906-214-2308
906-265-9100
40 E Adams St
Iron River, MI 49935
The Forgotten History of Michigan’s Vanishing Turkeys
Did You Know Turkeys were once scarce?
The resurgence of spring turkey hunting in Michigan stands as a remarkable testament to the power of effective wildlife management. Like numerous states across the country, Michigan once witnessed a stark decline, with many now-common wildlife species disappearing or becoming exceedingly scarce. Wild turkeys, specifically, were once a rare sight. The landscape of the late 1800s stood in stark contrast to today's. Families were primarily engaged in clearing land for settlements, grocery stores as we know today didn't exist, and hunting regulations were practically non-existent.
Today's Turkey Abundance: A Far Cry From Their Scarce Past
Largely due to advancements in regulations and dedicated funding the turkey scarcity has been transformed. A critical turning point was the passage of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, also known as the Pittman-Roberson Act of 1937.
This landmark legislation, advocated by a national alliance of conservationists and backed by the sporting arms and ammunition industry, allocated an excise a federal excise tax on the sale of sporting arms, ammunition, and archery equipment to a dedicated fund specifically for wildlife restoration initiatives.
The core purpose of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act is to provide funding to states for wildlife restoration projects, hunter education, and the development and maintenance of public shooting ranges.
What are the advantages for us in all of this?
- Sustainable Funding: the Pittman-Roberson Act created a stable and consistent funding source for state wildlife agencies
- Wildlife Recovery: the recovery of numerous wildlife species that were once in decline or near extinction (namely white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and elk)
- Habitat Conservation: millions of acres of critical wildlife habitat have been acquired, restored, and managed through funding provided by this Act
- Hunter Education and Safety: enhancement of hunter education programs, promotion of safe and ethical hunting practices
- Public Access: The Act has facilitated increased public access to natural areas for hunting and other wildlife-associated recreational activities
- Non-Hunters Benefit: conservation efforts provide birdwatchers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts with the opportunity to enjoy wildlife and their habitats.
Iron County, Michigan has over 400,000 acres of public land
Ready to Try Turkey Hunting?
This is the perfect year to experience the thrill of turkey hunting! It's a chance to harvest your own healthy, local protein through an incredibly engaging hunt. Imagine using a turkey call and getting a response! How exciting is that?
So, as you're stealthily moving in on those gobbling toms, remember: just a few decades ago, wild turkeys were scarce, and hunting them was a rare privilege. Now, the opportunity is open to everyone!
~ Gobble, Gobble
Welcome to Iron County Michigan
Fall, Hunting, Spring and tagged fall hunting, Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, history of turkeys in michigan, Michigan DNR hunting calendar, Michigan Turkey Hunting Dates, Pittman-Roberson Act of 1937, public land turkey hunting, spring hunting, turkey hunting, turkey season, wildlife management, wildlife restoration projects. Bookmark the permalink.
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Rewarding Places to Stay in Michigan
AmericInn
by Wyndham
Chicaugon
Lake Inn
906-265-9244
1700 County Road 424
Gaastra, MI 49917
Lakeshore Motel
Ice Lake
906-265-3611
1257 W Ice Lake Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Pioneer
Lodge
800-362-7853
373 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Ski Brule
Village
800-DO-BRULE
906-265-4957
397 Brule Mountain Rd
Iron River, MI 49935
Tall
Pines
906-822-7713
1968 US 141 Highway
Amasa, MI 49903
Iron County Michigan Visitors Guide
Iron County is one of the Upper Peninsula’s best kept secrets. From camping to fishing, hunting to canoeing, mountain biking to forest bathing – no matter your interests, the great outdoors and clear crisp air await you here.