WASHINGTON—Rep. Scott Franklin (FL-18) introduced the National Osceola Turkey Day Resolution on Friday which would designate March 18th as the official National Osceola Turkey Day. This bill shows the Florida Congressional delegation’s appreciation for the Osceola Turkey and support for its conservation.
The Osceola turkey is one of five sub-species of the native North American turkey. It’s unique to the Florida peninsula and is distinguished by its black wings with small white bands, as well as its dark brown tipped tail feathers. The turkey prized by hunters from across the country as part of the “Grand Slam,” a challenge where hunters harvest all four turkey species found in the United States. Florida’s spring turkey season is the earliest in the country. This year, it began on March 4th, 2023 and ends on March 18th.
“The Osceola turkey is a remarkable symbol of Florida’s distinctive wildlife,” said Rep. Franklin. “With an estimated 100,000 birds in existence, it’s important that we make every effort to appreciate and conserve it. I hope my bill will bring further attention to these efforts so future generations of hunters and wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the Osceola turkey for years to come.”
The Osceola turkey is named in honor of Chief Osceola, an important Seminole tribal leader during the early 19th century. It’s commonly found in south Florida’s cattle pastures, orange groves, oak hammocks and swamps. Conservation for the Osceola turkey’s habitat is funded through the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program, which includes the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, the Florida Forest Service, the Florida State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation and the Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
Rep. Daniel Webster (FL-11) cosponsored Rep. Franklin’s resolution. Sen. Rick Scott (R-FL) introduced the Senate companion.
Supporters of the legislation include: the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission, Florida Forest Service, Florida State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Foundation and the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida.
Click here for a copy of the legislation.