A resolution designating March 15, 2025, as "National Osceola Turkey Day".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 134
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Animals
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-03-24: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1807; text: CR S1806)
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-24T22:13:21Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate Resolution (S. Res. 134) aims to recognize the cultural, historical, economic, and conservation significance of wild turkeys in the United States, with a special focus on the Osceola (Florida) subspecies. It designates a specific date to celebrate these aspects and promote related traditions and activities.
Key Provisions
- Designates March 15, 2025, as "National Osceola Turkey Day."
- Encourages people across the United States to observe the day with appropriate ceremonies and activities, such as events highlighting turkey hunting, habitat conservation, and holiday traditions.
- Includes "Whereas" clauses outlining the background, including:
- The historical role of wild turkeys in American traditions, like Thanksgiving.
- Their value as a healthy, organic protein source.
- Economic contributions from turkey hunting (e.g., $76.9 million spent annually by hunters since 1985, with a total impact of $128.7 million).
- Florida's leadership in wild turkey management, including the Wild Turkey Cost Share Program (a public-private partnership since 1994 that has funded habitat management on up to 1 million acres).
- Participation in Florida's 2024 spring turkey season (about 31,085 hunters, including 5,453 non-residents).
- Use of permit revenues for conservation, research, and promoting hunting heritage.
- Unique details about the Osceola turkey: one of five North American subspecies, found only in peninsular Florida, known for its challenging habitat (often swampy) and mystique.
- Requirement for hunters seeking a "Grand Slam" (harvesting all four U.S. turkey subspecies) to hunt in Florida.
- Alignment with Florida's 2025 turkey hunting season opening on March 15 statewide.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
None. This is a non-binding Senate resolution, which expresses the sense of the Senate but does not create enforceable law, amend statutes, or allocate funds. It has no legal effect beyond symbolic recognition.
Potential Impacts
- On citizens: May increase public awareness of wild turkey conservation and hunting traditions, potentially boosting participation in related activities and tourism in Florida during the hunting season.
- On government agencies: Could indirectly support state wildlife agencies like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission by highlighting their programs, though no new funding or mandates are imposed.
- On international relations: No impact, as the resolution is domestic and focused on U.S. wildlife and traditions.
- Overall, effects are largely promotional and cultural, with minimal practical changes.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Turkey hunters and outdoor enthusiasts: Benefiting from recognition of their economic contributions and the challenge of pursuing the Osceola turkey.
- Conservation organizations and landowners: Highlighted through programs like Florida's Wild Turkey Cost Share Program, which supports habitat maintenance on public lands.
- Florida residents and state agencies: Emphasized due to the state's unique role in Osceola turkey habitat, research, and hunting revenue (used for conservation).
- General public: Encouraged to participate in observances, potentially fostering appreciation for wildlife heritage.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it requires no presidential approval and carries no force of law. It aligns with Congress's power to recognize dates and events under Article I of the Constitution but imposes no obligations.
- Constitutional: No issues; it is a standard expression of congressional sentiment without infringing on rights or federalism concerns.
- Political: Symbolically promotes bipartisan support for hunting, conservation, and rural traditions (introduced by Senators from Florida). It underscores Florida's wildlife management as a model but avoids controversy, focusing on positive heritage aspects rather than debates over hunting regulations.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2025-03-24: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S1807; text: CR S1806)
- 2025-03-24: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-03-24: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Designating March 15, 2025, as National Osceola Turkey Day. — issued 2025-03-24 — PDF (3 pages)