GAME BIRDS OF NOPJH AMERICA. 



WILD TURKEY. 



Meleagris gallopavo. — Linn. 



THE Wild Turkey is by many regarded as the finest game bird 

 on this continent. Large, with burnished plumage, spurred 

 and bearded, he is a magnificent fowl. The flesh is tender and 

 juicy, and as gamey in flavor as a partridge. His endless variety 

 of food makes it always procurable, and in season he is never found 

 thin in flesh. To hunt him successfully in regions where he is much 

 sought after and shot at, requires the utmost skill and tact on the 

 part of the hunter, and an intimate knowledge of all the habits of 

 the bird. Exceedingly shy, with a keen eye, an acute sense of 

 hearing, a quick flight and a fleet foot, he is extremely hard to get 

 within range of. After many hours spent in calling or stalking him, 

 just at the moment you think he is safe for a " bag," a slight move- 

 ment or exposure of part of the body of the hunter, the breaking 

 of a dry twig or the cocking of your gun, is sufficient to alarm him, 

 and he is off" instantly. 



In the spring when they " pair off," is perhaps the most favora- 

 ble season for hunting them. Many are often killed in the autumn 

 before they are fully grown, when they become comparatively an 

 easy prey to the hunter, who coolly knocks them off" from the trees 

 in which they will alight when frightened. They are occasionally 

 hunted by parties who, obtaining sight of a flock, watch them care- 

 fully so as not to disturb or frighten them until they go to roost, 

 and deliberately pick them off" ; but this hardly seems to be sport. 

 The necessary equipments for stalking are a good gun, a turkey 

 call, clothing as near the color of dead leaves as possible, and 

 some knowledge of the habits of the game. 



