FWC busts Florida Outfitter for using farm raised domestic turkeys as Osceola hunts…

Pen raised birds are a thing for rich city fricktards looking for a hunt to video.

It started in Africa.

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Pen raised birds are a thing for rich city fricktards looking for a hunt to video.

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I’ll be honest; turkey hunters are a different breed. Especially those willing to pay the money and travel to chase Osceola turkeys. They are largely die hards who I’m guessing are really pissed right now.

First and foremost because they were lied to; and secondly they just found out their turkey isn’t an Osceola at all, and lastly because their Grand Slam probably got erased.

I’m aware of quail, pheasant and other upland birds being farm raised. This is the first time in my memory that it’s been documented as occurring with turkeys.

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because of fears of the domestics interbreeding with the Osceola.

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That ship has already sailed.

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Man I’ve never been on a paid hunt or paid fishing trip in my life. I keep saying I’m going to do it but things keep coming up. I’m more of a figure it out for myself than pay a guide kinda

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I get it. One of my best hunting buddies is all about drawing permits and hunting public land. He’s got darn good at it and it feels more meaningful for him. He gets more joy from doing it himself; even if he eats tag soup from time to time.

I’ve done several paid hunts. I’m old enough now that by time I reach enough points to get that elusive tag I’ll be too old to do the hunt. So paying the little extra to knock it out while I’m physically able is where I’m at.

Have been blessed with some good luck and have hunted and fished in some amazing places. I’ve watched the sun rise over the African savanna. I’ve heard the Stags roar in Argentina. Carved trails to drop Jon boats into lakes in Northern Saskatchewan which may not have been fished in years.

Having a guide certainly increases your odds of success; but, I also look at it as an opportunity to tap into a deep reservoir of know how. Seasoned guides have forgot more than most know about their quarry. Hunting with pros has made me a better hunter.

The domestic birds wouldn’t live long enough to breed, or cause a significant shift in genetics

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The domestic birds wouldn’t live long enough to breed, or cause a significant shift in genetics

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Sort of where I’m at; coupled with my belief that true Osceola birds occur much further South. None found North of Orlando.

By that I mean smaller bodies and almost entirely black wings.

The bigger body and narrow wing bar Osceola as espoused by the NWTF exists all the way into Coastal Louisiana IMHO.

To that end, many believe this operation and others have been at it for a decade or more.