ODFGA is proud to be one of the clubs in Alberta that are supporting the Alberta Wild Turkey Program. The Alberta Conservation Association is leading this initiative, in which wild turkeys are trapped in BC and released in Southern Alberta. This year more than 180 birds are expected to be trapped, vet checked, and released. The donation made by the club helps offset some of the costs involved in this labor intensive endeavor.
All of the birds are individually identified with leg bands, and this year a few of them are being fitted with GPS transmitters to enable effective tracking of the birds and monitoring of the newly established populations.
A few of our members have attended one of the releases that took place early in February 2024, when 14 healthy birds were released by the ACA staff, including two hens that were carrying GPS transmitters. Representatives of other clubs and the Alberta Wildlife Federation were also present.
Kudos to the Alberta Conservation Association, the Alberta Wildlife Federation and all the clubs involved!
Image: Jim Clarke
Image: Jim Clarke