
Turkey
In Iowa we have the eastern subspecies of turkeys that can reach up to 30 pounds in weight.
Around 1910, the last known wild Iowa turkey was seen in Lucas County. In the 1960s, the bird was reintroduced successfully with birds transplanted from Missouri. Originally, officials thought that they would only be located in the major forest areas of Iowa, but the turkeys quickly adapted to Iowa’s diverse landscape. The first modern turkey season in Iowa was held in 1974. While most parts of the country, especially the east, have a fall turkey hunting tradition, Iowa hunters tend to prefer the spring season.

Photo: Iowa Sportsmen & Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation