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First the letter from the MDC 6 year ago and was the same response on trapping in 2015 and in 2012 letters.
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War on Landowners
1 - 20 of 110 Posts
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2nd - After 10 years of letters and MDC saying NO - Commissioner wanted to extend trapping took 1 year to get it done and the Missouri Trappers Assocation, Conservation Federation of Missouri and the Missouri NWTF are unhappy about trapping regulations but they never share predator history.
Do you know YOUR states predator prey history? Bet most people do not.
It’s funny that the MTA, CFM and NWTF never show this.
It is even funnier that they weren’t mad about the 1940’s, 1980’s and the 1990’s raccoon kill numbers
Recent Raccoon Tournament killed almost 1,000 and if the all 114 counties in Missouri, all did the same in Missouri 114,000 not even close to any of those years.
Missouri
PREDATOR HISTORY
1940 – 1941 – 834,935 pelts harvested (most pelts sold) (over 70% were opossum and skunk pelts) most pelts sold
1945 – 1946 – Missouri Fur Dealer Permit 1,192
Biologist Allen Twichell and Herbert Dill reported the highest raccoon density known to occur: During the winter of 1948, 100 were removed from den trees on 41 ha (102 acres) tract of Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a waterfowl reserve on a Missouri Marsh, yielding an astounding density of about 1 raccoon per acre or nearly 250 km2.
Missouri Raccoon population indicated that it could replace itself in 7.4 years.
Raccoons – A Natural History - Zeveloff, p. 98
1979 – 1980 – 634,338 (2nd highest pelts sold - when average raccoon pelt values were estimated at $27.50.
1997 – 1998 – Over 200,000 Raccoons were trapped.
1980 – 1981 – 13,248 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri
2009, MDC estimated the statewide raccoon population at 1.4 million with annual trapping of 100,000 to 200,000.
In 2010, MDC estimated the statewide raccoon population at 1 to 2 million with annual trapping of annual trapping of 100,000 to 200,000.
2017 – 2018 – Just Over 26,000 Raccoons were trapped.
2017 – 2018 – Only 7,189 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri.
2018 - 2019 – 6,956 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri
2018 - 2019 – Raccoon totaled 22,562 trapped
2018-19 season resulted in the lowest raccoon harvest since 1942 and the longest duration of decline in harvest numbers over the last 25 years with seven consecutive years of decline.
2018- 2019 – Opossum harvest totaled 593 lowest opossum harvests on record.
2018- 2019 – Skunk also resulted in the lowest Skunk harvest since 2000-01 only 156.
2018 – 2019 - Coyote population appears to be on a slight increase since the 1970s.
2018 -2019 - Bobcat season was down 28.40% from 2017-18 The decline in harvest and in the number of bobcat pelts purchased by fur dealers also is likely attributed to a poor global fur market.
2019 - 41 Fur Buyer Permits
2019 - 2020 - Trapping numbers and prices this year still falling.
2020-21 - Raccoon harvest in totaled 21,589 and included individuals harvested by both trapping and hunting methods. The 2020-21 season resulted in the second lowest raccoon harvest since 1942.
Why does this matter? Because we are current in un-natural high predator population!
NEST PREDATOR CAPTURE
2021 - Raccoon Count, Site 1 - 1.57 per acre, Site 2 - 2.02 per acre, Site 3 - 3.34 per acre
2021 - Opossum Count, Site 1 - .65 per acre, Site 2 - 1.11 per acre, Site 3 - .93 per acre
2022 - Raccoon Count, Site 1 - .50 per acre, Site 2 - .09 per acre, Site 3 - .40 per acre, Site 4 - .07 per acre
2022 - Opossum Count, Site 1 - .18 per acre, Site 2 - .27 per acre, Site 3 - .25 per acre, Site 4 - .03 per acre
Skunks, Foxes, Coyote, Bobcats exist but no count is shown.
