The Osceola turkey is a special bird. This beautiful bird has the ability to survive in some of Americas most inhospitable country. It can only be found in parts of Florida. This makes it very popular with hunters. Hunters with families can send their partner and kids to Disney while they check out some public land for turkeys.
In Florida will you find two sub-species of wild turkey the Eastern and the Osceola. The Eastern Turkey is the most common turkey in America while the Osceola is the rarest. There are between 80,000 and 100,000 Osceola turkeys. Nationwide there are over 5 million Eastern, 1 million Rio Grandes, 650000 Gould’s ( mostly in Mexico ) and 300000 Merriam’s. The small number of Osceola’s does not mean they are endangered. In fact in the places they occupy they are numerous. Flock sizes change with the seasons and can vary greatly.
The Osceola Turkey is smaller than the Eastern. Its colors are similar but its feathers are darker with a greenish hue. The white bars on the feathers are broken and thin. The black bars are more prevalent. The bar pattern is not even. There are less red and green patches than on the Eastern. The colors on a hen turkey is duller than the male of the species.
Other than on the side of the road you will find the Osceola in swamps, oak tree stands, palmettos, pine forests and open farm fields. They like to roost in tall trees with straight horizontal branches. The mature pine and cyprus trees are perfect due to the long space between the ground and the lower branches. When there is a choice the will roost over water. This will help keep the predators away.
Breeding season is in the spring. During this time of year it is common to see males strutting around. The males separate from each other. Then they puff out their feathers. They are trying to draw the females over to them. The dominate tom tries to do all of the breeding. A jake will often be chased away.
Spring is the time of the year most hunters seek Osceola Turkeys. There is a fall season but it runs at the same time as deer season. Most turkeys harvested in the fall are killed by chance. Spring turkeys are vocal. Any type of turkey call will work to bring them into range. Most people use a shotgun. A good place to set up would be in an oak flat or between a roosting area and a field. Turkeys have excellent vision. They pick up even the slightest movement. Full body camouflage including gloves and a face covering are a must to fool them.
Turkeys like to eat acorns and other nuts and berries. Grasses and other forbs make up a large portion of their diet. They will eat insects and lizards when they can find them. They are drawn to corn and bird seed like it was candy. Using this as bait is a fun way to watch them.
The Osceola Turkey has survived countless hurricanes and many other disasters. Its range is expanding. The Florida sub-species of wild turkey was named after Indian Chief Osceola. This bird is a fine tribute to him.
