About this episode

The episode discusses the wild turkey's recovery and its significance in American conservation history, featuring insights from conservation leader Rob Keck.

The bird almost disappeared forever. The recovery changed American conservation history. Throughout the entirety of America's conservation history, sportsmen and women have helped shape the future of America's fish and wildlife. Few examples illustrate that legacy better than the wild turkey. In this special Hunt Fish 250 conversation, legendary conservation leader Rob Keck joins Fred Bird to explore one of the greatest wildlife recovery stories ever told. From remnant turkey populations surviving in isolated pockets of the country to the nationwide restoration efforts that returned wild turkeys to nearly every suitable landscape, this discussion traces the partnerships, policies, and persistence that made it possible. Rob shares firsthand stories from the early days of wild turkey restoration, including trap-and-transfer programs, habitat management strategies, anti-poaching efforts, hunter education initiatives, and the critical role sportsmen played in building support for conservation. The conversation also examines modern challenges facing hunting and wildlife management, including ballot-box biology, urban expansion, hunter recruitment, and the importance of science-based…

People in this episode

Host: Fred Bird

Guest: Rob Keck

Topics covered

• wild turkey conservation
• hunting
• wildlife management
• sportsmen advocacy
• fisheries management
• conservation success stories

Keywords

• wild turkey
• conservation
• hunting
• wildlife recovery
• sportsmen
• fisheries management
• habitat management
• anti-poaching
• hunter education

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation, CSF

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