Turkeys, mostly hens with broods, are attracted to these areas due to the availability and abundance of insects in agricultural fields. In cases where turkeys may be causing damage, abatement measures can be taken. Landowners detecting crop damage caused by any species of wildlife should contact their local WDNR wildlife manager. In 1983, my father participated in the first spring hunting season which allowed him to hunt the gobbler. In addition to the spring season, a fall either-sex hunting season began in 1989 to provide additional hunting opportunities.
Turkeys have the highest densities in southwestern Wisconsin.
By 1860, wild turkeys were rare throughout Wisconsin, with the last sightings occurring during the late 1800 s. Turkeys have many natural predators, most of which prey extensively on eggs and young poults. These predators include skunks, opossums, raccoons, snakes, crows, coyotes, foxes, and certain other rodents. Wild turkeys are also susceptible to many diseases and parasites such as turkey pox, blackhead, round worms, tapeworms, and several small blood parasites. The first attempt to reintroduce wild turkeys occurred in 1887 when a private individual released two pairs of wild turkeys near Lake Koshkonong.