Turkey Restoration Leader Inducted Into Hall of Fame

02/06/2007

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Jared "Jerry" Garver was inducted into the Illinois Outdoor Hall of Fame Saturday, Feb. 3, for leading the state's wild turkey restoration project for 33 years. Since the project began, the wild turkey population has grown from fewer than 1,000 birds to more than 140,000.

The Illinois Conservation Foundation honored Garver, of Cobden, Ill., for leading one of the state's most remarkable success stories. He is also treasurer of the National Wild Turkey Federation's Trail of Tears chapter and a bronze sponsor member.

"This is quite an honor," said Garver. "I've known some people who are already inducted. It's nice to be a part of the Hall of Fame."

Wild turkeys disappeared from Illinois in the early 1900s. The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) began turkey restoration efforts in 1958 by releasing trapped birds in the Shawnee National Forest. When Garver was made head of the restoration project in 1970, there were fewer than 1,000 birds in four counties statewide.

"When I started, the thinking was there was little suitable habitat for turkeys in Illinois," said Garver. "But we found out that it wasn't habitat that was the most important factor, but protection. Turkeys would thrive in different habitats as long as they were protected and their populations could be firmly established."

Working with landowners and the NWTF, Garver sought to find areas where turkeys that were trapped and transferred could establish new populations. His initial efforts weren't always met with positive reactions.

"A lot of people didn't think we should take `their' turkeys somewhere else," he said. "They didn't understand how it would benefit the state's flock. After we could show them the program was working without hurting their population, they became more receptive."

The state's wild turkey project grew with remarkable success. Since 1970, the IDNR has trapped and transplanted 5,000 turkeys to more than 270 release sites in 99 of the 102 state counties. In addition, Garver worked with the NWTF to secure more than $2 million for land acquisition, habitat improvement, turkey reintroduction and hunter education.

"The NWTF was very helpful in providing money, equipment and research," said Garver. "Their involvement sped up the restoration process."

Garver retired in 2002 from the IDNR and still turkey hunts. When asked what he's most proud of in his career, he says being with the program from the beginning means a lot.

"To expand hunting opportunities in Illinois is quite rewarding. Giving hunters the opportunity to hunt where there were no birds just 20 or 30 years ago and being there from the start is great."