Utah Transfers Wild Turkeys to Nevada to Support Population Recovery

The transfers, conducted in collaboration with the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources and the Nevada Department of Wildlife, took place in two phases: The first transfer consisting of 59 birds and the second bringing in 31 more. The turkeys were released in the Ruby Mountains, an area identified as suitable habitat for population growth and sustainability.

“We have been releasing in this county for over twenty-five years now, and I am happy to say that I have been involved in every release,” said Pyke Bowles, Nevada NWTF State Chapter president. “It is a fascinating and fulfilling event.”

This initiative is part of a broader three-year plan in which Utah will provide a total of 150 wild turkeys to Nevada. The effort aims to bolster turkey populations, ensuring their long-term viability and, where possible, enhancing future hunting opportunities.

With numerous new cases of avian influenza confirmed in wild birds across the country, raising concerns among farmers and wildlife managers, the agencies overseeing the transfer have implemented rigorous disease testing for all birds involved. The comprehensive testing panel includes screening for avian influenza, ensuring that only healthy birds are relocated and preventing the spread of disease across state lines.

“It is important to also know that turkeys can contract avian influenza; however, the risks are considered low,” said Krista Modlin, NWTF district biologist for California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. “The disease is much more common in waterfowl, and if an outbreak were to occur in turkeys, it would be small and localized. The disease is transmitted mostly through fecal to oral transmission, and turkeys don’t normal gather where there is a large amount of waterfowl.”

The Nevada NWTF State Chapter played an active role in the recent turkey releases, working alongside wildlife professionals to facilitate a smooth transition for the birds into their new environment. Their dedication to conservation continues to play a vital role in sustaining Nevada’s wild turkey populations and broader wildlife habitat improvements.

As these relocations continue, the NWTF remains committed to supporting science-based wildlife management and habitat conservation. These turkey translocations demonstrate the power of partnerships between state agencies and conservation organizations in maintaining and enhancing wild turkey populations across the West.

About the National Wild Turkey Federation   

Since 1973, the National Wild Turkey Federation has invested over half a billion dollars into wildlife conservation and has positively impacted over 24 million acres of critical wildlife habitat. The NWTF has also invested over $10 million into wild turkey research to guide the management of the wild turkey population and to ensure sustainable populations into perpetuity. The organization continues to deliver its mission by working across boundaries on a landscape scale through its Four Shared Values: clean and abundant water, healthy forests and wildlife habitat, resilient communities, and robust recreational opportunities. With the help of its dedicated members, partners and staff, the NWTF continues its work to provide Healthy Habitats. and Healthy Harvests. for future generations.