Armadillo’s, Bears, and Wild Hogs do not exist in this research area in Missouri
Do you know YOUR states predator prey history? Bet most people do not.
It’s funny that the MTA, CFM and NWTF never show this.
It is even funnier that they weren’t mad about the 1940’s, 1980’s and the 1990’s raccoon kill numbers
Recent Raccoon Tournament killed almost 1,000 and if the all 114 counties in Missouri, all did the same in Missouri 114,000 not even close to any of those years.
Missouri
PREDATOR HISTORY
1940 – 1941 – 834,935 pelts harvested (most pelts sold) (over 70% were opossum and skunk pelts) most pelts sold
1945 – 1946 – Missouri Fur Dealer Permit 1,192
Biologist Allen Twichell and Herbert Dill reported the highest raccoon density known to occur: During the winter of 1948, 100 were removed from den trees on 41 ha (102 acres) tract of Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, a waterfowl reserve on a Missouri Marsh, yielding an astounding density of about 1 raccoon per acre or nearly 250 km2.
Missouri Raccoon population indicated that it could replace itself in 7.4 years.
Raccoons – A Natural History - Zeveloff, p. 98
1979 – 1980 – 634,338 (2nd highest pelts sold - when average raccoon pelt values were estimated at $27.50.
1997 – 1998 – Over 200,000 Raccoons were trapped.
1980 – 1981 – 13,248 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri
2009, MDC estimated the statewide raccoon population at 1.4 million with annual trapping of 100,000 to 200,000.
In 2010, MDC estimated the statewide raccoon population at 1 to 2 million with annual trapping of annual trapping of 100,000 to 200,000.
2017 – 2018 – Just Over 26,000 Raccoons were trapped.
2017 – 2018 – Only 7,189 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri.
2018 - 2019 – 6,956 trapping permits sold in the state of Missouri
2018 - 2019 – Raccoon totaled 22,562 trapped
2018-19 season resulted in the lowest raccoon harvest since 1942 and the longest duration of decline in harvest numbers over the last 25 years with seven consecutive years of decline.
2018- 2019 – Opossum harvest totaled 593 lowest opossum harvests on record.
2018- 2019 – Skunk also resulted in the lowest Skunk harvest since 2000-01 only 156.
2018 – 2019 - Coyote population appears to be on a slight increase since the 1970s.
2018 -2019 - Bobcat season was down 28.40% from 2017-18 The decline in harvest and in the number of bobcat pelts purchased by fur dealers also is likely attributed to a poor global fur market.
2019 - 41 Fur Buyer Permits
2019 - 2020 - Trapping numbers and prices this year still falling.
2020-21 - Raccoon harvest in totaled 21,589 and included individuals harvested by both trapping and hunting methods. The 2020-21 season resulted in the second lowest raccoon harvest since 1942.
Why does this matter? Because we are current in un-natural high predator population!
NEST PREDATOR CAPTURE
2021 - Raccoon Count, Site 1 - 1.57 per acre, Site 2 - 2.02 per acre, Site 3 - 3.34 per acre
2021 - Opossum Count, Site 1 - .65 per acre, Site 2 - 1.11 per acre, Site 3 - .93 per acre
2022 - Raccoon Count, Site 1 - .50 per acre, Site 2 - .09 per acre, Site 3 - .40 per acre, Site 4 - .07 per acre
2022 - Opossum Count, Site 1 - .18 per acre, Site 2 - .27 per acre, Site 3 - .25 per acre, Site 4 - .03 per acre
Skunks, Foxes, Coyote, Bobcats exist but no count is shown.
Armadillo’s, Bears, and Wild Hogs do not exist in this research area in Missouri
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MTA board response which they refused to put out any statement until the day of the vote in 2022 and took 40 people to Jefferson City but over 700 landowners wrote letters in support of the extend trapping season. Only problem 700 membership does not fully support letter but the 41 fur buyers do.
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Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting: Predators and Turkeys with Dr Marcus Lashley and Dr Will Gulsby on Apple Podcasts
Show Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting, Ep Predators and Turkeys with Dr Marcus Lashley and Dr Will Gulsby - Mar 14, 2023
podcasts.apple.com
Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting: Wild Turkey Science and Baiting with Dr. Lashley and Dr. Gulsby on Apple Podcasts
Show Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting, Ep Wild Turkey Science and Baiting with Dr. Lashley and Dr. Gulsby - Mar 9, 2023
podcasts.apple.com
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Then for over year nothing was said - The issue died and Missouri has it's first extended season and I have had more people ask me about trapping in the last 3 months, than I have in the last 10 years combined. It was almost overwhelming.
Then CFM and the MTA delcare war to get rid of the Extended season - Not published on website of MTA or on Social Media page all done behind the curtain. I found out by someone within thatcan't speak out.
The CFM and MTA believe that the 700 members and 41 fur buyers have more rights on the 300,000 plus landowners land than they do.
They don't want landowners to practice predator management on their property within the regulations - You are not allow depredation permits for wildlife management only for crop damage and livestock or poultry damage.
That is the issue today most conservation groups are just glorified lobbyist groups - Wildlife is not No. 1 - Power, Money and Influence is No. 1 - Wildlife is 4th or lower - All in the name of Conservation.
CFM was at yesterdays commission meeting to present this.
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Then CFM and the MTA delcare war to get rid of the Extended season - Not published on website of MTA or on Social Media page all done behind the curtain. I found out by someone within thatcan't speak out.
The CFM and MTA believe that the 700 members and 41 fur buyers have more rights on the 300,000 plus landowners land than they do.
They don't want landowners to practice predator management on their property within the regulations - You are not allow depredation permits for wildlife management only for crop damage and livestock or poultry damage.
That is the issue today most conservation groups are just glorified lobbyist groups - Wildlife is not No. 1 - Power, Money and Influence is No. 1 - Wildlife is 4th or lower - All in the name of Conservation.
CFM was at yesterdays commission meeting to present this.
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3,406 Posts
Invasive Species are not always wildlife but they all have Nature Deficit DisorderLand & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting: Wild Turkey Science and Baiting with Dr. Lashley and Dr. Gulsby on Apple Podcasts
Show Land & Legacy - Habitat + Hunting, Ep Wild Turkey Science and Baiting with Dr. Lashley and Dr. Gulsby - Mar 9, 2023podcasts.apple.com
Turkey Predator Research
No. 1 – Dr. Craig Harper is very much habitat driven first. Dr. Harper pulls no punches.
Headlines: - Less Mowing and More Trapping - Wild Turkey Science – Interview with Dr. Craig Harper
2022 TENNESEE RESEARCH UPDATE - Turkeys for Tomorrow.
Turkeys For Tomorrow is helping restore turkey populations in Tennessee by contributing funding to an ongoing research project in Spring 2023.
Dr. Craig Harper and Dr. David Buehler, both with University of Tennessee, have led a comprehensive study of wild turkey ecology and management in five counties of south-middle Tennessee for the past six years. Their preliminary findings are both striking and encouraging.
In brief, findings indicate low nest success and poult survival as a result of predation is limiting the population, and a two-week delay applied to the hunting season’s opening has not impacted any aspect of reproductive success.
By helping fund an additional year of study, Turkeys For Tomorrow will help Harper, Buehler, and their team collect another year of data that will include reproductive success, survival, habitat use, and a predator index, all of which will help provide managers and agencies with information needed to make key decisions related to the impact of predators and season-date decisions on public and private lands
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No. 2
I have asked multi times for Commission to have Michael Chamberlain to come in and talk in private to them. They have refused.
Michael Chamberlain - 2023
Terrell Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at University of Georgia
Predation is the primary cause of death for hens, nests, and poults. Using data from >1000 nests across the south, we’ve seen that nest success (% that hatch) hovers around 21% on average annually – most nests are taken by predators. Of the 21% that hatch, ~ 35% of them produce at least 1 poult that survives the first month. So, <10% of nests produce a poult that lives to be a month old – producing poults is a challenge!
The NO. 1 Wild Turkey Biologist "Mike Chamberlain" in country says there is no biological reason to kill the hens in Missouri for past 5 years in Missouri during a decline of population.
I have asked multi times for Commission to have Michael Chamberlain to come in and talk in private to them. They have refused.
Michael Chamberlain - 2023
Terrell Distinguished Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Management at University of Georgia
Predation is the primary cause of death for hens, nests, and poults. Using data from >1000 nests across the south, we’ve seen that nest success (% that hatch) hovers around 21% on average annually – most nests are taken by predators. Of the 21% that hatch, ~ 35% of them produce at least 1 poult that survives the first month. So, <10% of nests produce a poult that lives to be a month old – producing poults is a challenge!
The NO. 1 Wild Turkey Biologist "Mike Chamberlain" in country says there is no biological reason to kill the hens in Missouri for past 5 years in Missouri during a decline of population.
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No. 3
Has the most informative, truth telling videos second link on predators that I have ever seen. – Missouri Department of Conservation had Dr. James Martin - State of the Bobwhite Talk. Dr. James Martin
They even talk about the bias the Biologist are passing on to others.
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Has the most informative, truth telling videos second link on predators that I have ever seen. – Missouri Department of Conservation had Dr. James Martin - State of the Bobwhite Talk. Dr. James Martin
They even talk about the bias the Biologist are passing on to others.
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No. 4
This is not included in the publish paper you have to request special
2022 MISSOURI WILD TURKEY RESEARCH - Year 2 -
Currenly 85.12% nest rate and only 18.4% re-nesting rate, 20% of initial nest hatched
FYI nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years
2022 - 72.5% of nest failed due to nest predation of the actual nest, and 12.5% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch.
Missouri 2021- Year 1
Currenly 79.6% nest rate and only 15.4% re-nesting rate, 20.5% of initial nest hatched
FYI nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years
About 75% of nests failed due to predation of the actual nest, and 8% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch.
Core area of research Northern Missouri
The research is on your typical Missouri Landowner - 2,800 acre Working ranch with frontage on Lake Thunderhead, in Putnam County, Missouri. It is currently used for recreational hunting and agriculture farmland. This ranch includes a 4,300 square foot lodge and multiple equipment barns. The property contains over 500 acres of CRP and 150 acres of year-round food plots. The rolling hills, timber and grassland intersected by a large network of gravel roads
The rest is just broken down from the papers
Nest Survival and Site Selection category!
2021 - 50 of 51 GPS tagged hens were alive at the beginning of nesting season.
2021 - Three hens tagged in 2021 died in fall
2022 – 47 of 58 GPS tagged hens were alive at the beginning of nesting season.
2022 - 23 hen mortalities during the 2022 field season.
2022 - Of those hen mortalities, 11 were hens caught in the 2021 field season and 12 were caught in the 2022 field season.
2022 – 14 hen mortalities were attributed to predation, 9 had an unknown cause of death.
2021 – Of those 50 hens 39 reached incubation.
2022 – Of those 47 hens 40 reached incubation.
2021 - 8 of the 39 nest attempts hatched.
2022 - 9 of the 40 nest attempts hatched.
2021 - 4 hens whose nest failed attempted to renest, of 1 which hatched.
2022 - 9 hens whose nest failed attempted to renest, of 1 which hatched.
2022 – 1 hen whose nest failed attempted to renest, 3 times of which 0 hatched.
2021 - 17 nests located in forest 26 located in opens fields.
2022 - 24 nests located in forest 26 located in opens fields.
Brood Survival
2022 - 10 brood with 38 poults captured. Only 10 poults survived. 13 killed by predators.
