LITCHFIELD – Turkeys at Rocky Ridge Organic Farm weren’t sure what to make of the Outdoor Heritage turkey mascot on July 31 in his debut appearance to kick off the new “Talkin’ Turkey” instant lottery ticket, which will benefit the Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund over the next few months.

The instant turkey ticket is the newest to be released to benefit Maine wildlife, conservation and outdoor recreation. The legislature created the Outdoor Heritage program, which relies on a dedicated lottery ticket, in 1996 as an additional source of funding for wildlife and outdoor projects.

To date, the Outdoor Heritage lottery tickets have raised nearly $11 million in proceeds to benefit more than 400 wildlife and conservation projects from Kittery to Fort Kent.

Grants are available twice a year for nonprofit organizations, towns and municipalities. Sept. 1 is the deadline for fall grant proposals. For more information about grants, call 688-4191 or visit the Outdoor Heritage Web site at www.maine.gov/ifw/outdoorheritage.