There is even a Wild Turkey Weekend in Wisconsin. The National Wild Turkey Federation will hold its state convention and weekend getaway Jan. 25-26 at the Wilderness Hotel and Resort in Wisconsin Dells. This primarily is for hunters of the birds, but the NWTF does offer good overall information on the turkey.

If you decide to go "hunting" -- in the traditional sense or just with a camera or your eyes -- there are a few things you should know. If you're not hunting them in that "traditional sense, still be aware of the hunting seasons and avoid conflicting with them.

As for the turkey itself, it is Wisconsin's largest game bird, and generally is a slender bird with long legs, neck and tail -- very little like that plump domestic version most of us eat at Thanksgiving. The average length for males is 48 inches, with females averaging 36 inches. Male turkeys (gobblers or toms) average 18-25 pounds, while the females (hens) average 8-10 pounds. Many who see wild turkeys in the wild for the first time describe them as "prehistoric" looking.

The body feathers of the turkey are an iridescent bronze, but they appear green, blue, red and even purple in reflected sunlight. The wing and tail feathers are barred with light and dark bands. The gobbler fans out his tail feathers and "struts" for the hens during the mating season.

Turkeys are wary, shy birds with excellent eyesight. They are capable of flying over 55 miles per hour, but often times prefer to run from predators. Don't chase them and try to keep a distance from them when observing

The best-known sound of the wild turkey is the tom's rolling gobble. Both sexes make other sounds including yelps, purrs, clucks, and other noises with a variety of meanings.

Turkeys are most vocal during the breeding season and also at times of distress or alarm. They are identifiable by their large five-inch tracks, with the three front toes rather thick and the tip of the hind toe leaving an imprint off to one side.

Wild turkeys are opportunistic feeders, eating whatever foods are available. During the spring and summer, they feed on insects, berries, green leaves and grass seeds. Food becomes more scarce in winter, but the state DNR warns against feeding turkeys.

One risk is that turkeys tend to become tame and dependent on the food. The potential of disease transmission around feeding sites pose a problem. This has happened in parts of Colorado where disease problems caused the removal of the remaining flock so restocking of uninfected birds could take place. Mold, which grows on wet or damp grain (including birdseed at the backyard feeder), can cause respiratory diseases in birds.

Finally, concentrating turkeys at feeding sites attracts predators and makes the birds far more vulnerable. So, you're better off not feeding the turkeys. They're pretty tough "old birds" who can survive on their own, and are doing well in Wisconsin.

Probably the best place to find information about Wisconsin wild turkeys is at the DNR Web site. birding.com also offers good information on where to see turkeys.

You also can find out about regional, non-hunting tours at viroqua-wisconsin.com and through Trinity Mountain Outdoor Adventures at TRMichels.com. Price County has information about turkey hunting in that county at pricecountywi.net.

Cameo Rose, a bed and breakfast in the Madison area, also offers 120 acres for wildlife observation and birding, including wild turkeys. Find out more at cameorose.com.