Hen Survival and Dispersal
2021 - 51 captured 46 survived the 2021 field season. 3 mortalities due to predations, 2 unknown cause.
2022 – 62 captured hens 47 survived the 2022 field season 14 mortalities due to predations, 9 unknown cause.
2021 Nesting at Glance
79.6% hens incubated a nest
15.4% renested after nest failure
20.9% nest hatched
20.5% of initial nest hatched -------------- FYI nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years
25% of 2nd nest attempt hatched
Media nest incubation date 5/15/2021
2022 Nesting at Glance
85.12% hens incubated a nest
18.4% renested after nest failure
20% nest hatched ---------------------- FYI nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years
27% of initial nest hatched
11.1% of 2nd nest attempt hatched
Media nest incubation date 5/21/2022
2021 - About 75% of nests failed due to predation of the actual nest, and 8% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch.
2022 - 72.5% of nest failed due to nest predation of the actual nest, and 12.5% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch.
NEST PREDATOR CAPTURE
2021 - Raccoon Count, Site 1 - 1.57 per acre, Site 2 - 2.02 per acre, Site 3 - 3.34 per acre
2021 - Opossum Count, Site 1 - .65 per acre, Site 2 - 1.11 per acre, Site 3 - .93 per acre
2022 - Raccoon Count, Site 1 - .50 per acre, Site 2 - .09 per acre, Site 3 - .40 per acre, Site 4 - .07 per acre
2022 - Opossum Count, Site 1 - .18 per acre, Site 2 - .27 per acre, Site 3 - .25 per acre, Site 4 - .03 per acre
Skunks, Foxes, Coyote, Bobcats exist but no count is shown
Armadillo’s, Bears, and Wild Hogs do not exist in this research area.
This is not included in the publish paper you have to request special
2022 MISSOURI WILD TURKEY RESEARCH - Year 2 -
Currenly 85.12% nest rate and only 18.4% re-nesting rate, 20% of initial nest hatched
FYI nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years
2022 - 72.5% of nest failed due to nest predation of the actual nest, and 12.5% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch.
Missouri 2021- Year 1
Currenly 79.6% nest rate and only 15.4% re-nesting rate, 20.5% of initial nest hatched
FYI nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years
About 75% of nests failed due to predation of the actual nest, and 8% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch.
Core area of research Northern Missouri
The research is on your typical Missouri Landowner - 2,800 acre Working ranch with frontage on Lake Thunderhead, in Putnam County, Missouri. It is currently used for recreational hunting and agriculture farmland. This ranch includes a 4,300 square foot lodge and multiple equipment barns. The property contains over 500 acres of CRP and 150 acres of year-round food plots. The rolling hills, timber and grassland intersected by a large network of gravel roads
The rest is just broken down from the papers
Nest Survival and Site Selection category!
2021 - 50 of 51 GPS tagged hens were alive at the beginning of nesting season.
2021 - Three hens tagged in 2021 died in fall
2022 – 47 of 58 GPS tagged hens were alive at the beginning of nesting season.
2022 - 23 hen mortalities during the 2022 field season.
2022 - Of those hen mortalities, 11 were hens caught in the 2021 field season and 12 were caught in the 2022 field season.
2022 – 14 hen mortalities were attributed to predation, 9 had an unknown cause of death.
2021 – Of those 50 hens 39 reached incubation.
2022 – Of those 47 hens 40 reached incubation.
2021 - 8 of the 39 nest attempts hatched.
2022 - 9 of the 40 nest attempts hatched.
2021 - 4 hens whose nest failed attempted to renest, of 1 which hatched.
2022 - 9 hens whose nest failed attempted to renest, of 1 which hatched.
2022 – 1 hen whose nest failed attempted to renest, 3 times of which 0 hatched.
2021 - 17 nests located in forest 26 located in opens fields.
2022 - 24 nests located in forest 26 located in opens fields.
Brood Survival
2022 - 10 brood with 38 poults captured. Only 10 poults survived. 13 killed by predators.
