Wild Gobblers Unlimited (WGU) is a committee of the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF). Formed in 1958 the mission of WGU is to promote and participate in establishing, maintaining and sustaining wild turkey populations where feasible in the province of Manitoba for the enjoyment of all.
Aims and Objectives:
a) To introduce and maintain Wild Turkey populations in Manitoba at a level to be determined by Manitoba Sustainable Development Fisheries/Wildlife Branch and in co-operation with Wild Turkey research
b) To establish sustainable new populations of Wild Turkey in Manitoba in accordance with all stakeholders and as per government criteria
c) To assist with trapping nuisance Wild Turkeys and relocate Wild Turkeys to areas in accordance with all stakeholders and as per government criteria
d) To advocate and promote Wild Turkeys and Wild Turkey hunting in the province
e) To promote and encourage Wild Turkey hunting mentorship opportunities
f) To promote positive relations between and among hunters and landowners
g) To work cooperatively with government and like-minded groups towards common goals for the greater good of Wild Turkey’s in the province
h) To generate funds for the realization of the objectives of Wild Gobblers Unlimited
Trap and Transfer Program:
Wild turkeys were introduced by volunteers affiliated with the MWF in 1958 (Wild Gobblers Unlimited) and have since become a popular game bird
Facilitates rapid population expansion, and creates hunting opportunity
Release site application process (habitat, land designation, and local consultation)
Hands-on involvement by wildlife clubs, kids, schools, local residents
280 birds transferred 2013-2017
2018 Trap/Transfer Summary:
Trapping occurred near Brandon, Wawanesa, Margaret, Southport, Gardenton
~50 volunteers from WGU, MWF affiliate clubs, CWTF, ACC, locals, students
6 MWF affiliate clubs with releases in 2018:
Turtle Mountain Game and Fish
Deloraine Game and Fish
Rapid City and District Wildlife Assoc.
Plumas Game and Fish
Little River Game and Fish
Southeast Border Wildlife Assoc.
221 wild turkeys trapped and released
Largest number of wild caught birds ever
released in MB
Program relies heavily on volunteer time and fundraising/donations
Special thanks to trappers: Lee Robins, Eugene Bodykevich, Marcel de Rocquigny, Melissa Lindsay, Ray Hildebrandt, Don Teale, Glen Vandoorne and others
Strong relationships with landowners means
stewardship and support for wild turkeys
Future generations of wild turkey hunters are
indebted to the volunteers that have worked to
establish and sustain populations
Other provinces are looking at our success and volunteer
-led approach (Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia)