These days, however, turkeys can be found nearly the world over. Incidentally, the turkey is the only race of poultry that originated in the Western Hemisphere. Minnesota, Iowa, North Carolina and California are the leading producers of turkey. However, nearly every state has at least one major operation. Great Britain and Canada also have large numbers of domestic turkeys.
Age is a determining factor in taste.
A yearling is just over twelve months. Any bird fifteen months or older is considered mature. Since old females generally have tough meat, hens are eaten when they are young and small. Old and large males are usually preferred to young toms because the latter are regarded as having stringy meat. The biggest difference between wild and domesticated turkeys is in their personality and character.