Hen Survival and Dispersal
2021 - 51 captured 46 survived the 2021 field season. 3 mortalities due to predations, 2 unknown cause.
2022 – 62 captured hens 47 survived the 2022 field season 14 mortalities due to predations, 9 unknown cause.
2021 Nesting at Glance
79.6% hens incubated a nest
15.4% renested after nest failure
20.9% nest hatched
20.5% of initial nest hatched -------------- FYI nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years
25% of 2nd nest attempt hatched
Media nest incubation date 5/15/2021
2022 Nesting at Glance
85.12% hens incubated a nest
18.4% renested after nest failure
20% nest hatched ---------------------- FYI nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years
27% of initial nest hatched
11.1% of 2nd nest attempt hatched
Media nest incubation date 5/21/2022
2021 - About 75% of nests failed due to predation of the actual nest, and 8% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch.
2022 - 72.5% of nest failed due to nest predation of the actual nest, and 12.5% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch.
NEST PREDATOR CAPTURE
2021 - Raccoon Count, Site 1 - 1.57 per acre, Site 2 - 2.02 per acre, Site 3 - 3.34 per acre
2021 - Opossum Count, Site 1 - .65 per acre, Site 2 - 1.11 per acre, Site 3 - .93 per acre
2022 - Raccoon Count, Site 1 - .50 per acre, Site 2 - .09 per acre, Site 3 - .40 per acre, Site 4 - .07 per acre
2022 - Opossum Count, Site 1 - .18 per acre, Site 2 - .27 per acre, Site 3 - .25 per acre, Site 4 - .03 per acre
Skunks, Foxes, Coyote, Bobcats exist but no count is shown
Armadillo’s, Bears, and Wild Hogs do not exist in this research area.
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Wild Turkey Research is 105 miles apart.
1st is Putnam County, Missouri along the Iowa Border - Unionville, Mo.
2nd in Louisa County, Iowa along the Mississippi. - Wapello, Iowa
2022 IOWA RESEARCH UPDATE (YEAR 2) Turkeys for Tomorrow. Iowa DNR Research Update (Year 2) - Turkeys for Tomorrow
Dan Kaminski, a wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR, has been marking hens and poults with GPS or VHF/radio transmitters since 2021. This has enabled Dan to evaluate population demographic parameters related to hen and poult survival, cause-specific mortality, and nesting rates.
A portion of Dan’s research is listed below and gives a glimpse into the challenges the wild turkey is facing in Iowa. These results are only for one year and so additional years of data are needed to understand how these numbers fit into the greater picture of turkey reproduction in Iowa.
- A total of 73 hens were marked last winter.
- As of early August, 27 hens have died for a mortality rate of 38%.
- Of 63 hens available to nest starting on May 1, only 7 nests hatched successfully (i.e., hatched at least one egg; 11% hen success rate).
- Of 33 hens marked with GPS transmitters, 7 hens did not incubate a nest, 17 incubated 1 nest, 8 incubated 2 nests, and 1 incubated 3 nests.
- Most of the nest failure was due to predation, however, one nest failed due to hay mowing and one failed due to abandonment by the hen
- The median day of nest failure was 8 days, and a preliminary nest survival model indicates 50% of nests failed by day 10 of incubation.
- Of the 7 nests that successfully hatched, the average clutch size was 9.9 eggs per nest and the average number of eggs hatched was 7.7 eggs per nest.
- Of the 54 eggs that hatched, 18 poults were observed during poult captures conducted within 1-3 days post-hatch and a total of 12 poults were marked with VHF/radio transmitters.
During 4-week flush counts for 6 of the 7 hens that hatched a nest, a total of 4 poults remained alive.
1st is Putnam County, Missouri along the Iowa Border - Unionville, Mo.
