Native to the Southern Plains states, the Rio Grande was first described in 1879. Originally numbering in the millions, they were severely depleted by 1920. Efforts to save their populations has created a population of 600,000 in Texas alone.

To see and enjoy them, I highly recommend a stay at South Llanos River State Park. Parts of the park were closed off during our visit due to protecting roosting areas. Deer also walked through the campground as freely as the turkeys. This park is also a birder's paradise.

State sanctioned hunts of the turkeys and deer are held yearly.