In the first case, you’ve done everything right to catch a certain bird, but he always gets away just as you think you’re about to seal the deal. This is the kind of thing that will cause you great stress and anxiety.
Then there is the bird that won’t answer your calls. He gobbles but won’t come. He either goes the other way when you call or comes running in before you’re ready. He may be late sometimes, letting you move. He sees you stand up, though. Sometimes these birds like to gobble and strut just barely out of shotgun range. Because you haven’t slept or rested in a while, your wife thinks you’re crazy as you fight these gobblers.
Once I had a hard-body PVC decoy hid in a muscadine vine. The turkey was gobbling his head off on the last day of the season. It was still dark. It was very warm that morning, and I remember thinking that there could be snakes out. I heard the rattle of the first rattlesnake I had ever seen in the wild as I reached down to get the decoy. Not wanting to ruin the hunt by shooting the snake, I let the snake have the decoy.
Then there was the time I lost my way in the dark. It began to sprinkle, and I tripped over some wet leaves. I fell off a steep ridge and broke my phone. Fortunately, I was not hurt bad enough to stop hunting.
The largest turkey I ever killed was so far away that I tried to walk back to the truck in a straight line but ended up killing myself while carrying a 24-pound turkey. gobbler.
I could tell you about a lot of other birds and stories, but the one that really hit home for me was about a bird I didn’t even hunt.
My brother-in-law called this bird in early one morning. He didn’t get a good shot on the turkey, though, and couldn’t find it. What happened? He called me and told me. I told him to wait until I got there, and we would look for it together. Usually you don’t retrieve a wounded turkey that’s not going to die very quickly. But God was good to us that day, and we found the turkey hiding in some tall weeds.
The bird got up and ran off on one leg. Since I was faster than him, I took the gun from my brother-in-law and ran after it. I was able to catch up to the turkey. But the bird took off into the air, so I shot it again. When it hit the ground, it got up very quickly and started running again, putting a good distance between us.
I ran as fast as I could to get back within range of the shotgun, but the ground was wet and muddy, and my feet sank so far into it that I hit a stump and broke my right bottom rib. It took the breath out of me. I still stood up and killed the turkey, though, like any determined turkey hunter would. Then I fell to the ground and tried to catch my breath. When I broke my rib, my heart was beating a hundred miles per hour, and the pain made me realize that I shouldn’t have been in that kind of situation at age sixty.
Like I said in the beginning, there are many ways in which a wild turkey can hurt you.
Turkey bites can be painful but serious injuries are rare. Wild turkeys get most of the blame but domestic turkeys can deliver nasty pecks too. Understanding turkey behavior helps prevent confrontations. And basic first aid treats most minor bites.
How Hard Can Turkeys Bite?
With their small heads and skinny necks, turkeys appear harmless But those slender beaks pack surprising power
Wild turkeys have strong jaws evolved for cracking nuts and seeds. While domestic turkeys are calmer some still bite if threatened. Toms are especially aggressive during mating season when testosterone is high.
The force behind a turkey’s peck can break skin. Bites often cause bruises, scratches, or cuts. Faces, hands, arms, and legs are frequent targets since turkeys strike upwards. Softer areas like noses and ears bleed more.
Young children’s shorter height puts them at greatest risk. But turkey bites can hurt adults too. The birds leap up with claws outstretched to scratch.
Avoiding Turkey Attacks
Giving wild turkeys space prevents most confrontations. Here are tips to dodge bites:
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Don’t approach or corner turkeys. Let them escape.
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Avoid areas where turkeys roost, nest, and travel.
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Keep small pets indoors when turkeys are near.
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Don’t let turkeys get trapped by doorways where they feel threatened.
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Use loud noises, yelling, or water spray to scare bold turkeys.
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Wave arms or objects to look big and intimidating.
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Travel in groups since lone humans get targeted more.
Turkeys fiercely protect territories and young. Removing bird feeders and trash cans prevents habituation. Relocating persistently aggressive turkeys also helps.
Defending Yourself If Attacked
Should a bite seem likely, self-defense is justified. Try these tactics:
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Make loud, sharp noises to startle the turkey. Yell aggressively.
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Charge directly at the turkey to appear intimidating. Don’t retreat.
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Wave sticks, jackets, or other items to look more threatening.
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Spray the turkey’s face with water if available.
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Kick out your leg to knock back approaching turkeys.
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Shield your head and neck since the face is a target.
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Run away at angles rather than straight lines which stimulates pursuit.
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Seek shelter in a vehicle or building to separate from an aggressive turkey.
Consider wearing a helmet, hat, and eye protection in turkey-prone areas. Report any menacing turkeys to local animal control.
Treating Bites and Preventing Infection
Promptly wash any turkey bites with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a sterile bandage. Watch for signs of infection like redness, swelling, oozing, and warmth. Seek medical care for deep punctures which may need stitches and oral antibiotics.
Both wild and domestic turkeys can transmit bacteria through their beaks. Salmonella is a top concern. Minimize contact with turkey fluids and wash hands after handling them. Make sure your tetanus vaccination is up to date.
While painful, most turkey bites heal quickly with basic first aid. But cleaning and disinfecting right away prevents complications. It’s wise to give wild turkeys space, but also good to know how to safely scare them away when necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey Bites
Here are answers to common questions about bites from wild and domestic turkeys:
How much PSI is in a turkey’s bite?
An average adult wild tom can deliver around 200 PSI. Enough to break skin.
Do domestic turkeys bite?
Domestic turkeys are more docile but toms may still bite if feeling threatened.
Do turkey bites cause swelling?
Yes, swelling often occurs around bites as the body reacts to trauma. Use ice packs to reduce swelling.
Should I get antibiotics for a turkey bite?
Antibiotics might be prescribed for deep punctures or bites showing signs of infection.
Can a turkey bite infect you with salmonella?
Turkeys can transmit salmonella in their mouths. Prompt cleaning helps prevent bacterial infections.
Can you get rabies from a turkey bite?
No, turkeys and other birds cannot carry or transmit the rabies virus.
Will animal control remove problematic turkeys?
Many jurisdictions will intervene when wild turkeys pose a public safety threat.
Should you report a turkey bite?
You don’t have to, but it helps track aggressive turkeys. Seek medical care as needed.
How long does a turkey bite take to heal?
Superficial bites may heal in 5-7 days. Deeper wounds take longer, around 2 weeks.
The Takeaway
While built for foraging, turkeys can inflict painful bites. Caution around wild turkeys prevents confrontations. First aid treats minor bites from domestic or wild turkeys. Serious injuries are rare since turkey bites aren’t as dangerous as mammal bites.
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