All,

There was an extensive turkey stocking program conducted by DNR back in the
80's. They live trapped most of the birds in Garrett County, where there was
still a viable population and still is. They reintroduced them into every
county in Maryland, selecting places in each county that were free of "game
farm raised" birds to prevent spread of diseases. Here in Carroll County
they picked Morgan Run. During a bird survey on the eastern shore a few
years ago, we had plenty of turkeys. I participated in a similar study at
Goddard Space Center and we had one there - inside the impoundment fence.

To the best of my knowledge the program was very successful. However there
are probably plenty of turkeys out there that are still from game farm
stock. As for captive birds, I now hear the constant gobble of some penned
up birds from a farm down at the south end of the lake across the road. They
are a recent addition and if we get some real wild ones in the area I will
most likely ignore the gobble since I am now used to hearing the penned
ones.

Jerry Tarbell
All gobbled up in Carroll County

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