[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 20, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S2475]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   SENATE RESOLUTION 602--DESIGNATING MARCH 16, 2024, AS ``NATIONAL 
                          OSCEOLA TURKEY DAY''

  Mr. SCOTT of Florida (for himself and Mr. Rubio) submitted the 
following resolution; which was considered and agreed to:

                              S. Res. 602

       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 2023 Florida spring wild turkey season, 
     25,056 hunters participated in turkey hunting, including 
     4,761 non residents 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 all 4 subspecies of turkey in 
     the United States, known as a ``Grand Slam'', are required to 
     hunt in Florida; and
       Whereas March 2, 2024, is the opening day of turkey 
     harvesting season in part of Florida, and March 16, 2024, is 
     the opening day for the entire State of Florida: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates March 16, 2024, as ``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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