When we think about turkey hunting, we don't often think about the Western United States as having abundant populations of wild turkeys. But thanks to the conservation work spearheaded by hunters, many Western states like Oregon boast flourishing populations of wild turkeys. Transplanning of wild turkeys through the funding that hunters create through the sale of state license and tags, the state of Oregon now has flourishing populations of both Rio Grande and Miriam turkeys, with populations around 30,000 statewide. We know that quality habitat is necessary to sustain these growing populations. Out west, nearly 100 years of fire suppression efforts have created a forest environment that has allowed the western juniper to take over this landscape, crowding out native pine and sapping water away from the understory grasses and shrubs. Invasive grasses like cheekgrass and medusa head replace the wild grass, which results in the reduction of forage quantity and quality in many areas. Conservation projects supported by the National Wild Turkey Federation are improving the habitat out west. One of the many projects as part of the ongoing west side stewardship agreement is happening right here behind me in the Cricket River National Grasslands. The NWTF and Forest Service are working together to remove the competitive western juniper, promoting the growth of ponderosa pines, which increases the habitat for the wild turkey by providing a roosting area and pine nuts for forage. Over time we can expect to see this landscape transform with the return of native grasses, which will provide beneficial habitat for wild turkeys and all wildlife. The National Wild Turkey Federation and its members are helping to transform western landscapes to date this project has improved over 2,500 acres with a goal of benefiting 4,000 acres of our public lands. Hunters are spearheading the most effective conservation efforts in the world. To learn more about the National Wild Turkey Federation, go to nwTF.org. Learn how to do your part to save the habitat and save the hunt.