Turkey Hunting
Wilderness Unlimited entered the world of wild turkey hunting back in 1994. Prior to that season, staff felt W.U. lands did not contain a substantial enough turkey population to conduct a decent turkey hunting program. The resulting story is only one of W.U.’s highly regarded successes.
It is safe to say, when W.U. first started, there were few or possibly no turkeys on W.U. held lands. In the early 90’s however, W.U. member field observations reported more and more turkey sightings. Based on those observations, for the ’94 season, staff put together a limited hunting program. W.U.’s planning included consulting with the California D F and G, the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) and Terry Knight, probably California’s most experienced and knowledgeable turkey hunter.
The plan was set in a manner only W.U. and its members could acheive. A pool of 50 hunters were drawn at random and assigned to one of the seven ranches selected for the season. Following other W.U. education programs, Terry Knight led a “wild turkey hunting” seminar† for the “pool” hunters and others, as well.
The hunters went “knowledgably” into the field to pursue turkeys. At the end of the season the hunters reported a wealth of data; number of birds heard, seen, shot at, harvested, etc. to the W.U. office laying the groundwork for W.U. to expand its turkey hunting program.
Today, W.U.’s turkey population has grown exponentially to over 30 ranches,including opportunities in Oregon. In fact, W.U. is known as one of the best turkey hunting programs in the west.
† Wilderness Unlimited and Terry Knight expanded this turkey hunting seminar to include the public in 1996 in conjunction with the NWTF and the DFG. The “Wild Turkey Expo” as it came to be known expanded each year outgrowing numerous venues. The concept of multi-agency/partner organizations leading hands-on hunter education workshops was born. The resultant success led to what is now overseen by the DFG as the “Advanced Hunter Education” program with numerous workshops held annually, statewide. Some of these workshops are co-hosted by W.U. Again this year, W.U. and the NWTF will host the Wild Turkey Expo through the Wilderness Unlimited Foundation.
