Posted By: John Humbert
Silly Question ... maybe - 02/23/15 09:06 PM
One of the places I hunt (Boerne) has some "white" turkeys running with the wild rios. Now these may be domestic or domestic/wild crossbreeds - but I also know there are some wild Royal Palms in the area (Seen them once myself, and know of someone close by that shot one year before last).
Now here's my question - while regular spring season for Rios and Easterns are clearly set - what are the rules/regs on these domestic, domestic/wild crossbreeds, and most especially - Royal Palms?
Are they considered "exotics" and open season all year long?
The reason I ask is that my landowner said he's seen a bunch of "white" ones recently mixed in with some large flocks that have been visiting the pasture. This past weekend I called in some birds (while sitting for axis on a very slow day and just fooling around) and they are really responding well to calls. As I was leaving, I saw some white birds at a distance. Couldn't ID them but I think some where Royals (or maybe just my wishing thinking), and a couple of the "white" birds were HUGE. I'm thinking the big white ones were probably domestic crosses, but were acting just like wild birds.
While I like wild turkey, I am thinking these semi-domestic birds are probably better tasting with more meat. Am I crazy to think that and could I get a jump on season?
Now here's my question - while regular spring season for Rios and Easterns are clearly set - what are the rules/regs on these domestic, domestic/wild crossbreeds, and most especially - Royal Palms?
Are they considered "exotics" and open season all year long?
The reason I ask is that my landowner said he's seen a bunch of "white" ones recently mixed in with some large flocks that have been visiting the pasture. This past weekend I called in some birds (while sitting for axis on a very slow day and just fooling around) and they are really responding well to calls. As I was leaving, I saw some white birds at a distance. Couldn't ID them but I think some where Royals (or maybe just my wishing thinking), and a couple of the "white" birds were HUGE. I'm thinking the big white ones were probably domestic crosses, but were acting just like wild birds.
While I like wild turkey, I am thinking these semi-domestic birds are probably better tasting with more meat. Am I crazy to think that and could I get a jump on season?