Advertisement Turkey troubles, woes for Davis residents Expert plans to lobby lawmakers to change laws on turkey hunting Share Shares Copy Link Copy

In Davis, wild turkeys have become so much of a problem that city wildlife officials now recommend allowing specific types of hunting within city limits.They trot through the park, the cemetery and even down the middle of the street.Davis Wildlife Resource Specialist John McNerney sees the use of bolas, snares, traps and nets as all safe and viable options to limit the turkey's population.“It would be safe for the community at large, and also difficult because you’re not guaranteed to get one of the birds,” McNerney said.The city’s turkey population grew from an initial six in 2006 to around 80 birds today.The Department of Fish and Wildlife only allows hunting wild turkeys with a shotgun, archery equipment, or air rifle. However, Davis has a city ordinance banning the use of those weapons.Fish and Wildlife also doesn’t allow the relocation of wild turkeys, except with special permission.It’s unknown why the turkey’s first took up residence in Davis, but McNerney said the normally nomadic birds stayed because humans started feeding them.“Just like us, we would rather not spend as much time and energy finding food,” McNerney said. “It’s easier just to go to those sources that are close.”Near dusk on Wednesday, dozens of turkeys could be seen foraging through Covell park and the surrounding neighborhoods.Residents Bill and Debbie Reinecke often see the turkeys going through their yard and perched atop their cars and home.“They’re tearing the plants up, they eat your plants, they get on your house, they get on your cars, they’re terribly messy,” Bill Reinecke said.“At first we thought they were cute, and then they became four to five times as many of them,” Debbie Reinecke said. “They’ve been on our cars, they’ve been on our solar panels, so yeah, it’s just not fun anymore.”Not everyone is opposed to Davis becoming turkey territory. Many enjoy seeing the wildlife in an urban setting.Evan Rothstein pulled over his bike at the Davis Cemetery to take photos of about 15 turkeys.“It feels like a part of nature is alive, it’s like wildlife roaming the streets,” Rothstein said.McNerney plans to lobby state representatives to change the laws regarding which weapons must be used to hunt turkeys.