2nd in Louisa County, Iowa along the Mississippi. - Wapello, Iowa
2022 IOWA RESEARCH UPDATE (YEAR 2) Turkeys for Tomorrow. Iowa DNR Research Update (Year 2) - Turkeys for Tomorrow
Dan Kaminski, a wildlife biologist with the Iowa DNR, has been marking hens and poults with GPS or VHF/radio transmitters since 2021. This has enabled Dan to evaluate population demographic parameters related to hen and poult survival, cause-specific mortality, and nesting rates.
A portion of Dan’s research is listed below and gives a glimpse into the challenges the wild turkey is facing in Iowa. These results are only for one year and so additional years of data are needed to understand how these numbers fit into the greater picture of turkey reproduction in Iowa.
- A total of 73 hens were marked last winter.
- As of early August, 27 hens have died for a mortality rate of 38%.
- Of 63 hens available to nest starting on May 1, only 7 nests hatched successfully (i.e., hatched at least one egg; 11% hen success rate).
- Of 33 hens marked with GPS transmitters, 7 hens did not incubate a nest, 17 incubated 1 nest, 8 incubated 2 nests, and 1 incubated 3 nests.
- Most of the nest failure was due to predation, however, one nest failed due to hay mowing and one failed due to abandonment by the hen
- The median day of nest failure was 8 days, and a preliminary nest survival model indicates 50% of nests failed by day 10 of incubation.
- Of the 7 nests that successfully hatched, the average clutch size was 9.9 eggs per nest and the average number of eggs hatched was 7.7 eggs per nest.
- Of the 54 eggs that hatched, 18 poults were observed during poult captures conducted within 1-3 days post-hatch and a total of 12 poults were marked with VHF/radio transmitters.
During 4-week flush counts for 6 of the 7 hens that hatched a nest, a total of 4 poults remained alive.
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No. 5
2022 – Alabama - Alabama Research Update (Year 1) - Turkeys for Tomorrow
ALABAMA RESEARCH UPDATE (YEAR 1) - Turkeys For Tomorrow
TFT’s preliminary results of this study are as follows:
A total of 20 hens were monitored during spring/summer 2022.
18/20 hens survived (90%).
15 hens (75%) attempted to nest. All hens in the study were adults at time of capture.
2 hens (10%) successfully hatched at least one poult. All other nests failed.
Brood survival was 0% (none of the hatched poults lived).
2022 – Alabama - Alabama Research Update (Year 1) - Turkeys for Tomorrow
ALABAMA RESEARCH UPDATE (YEAR 1) - Turkeys For Tomorrow
TFT’s preliminary results of this study are as follows:
A total of 20 hens were monitored during spring/summer 2022.
18/20 hens survived (90%).
15 hens (75%) attempted to nest. All hens in the study were adults at time of capture.
2 hens (10%) successfully hatched at least one poult. All other nests failed.
Brood survival was 0% (none of the hatched poults lived).
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No. 6
2022 – Oklahoma - Teams Busy Preparing for Spring Turkey Research | Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
oklahomaconservation.org
Work started with 28 hen turkeys fitted with GPS or VHS radio trackers. Predators killed seven during mating season. Of 21 remaining, only nine are documented to have attempted a first nest and all those nests were lost.
Of those hens, seven attempted a second nesting. By the first of June only four nests remained active. Predators took the eggs of one nest, two nests failed due to predators killing the hens and one nest of four eggs saw a successful hatch of three poults.
The day after the poults were fitted with transmitters all three were killed. One died of unknown causes, one was killed by “a mammalian predator,” and one transmitter was found inside a cottonmouth snake. None of the hens attempted a third nest.
2022 – Oklahoma - Teams Busy Preparing for Spring Turkey Research | Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
'Dismal' turkey study data not cause for alarm–yet : Conservation Coalition of Oklahoma
News Words like "dismal" and "depressing" describe the first season in one of Oklahoma's new wild turkey population studies, but a lead researcher said now is not the time to jump to conclusions.
oklahomaconservation.org
Work started with 28 hen turkeys fitted with GPS or VHS radio trackers. Predators killed seven during mating season. Of 21 remaining, only nine are documented to have attempted a first nest and all those nests were lost.
