Group Wants Bigger Turkey Populations, Happy Landowners

PIERRE, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota wildlife officials say wild turkey populations are lower than desired in nearly every county in the state.

The Game, Fish and Parks Department hopes a group it created last year will help boost turkey numbers while also keeping turkey damage to private property at a minimum.

The 22-member Wild Turkey Stakeholder Group formed last summer includes department officials, members of the National Wild Turkey Federation and landowners. They're working on a five-year plan to support turkey populations and keep landowners happy.

The Daily Republic reports that the group met twice last fall and again this month, and hopes to have something for public review in March.

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