National Wild Turkey Federation - Conservation Field Notes with Steven Rinella

Steven Rinella talks the Gould's wild turkey; its background, history, and its symbolism for one of MeatEater's greatest conservation success stories.

First described by J. Gould in 1856, the Gould's wild turkey is found in portions of Arizona and New Mexico, as well as northern Mexico. The population estimate in the U.S. in 1989 was fewer than 150 birds. The reintroduction of the Gould's wild turkey in Arizona occurred over a 30-year period and resulted in the current population exceeding 1,000 birds. Due to the success of this restoration effort, a limited hunting season is now in place for the Gould's wild turkey in Arizona.