The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) will sponsor the ninth annual Wild Turkey Expo on March 11, in Fair Oaks, Calif. The seminar, co-sponsored with the Wilderness Unlimited and National Wild Turkey Federation will run from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, 11427 Fair Oaks Blvd.

The free event, which has drawn standing-room-only crowds in the past, provides comprehensive information on wild turkey biology and hunting, with a focus on hunting on public lands. Sporting goods organizations will be present to show the latest equipment and share information about other hunting opportunities. DFG will provide a lunch, and a $5 donation to help cover meal costs is welcomed.

Outdoors writer and veteran turkey hunter John Higley will be the expo's featured speaker. Higley and other experts will instruct attendees on where to locate the birds and their habits, the effective use of camouflage, and the use of shotguns and archery equipment. Presentations will also be given on recipes for cooking and preparing turkey.

Ryan Mathis, a regional biologist for the National Wild Turkey Federation will give a talk on shotgun selection and shooting, and the proper loads to use. A seminar on archery hunting for turkeys will be given by Johnny Waddles, regional chairman for the International Bowhunters Education Program. Champion turkey caller Bruce Wurth, owner of American Friction, which manufactures turkey calls, will demonstrate his award-winning calls. A question and answer period will follow.

DFG's wild turkey biologist Scott Gardner will be available during the event to offer hunters and naturalists insight on the wild turkey's habitat. Additional DFG personnel will also be on hand to answer questions.

For more information, contact Susan Herrgesell, Advanced Hunter Education Program Coordinator, at (530) 347-3980, or e-mail at sherrges@dfg.ca.gov.