Wild Turkeys, Turkey Hunters Continue To Increase Information is still being disseminated from the ninth National Wild Turkey Symposium in Grand Rapids, Mich., held late last year, and one of those uplifting stories profiles the growth of both wild turkey and turkey hunting numbers. “Status and Distribution of the Wild Turkey in 2004,” a paper presented by National Wild Turkey Federation biologist Jennifer Tapley at the every-five-year event, stated that wild turkey populations have risen 22 percent and turkey hunter numbers six percent in the last five years. In 2004, an estimated 2.8 million turkey hunters went afield. The paper affirmed both the incredible restoration of the wild turkey through the cooperative efforts of sportsmen, wildlife managers and private interests and the growth of enthusiasts that has resulted.