Discussions About Relocating Wild Turkeys to SD Gets Approved in Moorhead

Nuisance turkey complaints and public safety problems are catching the attention of leaders in Moorhead

MOORHEAD, Minn. — Moorhead City Leaders are considering a plan that would relocate up to 75 wild turkeys to South Dakota.

Monday night the city council approved the next steps.

Nuisance turkey complaints and public safety problems are catching the attention of leaders in Moorhead.

“I’ve seen over the years, the reason why our nuisance complaints have gone up is because their population has grown so substantially,” said Captain Tory Jacobson, with the Moorhead Police Department.

Those types of complaints vary from roosting on roofs or in trees to damaging painted car surfaces.

But it seems like the time for change has come.

“We’re ahead of the breading season where the toms become more aggressive in the spring and the timing would be now for us to participate in that,” Tory said.

The DNR has provided a limited time opportunity.

“Ultimately were just asking to be able to have this partnership with them to attempt to net up to 75 birds,” Tory said.

With the rapid population growth of wild turkeys in Moorhead, and the need to help populate certain areas in South Dakota, Jacobson says the relocation is a win–win for everyone.

Now that the ideas have been approved for conversation, they are hoping to have a developed plan by September 1st.

“That would involve speaking to stakeholders in the community our citizens that have an interest in brainstorming and coming up with whatever that may look like,” Tory said.

The commitment from the City to create a comprehensive turkey management plan was necessary in order to have a partnership with the DNR.