Majestic Merriam's Return To Pueblo Lands

01/23/2008

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The National Wild Turkey Federation's New Mexico state chapter and its partners are celebrating the return of the Merriam's wild turkey to Pueblo lands in New Mexico.

More than 60 Merriam's wild turkeys have been released onto Santa Ana Pueblo land since 2004 as part of a trap and transfer program between landowners in northeastern New Mexico and the Santa Ana Pueblo.

The project has restored a native population of Merriam's wild turkeys to suitable habitat along the Middle Rio Grande Bosque, and was funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Tribal Wildlife Grants Program. The neighboring Sandia Pueblo have also received a grant and are researching the possibility of releasing Merriam's wild turkeys onto their land in the future.

Although there was some original concern early in this project that the released Merriam's turkeys might come in contact with domesticated turkeys of unknown origin, Scott Lerich, NWTF's southwest regional biologist, noted that preventative measures are being taken.

"We are working with the public to educate them about the negative issues associated with wild turkeys coming into contact with domesticated turkeys," said Lerich.

According to NWTF Senior Vice President of Conservation Programs Dr. James Earl Kennamer, trap and transfer programs are necessary because pen-raised turkeys quickly fall prey to predators because they never learned survival skills from a wild hen.

"Simply put, landowners need to pay close attention to their management practices if they want to improve turkey populations," said Kennamer. "The NWTF showcases these practices step-by-step in Get in the Game magazine and television show and wildlife habitat management workshops."

The Merriam's wild turkey restoration is being heralded as a success by the NWTF, the Pueblo of Santa Ana, the Pueblo of Sandia, the USFWS, and the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish.

"At the dawn of the 20th century, the wild turkey was at the brink of extinction," added Kennamer. "Thanks to the work and support of hunters, wildlife agencies and members of the NWTF, the wild turkey has been restored to healthy populations."

Joe Peña, a member of the Santa Ana Pueblo, was pleased with the results of the Merriam's project in the Land of Enchantment.

"The wild turkey plays a very important role in the Pueblo culture," said Peña. "It's a great feeling to see these birds roaming our lands once again."