Turkeys

The USDA has reported that the bird flu outbreak continues to grow and that now has impacted Illinois including a flock of more than 40,000.

I come from a family of Missouri hunters, yet inherited none of their marksman DNA. Too bad as it's nearly deer hunting season in Missouri and this year includes some rather significant changes.

It's one of the best times of the year in Missouri unless you have feathers and happen to be a Thanksgiving food favorite. The spring version of turkey season is about to begin in Missouri on Monday and there are two big changes you need to know about if you plan to hunt.

I've been trying to organize something for the past two years and just can't seem to get everything in order to make it happen. Perhaps you can help. I am convinced that Missouri and/or Illinois needs an annual turkey drop. Here's how to make this dream a reality.

There are few things more entertaining than nature just being nature. Most of the intense encounters between species happen where we can't see them. This is the exception. It's a trail cam in Missouri that captured what apparently was a wild encounter between a bobcat and some turkeys.

I grew up watching the classic Bugs Bunny cartoon where he and Daffy Duck would argue whether it was duck season or rabbit season. That played out in real life as a Missouri hunter out looking for deer was mercilessly mocked by 135 turkeys.

It's youth season right now for turkeys in Missouri. One 7-year-old hunter managed to do something that even many experienced adult hunters can't claim. He nabbed an all-white bird on the first day of the Spring season.

I have a weird request. Actually, it's not from me. It's the state of Missouri. If you happen upon a turkey this Fall, they would like you to send them a feather. Seriously.

It's not easy being a police officer. Don't believe me? Watch a Midwestern police force that was called to an apartment break-in only to learn the "offender" was a wild turkey. Then, the fun began.

Smile for the camera if you're a Missouri turkey who's ready for Thanksgiving. That must have been what this large group of birds were thinking when they waltzed by trail cams in Missouri and seemed to pose for the camera.