Mossy Oak has released its third annual wild turkey conservation stamp—a collectible stamp in which all proceeds go directly to wild turkey conservation projects around the country.
After an enthusiastic response to the first two stamps in 2022 and 2023, Mossy Oak has been able to use the funds raised from those stamps to support research and projects such as Lymphoproliferative Disease (LPDV) research, hen survival, nesting selection and success, poult rearing, and general habitat improvement, which includes putting more prescriptive fire on the landscape.
That first area of research grows increasingly important almost daily. LPDV—a lethal disease to turkeys—is on the rise in the Northeast, and is still extremely poorly understood. As wild turkey populations increase of course, so does the risk of transmission, including to domestic poultry. Symptoms can include lymphoid tumors and lesions, ataxia and lethargy. That said, not all infected birds show signs of the disease that are visible to the naked eye. Its important to note that there is not evidence the disease is harmful to humans, and even infected birds can still be eaten.
The 2024 Mossy Oak Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp features a painting by famous wildlife painter Ryan Kirby entitled “Bottomland Bachelors, ” in which three longbeards walk through a sundrenched patch of woods. A willow hangs low, obscuring the background, though a body of water glistens subtly in the distance.
One hundred percent of proceeds from this year’s stamp will again go into Mossy Oak's Gamekeeper Grants conservation program to—with the help of leading scientists and biologists—carefully choose which conservation and research projects to support next.
Mossy Oak founder Toxey Haas has written a letter to stamp purchasers to thank and encourage everyone for the enthusiastic support for the wild turkey.
To purchase a 2024 Mossy Oak Wild Turkey Conservation Stamp, visit mossyoak.com.
