Wild Turkeys

Not all of Colorado’s turkeys are at the grocery store; our state has many wild turkeys, as well.  Just in time for Thanksgiving, the Colorado Division of Parks and Wildlife has published a new report on the Ecology and Management of Rio Grande Turkeys in the South Platte River Corridor.  The report takes a look at wild turkeys and their habitats, populations, movement and dispersal, survival, and nesting behaviors.  Rio Grande turkeys are found only in the eastern part of the state — if you see a turkey in the mountains or in western Colorado, it’s probably a Merriam’s turkey.  Rio Grande turkeys are most common in Kansas, Oklahoma, and central Texas.  For more information on Colorado turkeys and turkey hunting, see the Division’s turkey page.