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Washington Wild Turkey Status and Trends Report
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attempts to establish a population. These releases did not result in population establishment. Then in 1960, 12 wild-trapped Merriam’s turkeys were released. This release resulted in establishment of Washington’s largest, most stable turkey population from 1960 through 1990. After suspected population declines by the mid 1980s, approximately 125 Merriam’s turkeys were released in 1988 and 1989 in hopes of rejuvenating the population. An additional 92 Merriam’s turkeys were released in Klickitat County in 1997 and 1999. No releases occurred in Klickitat County or the other counties of Region 5 in 2001. The south-central turkey population appears to be relatively stable. Recent increases in harvest may be tied to improved weather conditions in combination with additional birds released in the late 1980s and late 1990s. Recent reports by hunters and local biologists indicate that the population may be expanding its range and increasing in number as previously unoccupied habitats become colonized. While the overall harvest for Region 5 was less in 2000 than in 1999, turkeys were harvested from all 6 counties in the region, suggesting a population expansion (Table 1). From 1925 and 1931 several documented turkey releases were made throughout western Washington.  Most releases were limited in number and widely scattered. Releases were more numerous in San Juan County with over 35 birds in 3 different releases (over 6 years) and Clark County with 50 birds released in 2 years. In the early 1960s, turkeys were also released on Protection Island in Jefferson county, and then Orcas Island in San Juan County.  The Department of Game trapped Merriam’s turkeys in Klickitat and Stevens Counties and released 4 on San Juan Island, 6 in Lewis County, and 12 on Scatter Creek Wildlife Area. In addition, several turkeys were taken from Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and released on Bangor Naval Base property. Most of these releases did not result in population establishment. In 1987 the Department of Wildlife began releasing wild-trapped eastern wild turkeys in Lewis and Pacific counties. Thirty-one eastern turkeys were released in Lewis County from 1989 to 1992, and 39 in Cowlitz County. In 1993 and 1994 a few additional (<10) turkeys were trapped in Pacific County and some were moved to Cowlitz County. From 1997 to 2000, Wahkiakum County received 88 eastern turkeys from Iowa and 8 from Pacific and Cowlitz counties. Twelve eastern turkeys from Iowa were released in Cowlitz County in 2000. A history of eastern wild turkey releases is summarized in Table 3. Determining population trends for the wild turkey population in Region 6 is difficult. Although harvest was at a period high level of 38 in 2000, the release of 268 turkeys in the late winter and early-spring of 2000 

likely contributed to the higher harvest. However, sightings of wild turkey continue to increase throughout the year, as well as, sightings in locations away from release sites. Also, turkeys continue to be harvested throughout the season. These factors, considered together, suggest wild turkeys may be reproducing and perhaps maintaining a viable population in Region 6.

Habitat condition and trend

The most significant impact to statewide turkey habitat is similar to most wildlife species: the end of an 8-year drought in 1994. Vegetation conditions have improved and with minimal snowfall in wintering areas, turkey populations should fare well. Most of turkey range in Region 1 is in close proximity to agricultural lands that provide abundant food in the form of waste grain as well as some berries and fruits through winter months. The Blue Mountains area provides excellent habitat for the Rio Grande subspecies. Stevens, Pend Oreille, and Ferry counties contain good habitat for the Merriam’s subspecies.  Ponderosa pine nuts are probably the number one winter food source of turkeys in eastern Washington.  In Chelan, Kittitas, and Okanogan counties, the density and distribution of ponderosa pines is less than in Ferry and Stevens counties where the largest population of turkeys is found in the State. Vegetation conditions in eastern Washington tend to improve during wetter years. Much of the habitat in Okanogan County is intensively grazed, and turkeys may compete with livestock for certain plant foods. In addition, the lack of grain farming in the area may be hampering population expansion. Populations of wild turkeys have flourished in a diversity of habitats in the United States, so we are optimistic they will do well in Chelan, eastern Kittitas, and Okanogan counties.  In Okanogoan County, vegetation conditions continue to improve during the wetter weather of recent years. In general, occupied turkey habitat in Okanogan County is less productive than some other areas of the state, due to a lack of extensive mast or berry crops. Much of the habitat is intensively grazed, and turkeys may compete with livestock for certain plant foods. In addition, the lack of grain farming in the area may be hampering population expansion. Most of Region 3 is probably marginal turkey habitat. The forested zone (Merriam’s habitat) is on the edge of higher elevations and receives significant snowfall. Deep snows in 1992-93 and 1996-97 plagued the region. In 2000, snowfall and spring moisture was normal. However, no significant rain fell after June 1, possibly limiting insect production. birds. Based on production and survival data, the Chelan and eastern Kittitas counties’ turkey population is estimated at 500 birds.  In Region 3, attempts to establish wild populations

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