The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission began the nation's first restocking program for which game bird in the 1940s?

The correct choice is the Wild Turkey, as the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission initiated the nation's first restocking program for this game bird during the 1940s. This innovative conservation effort was significant in restoring the wild turkey population, which had drastically declined due to overhunting and habitat loss. The program aimed to reintroduce turkeys to areas where they had disappeared and boost their numbers across the state. This successful initiative not only helped stabilize the wild turkey population in Arkansas but also set a precedent for similar restocking programs in other states, contributing to the resurgence of wild turkey populations nationwide. The focus on wild turkeys showcased the importance of active wildlife management and conservation strategies that can bring species back from the brink of extinction.