Columnist Barb Henderson: Time to talk turkey — and take a quiz

Barb Henderson

Friday, Nov. 21, 2003 | 10:52 a.m.

Barb Henderson is an outdoors enthusiast, freelance writer and producer/host of outdoors radio television programming. Her column appears Friday in the Sun.

Gobble Gobble -- let's talk turkey.

During the holiday season most folks will have delicious thoughts of a huge bird as part of their traditional holiday feast. Interestingly, when it comes to the wild turkey you can count on the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) to have great thoughts about this magnificent bird -- year-round.

While we are on the subject and since the holidays are fast approaching; let's highlight -- the wild turkey.

There are five subspecies of wild turkey found throughout North America: Goulds, Merriams, Eastern, Osceola and the Rio Grande.

Rio Grande wild turkeys were first introduced into Nevada in 1987. This distinctive gobble sound from this wild bird can be heard in our neck of the woods -- in Moapa Valley.

The Overton Wildlife Management Area offers two seasonal hunts for successful tag holders, one in spring and one in the fall. For turkey tag application draw information to hunt turkey in Nevada contact the Nevada Department of Wildlife or click on to the Internet at: www.ndow.org

In 1973, when the NWTF was founded, there were an estimated 1.3 million wild turkeys and 1.5 million turkey hunters. Now, there are an estimated 5.6 million wild turkeys and approximately 2.6 million turkey hunters.

The NWTF, a nonprofit organization with members in 50 states, Canada and 11 other foreign countries supports scientific wildlife management on public, private and corporate lands as well as wild turkey hunting as a traditional North American sport.

Here in Nevada, there are four NWTF chapters: Las Vegas (Las Vegas Strutters), Elko (Ruby Mountain Rios), Ely (Great Basin Gobblers) and Reno (Silver Sage).

Enjoy Thanksgiving, while you gobbling up some turkey along with all the trimmings.

'The holidays are a great time to gather together with friends and family who hunt wild turkeys and other game, and to celebrate and give thanks for the bountiful natural resources we all have to share, appreciate and enjoy," said Rob Keck, CEO of the National Wild Turkey Federation.

After your holiday feast, why not gobble up some fun with the following NWTF trivia.

What does the word "turkey" mean?

A: A wild or domestic bird in North America

B: A failed theatrical production

C: Three successive strikes in bowling

D: All of the above

Answer: D

How many states allow spring turkey hunting?

A: 48

B: 49

C: 50

D: 51

Answer: B

How many states allow fall turkey hunting?

A: 11

B: 21

C: 31

D: 41

Answer: D

In 1730, dressed wild turkeys sold for how many cents each in Massachusetts.

Answer: 10

What type of turkey feathers are marked by distinctive white bars (less barring on the Osceola). Toms rub the tips of these off with extended strutting.

A: Breast feathers

B: Back and body feathers

C: Tail Feather

D: Primary Wing Feathers

Answer: D

What subspecies of the wild turkey is the most abundant in total numbers and states in which it is found.

A: Eastern

B: Gould's

C: Merriam's

D: Rio Grande

Answer: A

What marksmanship contest was named for using a moving target with a turkey offered as a prize?

Answer: Turkey Shoot

True or false? When hunting, never wear clothing that has any red, white, blue or black, because they can be mistaken for colors found on wild turkeys.

Answer: True

True or false? Prescribed burns can improve the health of a forest and can save countless acres of valuable habitat, homes and even lives.

Answer: True

Answer: Turkey Hunters Care

For more information about the National Wild Turkey Federation or the wild turkey, you only need to strut over to your computer and click on the Internet at: www.nwtf.org or call (800) THE-NWTF.