They run through the woods in a flock like a small stampede, making a lot of noise. I was squirrel hunting before turkey season. I was sitting on a fallen log in full camouflage with a ..22 rifle. I heard a flock approach and saw them coming my way. I waited until they were close, took off my hat with camouflage face net, stood up, waved my arms and shouted at them. Pandemonium. They ran in all directions, some flying, hitting trees, and falling to ground before taking off on foot. I laughed until my sides ached. If it had been turkey season, I’d have taken two of the toms or jakes. In fact I returned to the area in season and took two single toms . Wild turkey is much better than farm raised, just as I prefer wild rabbit to tame rabbit. Wild turkey giblets make the very best gravy.
A few years back, I surprised a lone turkey in the woods near here. It took off almost straight up, like an F14 on burner off a catapult. I couldn’t believe how fast it moved.
Especially from such a large awkward looking creature on the ground.
They accelerate well but have a low top end of about 50 mph or so. And their endurance is not great at top speed. On the other hand they can run about 25 mph.
They walk around the woods of Dunwich as if they own the place. But if you approach them they move along en masse. In my neck of the woods I’m guessing that coyotes, foxes and the occasional bobcat go after them. That would an interesting sight.