I was out scouting turkeys on our property preparing for the spring opener next week in Wisconsin and came across something I have never seen. A very neat colored tom. I managed to get just feet away from it. It is definetly a once and a lifetime turkey and hope to get a shot at him next weekend. This is unheard of especially in the north woods of Wisconsin. Any thoughts on what it is?
That is a pretty slick bird. I would definitely have to fork it over to get a full mount on that one. Good luck to ya I hope you get to take that one home.
I think it's a Slate or Blue Slate, they're a domestic breed. Very beautiful bird. I'm not real sure, there are a lot of color variations. I've seen slates that color but they are usually lighter and trend toward grey scale. There's also a black winged bronze that looks really close. Here's a breeder page that has a ton of different color variations. http://www.porterturkeys.com/fallfire.htm
I thought the same thing. As much as I don't want to spend the money I would have to with this bird. I read up on birds that look like this and it is not a cross breed with domestic. It's actually a recessive genetic trait in some turkeys.
Got loose from someone's coop...as said before its a farm turkey which is likely why you got that close. I bet he'll be tasty though !
I've seen domestics go feral and seen them survive for years and spread their genes into the local population. Seen white ones and albinos in wild flocks. I agree most birds have recessive genes also and it could just be that but he's awfully friendly for a wild bird.
I never saw a Tom that color. Blonde Hens are fairly common around my area. A blonde Hen a few years ago had 3 blonde Poults we saw all summer/fall. I've seen a few white/dark mix and an all white hen too. No domestic turkey for many miles as far as I know.
That's one awesome Tom! Congrats on the find and also good luck bringing him home! I agree a full body mount would be in order for that guy!
I guess I don't see the excitement in shooting a tame bird. It looks like you drove a vehicle to within a few feet of what appears to be a domestic turkey.
