So, my neighbor comes over back in July and says "did you see the turkeys?" "What turkeys" I reply. "There was a tom and 4 hens here the other day" "Bull****" " I say.

Turns out he wasn't kidding. They were mighty scarce, only showing themselves a couple times through late summer/fall. Now, he and another neighbor throw scratch out to them almost daily now and they are a permanent fixture around the place.

Where they came from, I have no idea but they are cool to look at. Wonder how they'll get along with my new cat?

the state planted turkeys in the black hills above porter years ago. where do you live i live in elma and would like to see them. i am not a turkey hunter. thanks larry

I'm near Montesano. I don't see them all the time but they usually show once or twice a day in someone's yard.

I'd heard the state had planted them in years past but had no idea where. I know they can cover ground. Very fast runners and are better at flight than I gave them credit for.

Duuuude!!

I would totally cultivate and feed and be Mr. Helpy Helperton for that flock.

And once it got big and healthy start "harvesting" one every Thanksgiving and Xmas!

I would love to have a gaggle/flock/squad/cadre of wild turkeys roaming my property.

Do you need a hockey stick?

Well, the neighbor was bold enough to feed them out of his hand if he wants......that is until they drew blood pecking away at the feed.

Since he feeds them daily, he has their trust. Me? not so much yet.

The tom and 2 other hens have left the area but these 2 appear to have adopted us. It would be great to get a little self-perpetuating colony going and harvest one a year but without some toms around that ain't happening.

Don't think I'd take one of these anyways as I've taken a liking to them roaming around the area.

Be careful what you wish for. A few years back my brother was very excited to see turkeys at his place. A couple of times this year he counted over 120 from his deck and one morning woke to 40 + on the railing of his deck. They can make a hellovamess...

I am no expert but are you sure the bird on the right in the top pic and left in the second pic isn't a young Jake.

I suppose it's possible.

I'm no turkey expert but that does appear like it could be a beard in training?? Guess we'll know in a year or so if they hang around.

They look like all hens to me...

Eric, they've been planting turkeys up in the Willapa Hills above LeBam for decades, and also all over up in the hills between Hwy 6 and Hwy 12...that's where I used to hunt them, up by Lincoln and Bunker Creeks. I wouldn't be surprised in the least to see 'em all over around Elma and McCleary, and it's only a matter of time before you start seeing 'em over in Monte, too.

Fish on...

Todd

Interesting Todd.

Never knew you hunted em'

I have a long past history with duck and grouse hunting(my dad was big into bird hunting) but never did the turkey thing. Maybe that'll change in the future if these establish in the area.

Do you know if the Willapa Hills plants still occur?