Turkey Backyard Brawl
OutdoorHub Reporters 07.08.16
Minnesota freelance photographer Randy Hoepner was working in his home office on June 30, 2016, when he heard a ruckus outside. Two tom turkeys were getting ready for a showdown, so he grabbed his smartphone and began recording video.
“My phone was full after 2:47 and stopped recording,” he said. “The battle went on for another 15 minutes!”
While gobblers can often be seen fighting during the spring breeding season, it’s not uncommon for them to continue sorting out the pecking order in summer and fall.
As this video shows, turkeys will attempt to inflict harm with their spurs, but most of the fight becomes an arm wrestling match – with their necks! At times you see one bird get the skin of the other in its mouth, so it’s lucky for the loser that turkeys don’t have teeth.
Great video, Randy, and be careful the next time you step into the backyard to barbecue!
