The wild turkey is an iconic game bird with a long history of association with humans. Texas boasts the largest wild turkey population in the country. It is the only state where one can find native populations of three of the five subspecies of wild turkeys—the Eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris), the Rio Grande wild turkey (M. g. intermedia), and the Merriam’s wild turkey (M. g. merriami). Bringing together experts on game birds and land management in the state, this is the first book in Texas to synthesize the most current information about ecology and management focused exclusively on these three subspecies.

Wild Turkeys in Texas addresses important aspects of wild turkey ecology and management in Texas, but its principles are applicable anywhere Eastern, Rio Grande, or Merriam’s turkeys exist. This book marks the continuation of one of the biggest success stories in the research, restoration, and management of the wild turkey in North America.