The United States’ history is deeply related to this small land bird for its hunting has been a major factor in the survival of the native inhabitants of the North American continent. Many centuries have passed and wild turkey hunting is still popular along this part of the world, while at the same time regarded with respect and gratitude, as well as care for the future of the next generations. But this has not always been this way as it had many ups and downs along the way, yet managing to uphold its roots and essence as a meaningful and significant piece of American history.
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Long before european settlers arrived in the Americas, native Americans enjoyed abundant populations of wild turkeys and hunted the birds for food. Nevertheless, by the beginning of the 20th century, the majority of wild turkey populations were wiped in North America, being victims of decades of environment devastation and marketable harvest. By the Great Depression, less than 30,000 turkeys were left in the whole of the United States. Luckily, the American huntsmen, wildlife agencies as well as conservation groups interfered and wild turkey populations bounced back spectacularly. Over 7 million turkeys now wander North America, with populations fit for hunting in each state except Alaska; turkeys are furthermore hunted in some regions of Mexico and Canada.
This turnaround started in 1937 through the approbation of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act that put taxes on guns, ammo and further hunting gear allocating them for protection and natural habitat improvement programs. Lobbied for in addition to being supported by hunting enthusiasts, this levy collected billions for restoration of wildlife. These resources are still needed in our day to sustain ongoing efforts to safeguard turkeys as well as other game or non-game species. With almost 3 million affiliated hunters, all of them paying taxes on gear and purchasing hunting licenses, this sport’s ongoing role in conservation can’t be overlooked. Since 1985, National Wild Turkey Federation unpaid helper and associates have spent over 202 million dollars on 31,000 projects meant to lend a hand to wildlife agencies in trapping and transferring turkeys to regions of appropriate habitat as well as improving the health of the nation’s woodlands.
To put it briefly, wild turkey hunting has managed to place itself on a high stand in American history and in the people’s conscience as a distinctive entity. Although its four thousand years of existence, this sport is still well-liked today, and with so many measures taken to ensure a better future for these animals it would seem that not only will it survive the clash of modernity but will be a part of it.
