Interesting

[NWTFhunter]

It seems that those "so called" tame, not wild, farm birds that were released in the area of LaConner, ar doing very well.  I heard last week, what started as 6 or 7 birds are now upwards of 30.  Oh, and for those who will say they are "tame" Go try and get 20 yds from them.

[yelp]

It seems that those "so called" tame, not wild, farm birds that were released in the area of LaConner, ar doing very well.  I heard last week, what started as 6 or 7 birds are now upwards of 30.  Oh, and for those who will say they are "tame" Go try and get 20 yds from them.

That is interesting.  Well here is my opinion for what it is worth..take it or leave it.

Tame is a term loosely used a lot on here, probably not the most accurate, in some cases very accurate.  I would say "genetic farm variety" would be more accurate.  Which have never been disease tested, which means they may or may not be infected with different diseases.  All wild birds released in Washington however have all been disease tested.  Eastern Wild Turkeys from Iowa were quarantined at Sea Tac until they passed the test.  Then they were released.  There are a lot of hunters out there that think that raising and releasing these types of turkeys is OK.  The argument isn't that they won't survive it is an argument of keeping wild turkeys wild...genetically.  Just because they run from you or you can't get close isn't a measurement of wildness.  You ever try and catch a chicken in a cage?  LOL  The first damage complaint that comes from LaConner will end up spreading the message that wild turkeys are bad period.  Most people will assume that they are wild not genetic farm variety.  The Organic Farmers in those counties up there already have voiced their opinion on the matter they don't want them. 

The WDFW is missing the picture, they should be working with the hunters, farmers to release more wild Easterns.  There are always Easterns available..genetically wild.  They have chosen not to go down that path.  So what happens?  Hunters get frustrated with the system, politics, etc  and go and release a bunch of Genetic farm variety turkeys.  That isn't the best solution.  Negative "Nuisance" complaints are common with the release with this variety..its documented.  And I guarantee someone in the Laconner Area will habituate them and they will cause problems.     

[videoman]

I was looking at a job up that way today and saw about 6 turkey in the middle of town.

[Wacenturion]

It seems that those "so called" tame, not wild, farm birds that were released in the area of LaConner, ar doing very well.  I heard last week, what started as 6 or 7 birds are now upwards of 30.  Oh, and for those who will say they are "tame" Go try and get 20 yds from them.

First of all those "released" game farm birds have been there for a few years.....so 6 or 7 is now 30....wow, I'm not impressed.  Get within 20 yards......really means nothing, as I have seen pictures and video of those birds right next to cars, people, whatever.  Usually standing in the middle of the road as videoman has described.

Game farm birds pure and simple...will always be, no matter how much wishful thinking by some.  Like the San Juan birds.....resident tame turkeys.  They are enjoyed by many, hunted by some, cursed by many, but are never the less.....tame game farm stock.....greatly removed from true wild birds.  But each to their own as far as an opinion.  They are however illegal in a free roaming state.  As Yelp said......they pose more problems than people realize, both in the short and long term.

[NWTFhunter]

I agree with what you say Yelp.  But those birds were not gamefarm, or farm birds at all.  They were wild birds that ended up there.  Yes and it has been a few years since they were released.

Wa, I can show you pics of actual "wild" WDFW sanctioned birds way up in the hills at 20 yards looking at pickups

The reason I said in my first post "farm birds" is because a few years back a certain someone on here called them such.

Wa, I dont disagree with the fact that they are going to be interacting with the people in town, and yes someone is going to start feeding them.  I am sure it has already happened.

[Wacenturion]

Wild birds that ended up there?  Can you elaborate on that...details, source etc?  

Agree....I too can get you close to wild birds at varying times of the year.  Depends on their comfort level, but wild instincts vs. game farm instincts are quite different, and usually easy to tell the difference.


NWTF you said...........
"The reason I said in my first post "farm birds" is because a few years back a certain someone on here called them such."

Probably me as I'm sure I have referred to them as such in the past.  You said "that were released in the area of LaConner"...where exactly in the LaConner area?  Again source of information please.

[Wacenturion]

Wild birds that ended up there?  Can you elaborate on that...details, source etc?  

Agree....I too can get you close to wild birds at varying times of the year.  Depends on their comfort level, but wild instincts vs. game farm instincts are quite different, and usually easy to tell the difference.


NWTF you said...........
"The reason I said in my first post "farm birds" is because a few years back a certain someone on here called them such."

Probably me as I'm sure I have referred to them as such in the past.  You said "that were released in the area of LaConner"...where exactly in the LaConner area?  Again source of information please.

Guess there was no source as I thought.....

[axelfisher]

What would be the  difference in hunting these turkeys and hunting upland birds released in a local westside field?

[Wacenturion]

What would be the  difference in hunting these turkeys and hunting upland birds released in a local westside field?

Like apples and oranges......at least pheasants, quail or chukars react like wild birds, although they may not fly as well, or a dog may catch one on the ground.  However for the most part most released pheasants on a site are shot in the same manner as a wild bird.  

Game farm turkeys do not act like wild birds.  Conversely wild birds can be tamed down to act like game farm birds at times from people feeding etc.  They become comfortable with humans in certain situations.  Game farm birds however will never attain the survival instincts or reactions of a true wild turkey.