Bill Summary
The resolution aims to designate March 15, 2025, as "National Osceola Turkey Day" to honor the cultural and historical significance of the wild turkey in the United States. It highlights the importance of wild turkey as a traditional food, particularly during Thanksgiving, and emphasizes its nutritional benefits as a lean protein source. The resolution notes the economic impact of turkey hunting in the U.S., particularly in Florida, where a substantial public-private partnership program supports wild turkey habitat management.
The Osceola turkey, a unique subspecies native to Florida, is recognized for its challenging hunting conditions and is part of a larger cultural heritage surrounding turkey hunting. The resolution encourages citizens to celebrate National Osceola Turkey Day through various ceremonies and activities, aiming to raise awareness of the Osceola turkey's significance and promote conservation efforts for its habitat.
Possible Impacts
Here are three examples of how the resolution supporting the designation of March 15, 2025, as "National Osceola Turkey Day" could affect people:
1. **Cultural and Community Engagement**: Designating a National Osceola Turkey Day could foster community events and celebrations that bring people together. Families and friends might organize turkey-related activities, such as cooking competitions, festivals, or educational workshops about wild turkey hunting and conservation. These events can strengthen community bonds and promote cultural traditions related to hunting and wildlife appreciation.
2. **Economic Impact on Local Businesses**: The resolution highlights the economic contribution of turkey hunting in Florida, with significant spending on permits and associated activities. Celebrating National Osceola Turkey Day could stimulate local economies by increasing tourism and sales for businesses related to hunting, such as outdoor gear shops, restaurants, and lodging facilities. Local businesses might offer special promotions or events to attract turkey hunters and their families, boosting regional economic activity.
3. **Awareness and Conservation Efforts**: By promoting National Osceola Turkey Day, there could be increased awareness of wild turkey conservation and habitat management efforts in Florida. Educational campaigns might encourage responsible hunting practices and the importance of preserving the Osceola turkey's natural habitat. This awareness could lead to greater public support for conservation initiatives and funding programs like the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program, benefiting wildlife and ecosystems in the region.
[Congressional Bills 119th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 215 Introduced in House (IH)]
<DOC>
119th CONGRESS
1st Session
H. RES. 215
Supporting the designation of March 15, 2025, as ``National Osceola
Turkey Day''.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
March 11, 2025
Mr. Scott Franklin of Florida (for himself, Ms. Salazar, Mr. Bilirakis,
Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Rutherford, and Mr. Soto) submitted the following
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and
Government Reform
_______________________________________________________________________
RESOLUTION
Supporting the designation of March 15, 2025, as ``National Osceola
Turkey Day''.
Whereas wild turkey has been an important part of the history and family
traditions of the United States;
Whereas wild turkey was on the table at the very first Thanksgiving, and turkey
continues to be a mainstay during many holiday traditions;
Whereas wild turkey is a healthy, organic, and delicious source of lean protein;
Whereas, in the United States, turkey hunters have spent approximately
$76,900,000 per year since 1985 with an economic impact of $128,700,000
annually;
Whereas Florida has a rich history of wild turkey hunting, management, and
research;
Whereas Florida is home to the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program, which is the
largest public-private partnership program in the United States for the
maintenance of wild turkey habitat on wildlife management areas and
other public lands open to hunting;
Whereas, since the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program began in 1994, upwards of
1,000,000 acres of upland habitat have received funding for turkey
habitat management efforts;
Whereas, in the 2024 Florida spring wild turkey season, an estimated 31,085
hunters participated in turkey hunting, including an estimated 5,453
nonresidents of the Sunshine State;
Whereas, in Florida, revenue generated from the sale of wild turkey permits is
used for conservation, research, and management of wild turkeys or
promoting the cultural heritage of hunting;
Whereas turkey hunters are an important part of the Wild Turkey Cost Share
Program, and the money generated from the sale of turkey permits, which
are a requirement for hunting wild turkeys in Florida unless exempt,
allows the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to make
significant contributions to the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program each
year;
Whereas Florida is home to 2 subspecies of wild turkey, the eastern wild turkey
and the Osceola or Florida wild turkey;
Whereas the Osceola is 1 of 5 subspecies of wild turkey in North America;
Whereas the Osceola turkey exists only in peninsular Florida;
Whereas the Osceola subspecies of wild turkey is often perceived as mysterious
and the most difficult to harvest because of its small geographic range
and the often swampy habitat where it is found;
Whereas hunters in pursuit of the 4 subspecies of turkey in the United States,
known as a ``Grand Slam'', are required to hunt in Florida; and
Whereas March 1, 2025, is the opening day of turkey harvesting season in part of
Florida, and March 15, 2025, is the opening day for the entire State of
Florida: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) supports the designation of ``National Osceola Turkey
Day''; and
(2) encourages the people of the United States to observe
National Osceola Turkey Day with appropriate ceremonies and
activities.
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