Eastern Ontario hunters and bird watchers received some good news this week with announcements of a burgeoning turkey population and new hunting seasons.
Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.) biologist Ed Reid notes that a mild winter and concerted conservation efforts have helped these reintroduced birds fare extremely well, and, should spring conditions continue to be favorable, the future looks exceptionally bright for wild turkeys in eastern Ontario and across the province this year.
The success of wild turkeys in eastern Ontario also means new hunting opportunities in wildlife management units (WMUs) 65, 64B and 69A around Ottawa, Cornwall, Arnprior and in the Trenton, Belleville, Kingston and Napanee corridor.
Since reintroduction efforts began in 1984, huge strides have been made to protect and enhance wild turkey habitat. Turkey habitat is also critical for many other native species of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse and species of song birds and insects.
Wild turkeys disappeared from much of their native range, including eastern Ontario, almost 100 years ago, but, through efforts of the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters and several partner groups and agencies, turkeys are, again, a part of our ecosystem. Ontario birds now number well over 35,000.
Wild turkey reintroduction is a success story marked by devoted volunteers and extraordinary international cooperation. This natural resources legacy will benefit Ontario for generations to come, says Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters Executive Director Mike Reader, whose 83,000-member organization spearheaded the program also involving the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and the National Wild Turkey Federation.