G-G,
Turkeys are not native to Hawaii. The state DLNR brought some Rio Grandes
over from Texas around 1956 & 1959. There's some documentation evidence that
some Merriams were brought over a few years later by a a private rancher & land
owner (Parker Ranch). Turkeys vary a bit in their colors, but every once in a
while you'll see a turkey that has all the classic Merriam's look to it. Some
enough to have even "fooled" experts at the NWTF national convention. Most
likely there's some areas where the Rio's have a little Merriam's in them.
Right now, there are huntable turkey populations Fall season, on Hawaii (Big
Island), and Molokai. There are loads of turks on Lanai, but the whole island
is private and the locals don't really hunt them. Oahu (a very small
population) & Kauai have small & growing populations of the birds, but no open
season yet. The only island with a spring season is Hawaii. Our spring season
runs Mar 1 to Apr 14, for bearded birds only. 2 per day, 3 per season. Fall
season is 1 per day either sex.
I hope this answers your questions. We're set to have a great bird season too
this year.