Reactions are mixed over a plan by the Minnesota DNR to kill 100 birds this winter across 18 north-central Minnesota counties. The turkeys are to be targeted for a DNR study that will analyze stomach and gizzard contents. The DNR plans to donate the meat.Commenting on the story, one reader was favorable to the plan, hoping the DNR would come to his house: “About 5 years ago it started with a dozen turkeys coming to the bird feeders then it was two dozen,” he wrote. “Last year it was 62 ... they are fun to watch but a group that big sure eats a lot.”
But another reader had a different view. “Are these crazy guys planning another convention?” he wrote. “I agree this is cheaper -- but if you guys want to eat turkey, buy a license like everyone else.”
What do you think about the MN DNR’s plan to shoot 100 turkeys?
Source: startribune.com
I can see no reason for DNR personnel to kill 100 birds, just to conduct a "...study that will analyze stomach and gizzard contents."
Why not allow hunters to supply that information? That could easily be done in any number of ways. Spring-harvested birds could be taken to a check station and gizzards and stomachs could be taken by DNR personnel.
Most turkey hunters would be pleased to participate in a study of their favorite bird. As an incentive, they could be given a certificate (or some other item) commemorating their participation.
As an alternative to having check stations, hunters could extract and preserve (freeze) the gizzard and stomach for pick-up or drop-off to some site at a time certain.
I realize that the flock has increased greatly over the years, through efforts of both state DNR agencies, NWTF professionals and volunteers and others and I understand the value of research but this just seems a needless waste of a precious resource.
Clark Bush
Sounds silly to me,let the hunters bring the data in frozen to the dnr.sounds like the DNR wants their own turkey hunt!
This is purely a waste of time, money, and natural resources. I can tell them what's in the stomachs without even cutting them open. Let's see, there is probably some grass, clover, a few bugs, maybe some small mammals and so on. The gizzards will have the same contents except they will be ground up. Just let the hunters hunt the turkeys and the DNR can check those birds.
I am dissapointed to say the least, I travel to southern MN every year to bow hunt for turkeys. It is the only place that I can go and find public property that is "Archery Only."
I am from central WI were we have a very large turkey population. 100 birds from the all ready low population is to many, there has got to be a better way.
i also think this stomach and gizzard information could be gathered from the hunters. or better yet, from each of the 18 counties, i bet there is 5 or 6 youth's that are interested in turkey hunting. do a draw and let them harvest the turkeys and even be involved with the study. help the future of the dnr, wildlife and hunting...let the youth be involved in this.
Very interesting to read here in your blog. YOu have great ideas! Go on that way!