While hunting is on our mind the whole year through, America has their hearts set on the hunt of a specific game this time of year – the turkey.
According to the National Turkey Federation, nearly 88 percent of Americans eat turkey at Thanksgiving. With nearly 312 million residents, that is a heck of a lot of turkey being gobbled up. How much exactly? Well, at an average weight of 16 pounds, turkeys purchased and consumed in the United States during Thanksgiving in 2011 added up to approximately 736 million pounds of turkey.
While to some it may seem as though America is a turkey-hungry, gluttonous country this time of year, we are conversely very pro-turkey conservation.
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) can attest to that fact, as they are just as active with giving back as they are with the sport of hunting the bird, having administered (along with their state chapters and the wildlife agencies in each state) the Hunting Heritage State Super Fund Projects. According to NWTF.org, the Super Fund Projects are, “projects that support the conservation of the wild turkey and preservation of the hunting tradition.”
Gathering statistical information about the amount of money and effort each state has put toward the Hunting Heritage State Super Fund Projects in the form of habitat enhancement, turkey restoration, research and more, the NWTF is true to their motto: Conserve. Hunt. Share.
In New Mexico alone, over $376,310 has been raised and spent on projects relating to the Super Funds Projects since 1985. Over half of that money has been used solely toward wild turkey habitat enhancement in New Mexico.
Another interesting fact to consider is that in the early 1900s the wild turkey population was steadily declining with a possible threat of extinction, primarily due to hunting efforts and habitat destruction. Now, there is an approximate 7 million wild turkeys roaming the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Thanks to the continued restoration efforts across the country, the NWTF rightfully boasts within the North American Wild Turkey Management Plan that, “The comeback of wild turkeys in North America is arguably the greatest conservation success story in history.”
Ultimately, with Christmas approaching and Thanksgiving just passed, ‘tis the season to give thanks for many things, including the conservation of our beautiful wildlife and the animals within it. If it weren’t for the continued efforts of wildlife enthusiasts throughout the world, we would not be able to hold onto the valued hunting tradition we are able to continue and share to this day.
18 Responses to “Thanksgiving: Turkey Hunting, Consuming and Conserving in America”
Leave a Reply
November 27th, 2012 at 1:30 am
Nice blog right here! Also your web site lots up fast! What web host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink on your host? I wish my web site loaded up as quickly as yours lol
November 27th, 2012 at 9:12 am
The Federal Govt. is operating so far outside of its design parameters that this type of discussion becomes futile. IMHO the place to begin is reducing income tax which would force massive reductions in power and programs,bringing the govt. more in line with the founders structure. Only then can a discussion visavis federal and state govts. become worthwhile.
November 27th, 2012 at 11:00 am
Great write-up, I?m regular visitor of one?s site, maintain up the nice operate, and It’s going to be a regular visitor for a long time.
November 27th, 2012 at 12:52 pm
I? impressed, I have to say. Actually hardly ever do I encounter a blog that? both educative and entertaining, and let me tell you, you will have hit the nail on the head. Your thought is outstanding; the problem is one thing that not enough individuals are talking intelligently about. I’m very joyful that I stumbled throughout this in my seek for one thing regarding this.
November 27th, 2012 at 1:04 pm
Excellent blog you have here but I was wondering if you knew of any community forums that cover the same topics talked about in this article? I’d really like to be a part of community where I can get comments from other knowledgeable individuals that share the same interest. If you have any recommendations, please let me know. Thank you!
November 27th, 2012 at 3:28 pm
I like this post 🙂
return man 2
November 28th, 2012 at 2:08 am
As I website possessor I believe the content material here is rattling excellent , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Good Luck.
November 28th, 2012 at 6:33 am
you’ve an amazing blog here! would you like to make some invite posts on my weblog?
November 28th, 2012 at 5:07 pm
Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Appreciate it
November 29th, 2012 at 11:42 am
I used to be recommended this site by my cousin. I’m no longer confident whether this put up is written by way of him as no one else realize such precise approximately my trouble. That you are great! Thank you!
December 4th, 2012 at 7:56 am
Hey! Someone in my Facebook group shared this website with us so I came to look it over. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Superb blog and fantastic style and design.
December 21st, 2012 at 4:41 am
I simply want to mention I am just newbie to weblog and really enjoyed your blog site. More than likely I’m want to bookmark your website . You really come with wonderful article content. Thanks a bunch for revealing your website page.
December 21st, 2012 at 8:08 am
I just want to say I’m newbie to weblog and absolutely savored your web-site. Very likely I’m likely to bookmark your website . You really have outstanding articles. Thanks a bunch for sharing with us your website page.
December 22nd, 2012 at 10:43 am
After research just a few of the blog posts on your web site now, and I actually like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website checklist and will probably be checking back soon. Pls try my web site as nicely and let me know what you think.
December 22nd, 2012 at 3:53 pm
There are definitely a whole lot of details like that to take into consideration. That is a nice point to convey up. I provide the thoughts above as general inspiration however clearly there are questions like the one you convey up the place crucial factor can be working in trustworthy good faith.
December 25th, 2012 at 4:47 am
Sweet blog! I found it while searching on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Cheers.
December 25th, 2012 at 5:34 am
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it’s truly informative. I’ll be grateful if you continue this in future. A lot of people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!
December 25th, 2012 at 5:40 am
This really answered my drawback, thanks