Merriam's Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo)

The Merriam's or wild turkey is a native North American bird, but Alberta is well beyond its natural range. This species requires extensive tracts of forest with dense vegetation and small clearings. The wild turkey eats grass, leaves and seeds. Successful introduction of this species have been made to the Cypress Hills and Porcupine Hills in southern Alberta.

A limited number of special licences are issued only to resident hunters through a draw. The season is May 1 to May 31.. Specific season information is provided in the current Alberta Guide to Hunting Regulations, available on-line and in hard copy.