IN THE FIELD The Merriam's subspecies is the most common wild turkey in Wyoming. (Photo by Chris Martin/WGFD) Tackling Casper's wild turkey problem Game and Fish is working to decrease conflict with the birds and public By Brandon Werner W ild turkeys are unique and fascinating. They are the largest North American member of the Galliformes order, and the males are unique to other species by having a beard made of specialized feathers protruding from their chest. They are tall. An adult tom can be up to 4 feet tall and weigh up to 22 pounds. These birds mostly occupy the ground and only fly to and from roost trees or to evade predators. The wild turkey was introduced in Wyoming by the Wyoming Game and Fish Department near Wheatland in 1935. Since then, other transplants have taken place, and the birds have expanded their range. The Merriam's subspecies is the most common 14 | October 2024 wild turkey in Wyoming and is characterized by its ability to live in ponderosa pine-dominated landscapes and the bleach-white tips on the tail fan. Wyoming is home to a healthy population of wild turkeys, with the largest populations in the Black Hills followed by the Laramie Range and the Big Horn Basin. Wild turkey populations are cyclical. Beginning in 2021 there were several consistent years of favorable weather which led to good hatching and poult survival. This caused the population to explode in the city of Casper and portions of Natrona County. Game and Fish has received several phone calls from the public in the last few years about the problems caused by wild turkeys in Casper, which includes aggressive behavior and damage to trees, houses and vehicles Game and Fish has received several phone calls from the public in the last few years about the problems caused by wild turkeys in Casper, which includes aggressive behavior and damage to trees, houses and vehicles from wild turkeys perching and defecating. These birds have even been responsible for numerous traffic hazards in the neighborhoods they frequent.