Turkey Hunting In Wyoming: A Salute To Our Veterans

You may be surprised that wild turkeys aren't native to Wyoming. It seems unlikely that the bird responsible for so many headaches in the middle of Casper is like many people living in Wyoming...not from here.

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Since being introduced to Wyoming when an exchange was made with New Mexico, six hens and six tom turkeys were used for a few sage grouses in 1935. Today, Wyoming's turkey population has exploded. You can find a healthy turkey population in many parts of the state, with considerable amounts found from Casper to the Black Hills.

We’re making Wyoming the best it can be for the people and wildlife who call it home.

 

One of the driving forces of the turkey population is the Wyoming chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. The NTWF was also behind, allowing four veterans to come to Wyoming and go on the Wyoming NTWF State Chapter Veterans Hunt. 

The hunters arrived in Newcastle, WY, to meet their volunteer guides, get their hunting licenses, and eat at the local VFW. At the dinner, they interacted with some locals and received a plaque before heading out on their guided hunts, during which three of the four successfully bagged a bird.

This hunt was special not only for the veterans but also for Wyoming turkey legend Joe Sandrini. Joe has dedicated much of his life to the outdoors, working as a biologist and resident turkey expert with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department until his retirement this year. He's also been a member of WY NWTF for thirty years and is responsible for starting the Veteran Hunt in 2018.

Sandrini's retirement doesn't stop him from continuing his support for conservation. For his dedication and support of the Veterans Hunt, he was given a plaque from the WY NWTF Cabin Fever chapter in Dubois, and earlier this year, at the NWTF national convention, he was given the NWTF Mentor of the Year award.