult to detect in summer. Populations fluctuate with the mast crop, especially acorns. You mostly see them in corn fields after harvest eating residual grain. Nice yard bird, Jeff. But wouldn't taste nearly as good as a farm raised bird. Wild turkey is very lean, very dry, not as forgiving as a well raised, grain fed bird. I speak now as a chef.

 

[serpentman]

Yes, all this talk of turkeys is making my stomach rumble. I think I am going to fast all day tomorrow in anticipation.

 

[sohal1025]

Flockin turkeys
[chimp]

 

[serpentman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13819036#post13819036 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by fambrough
Turkeys for sure. One of my passions is birding. This calendar year alone I've seen 135 different species of birds in Ohio. That's without really trying: cut WAY back on driving (and birding) this year.

Those are hens. They flock into considerable groups in winter. I've seen several flocks in Ohio. Much more difficult to detect in summer. Populations fluctuate with the mast crop, especially acorns. You mostly see them in corn fields after harvest eating residual grain. Nice yard bird, Jeff. But wouldn't taste nearly as good as a farm raised bird. Wild turkey is very lean, very dry, not as forgiving as a well raised, grain fed bird. I speak now as a chef.

Darn it! Actually, I couldn't bring myself to it. I put the pond in to encourage more wildlife to come up close. Would hate to lure them in and then, BLAM!

Since the pond addition the wildlife keeps getting more interesting. About 2 weeks ago we had a mink hanging out catching frogs.

 

[purplereef]

Hey Jeff,
I am Southern Ohio bound and I am hopefully going to shoot some turkey on my father in laws acreage. Actually I will just be lucky to get close enough to see one during the day. I guess they have great eye sight. Jeff you and your family have a great Thanksgiving, Dan.

 

[serpentman]

You have a nice and safe one too Dan. Enjoy the lack of snow!

 

[84chris]

are you allowed to shoot those on your property if you wanted too? Just curious!

 

[Murphs205]

Don't BLAM the turkeys ,,,they are cool to have around ,,, put in that big A$$ pond , lure them in and BLAM ! ponds are great bird lures ,,, just ask Wayne , cashins03 ,,,his house in the city has a constant shadow over the lawn from flocks of 37 types of birds wanting to eat everything in his ponds ,,, now i could see him with the BLAM thing going on ,

 

[serpentman]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13826419#post13826419 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 84chris
are you allowed to shoot those on your property if you wanted too? Just curious!

I believe so. We live in an unincorporated area so I think as long as its in season, its a go.