Debate Over Wild Turkey Protection Continues

According to a National Wildlife Turkey Federation press release, three of five wild turkeys in Yosemite National Park shot by park ranger Chris Cagle were not part of a legitimate hunt, but instead as an eradication program under the direction of Michael Tollefson, superintendent of Yosemite National Park.

In September, Yosemite National Park Ranger Chris Cagle shot and killed approximately 60 percent (three of an estimated five) turkeys of the wild turkeys that had wandered onto the park's property. Regardless of state game laws and biological data, national parks have exclusive federal jurisdiction over their land and all wildlife. Under this discretionary authority, Tollefson directed the park staff to shoot any wild turkeys seen on the park because the national park service considers them an exotic species in the Yosemite Valley. However, a recent study shows that the wild turkey is a California native.

?EUR??,,????'??While the wild turkey is native, Yosemite National Park's habitat is unlikely to support a significant population of wild turkeys because they mainly travel through the park during the warmest summer months and return to lower elevations as cooler temperatures approach,?EUR??,,????'?? said Dr. James Earl Kennamer, NWTF's senior vice president for conservation programs. ?EUR??,,????'??However, I'm concerned the policy to eradicate wild turkeys is not based on sound biological information. It could also push other parks to follow the same approach, and ultimately deny Californians an opportunity to enjoy this great bird.?EUR??,,????'??

In 1995, the California Department of Fish and Game prepared a statement outlining the proposed release of wild turkeys on the Cleveland National Forest in San Diego County. However, restoration efforts stalled in 1996 when the Department was sued by the California Native Plant Society and Save Our Ranchlands and Forests. In the lawsuit, the groups claimed that releasing wild turkeys would have a significant impact on native plants in the area.

Source: National Wildlife Turkey Federation