Of those hens, seven attempted a second nesting. By the first of June only four nests remained active. Predators took the eggs of one nest, two nests failed due to predators killing the hens and one nest of four eggs saw a successful hatch of three poults.
The day after the poults were fitted with transmitters all three were killed. One died of unknown causes, one was killed by “a mammalian predator,” and one transmitter was found inside a cottonmouth snake. None of the hens attempted a third nest.
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3,406 Posts
No. 7 Dr. Vangilder – Missouri
This information is as important today as it was in the late 90’s but the only difference is the habitat pie is split even more today – Hogs did not exist in numbers; Bears did not exist in numbers and Elk did not exist in numbers in that region. Along with poult to hen ratio in 1998 was 2.6 and the raccoons sold was 200,000 and in 1999 the poult to hen ratio 2.3 and Raccoon sold was 107,267
Information from the 8th National Wild Turkey Symposium in 2000
REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY OF EASTERN WILD TURKEY FEMALES IN THE EASTERN MISSOURI OZARKS
Turkey populations in the northern regions of the state, on average, appear to have the potential to produce greater numbers of poults and, consequently, obtain and maintain higher densities than turkey populations in the eastern Missouri Ozarks.
MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Biologists are sometimes forced to use data obtained from short-term, localized studies to model populations on large geographic areas. Often, the results obtained during these modeling efforts do not reflect actual changes in the population.
These types of problems are evident when comparing similar research between northern and southern Missouri. Obviously, average reproductive potential differs substantially between the 2 regions.
Reproductive ecology of radiomarked eastern wild turkey females in the eastern Ozarks of Missouri on 2 study areas during 1990–98
Across years and study areas, nesting rates ranged from 45.3 to 100%.
Nest success of females that did attempt to nest ranged from 14.1 to 63.3%.
Survival of poults to 4 weeks of age ranged from 0 to 82%. Even though the 2 study areas were only about (19 mi) apart, differences in nesting rate between areas were detected.
On both study areas, nesting rate of juveniles was lower than that of adults. When compared with data
from radiomarked females in northern Missouri, nesting rates, female success, and poult survival in the eastern Ozarks were substantially lower.
Average reproductive rates were much lower in the eastern Ozarks than in northern Missouri and do not appear to be sufficient to maintain population levels observed at the beginning of the study.
We conducted our study in 2 locations in the eastern Missouri Ozarks. The Peck Ranch Conservation Area is a 9,187 ha (22,508 ac) area in Carter county.
The South Study Area is located south of U.S. Highway 60 in southeastern Shannon, northern Oregon, and southwestern Carter counties.
Nesting rates observed in the eastern Missouri Ozarks (<0.85) were lower than those observed in northern Missouri (Vangilder and Kurzejeski 1995).
In addition to having lower nesting rates in southern Missouri than in other parts of the eastern wild turkey’s range, the overall nesting rate differed between the 2 study areas which were in relatively close proximity [19 mi] apart).
We also observed a difference in the overall nesting rate of juvenile and adult females. In northern Missouri.
Poult survival to 4 wks in the eastern Missouri Ozarks (0.24–0.26) was less than those reported elsewhere in the eastern wild turkey’s range. 0.45 in northern Missouri.
Suggested that annual fluctuations in wild turkey populations may be most impacted by changes in nest success and variation in poult survival. For the eastern Ozarks, we agree with Roberts et al. (1995) that nest success and poult survival have the greatest impact on population fluctuations because female survival is similar to that observed elsewhere in the eastern wild turkey’s range (Vangilder 1996).
Turkey populations in the northern regions of the state, on average, appear to have the potential to produce greater numbers of poults and, consequently, obtain and maintain higher densities than turkey populations in the eastern Missouri Ozarks.
MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Biologists are sometimes forced to use data obtained from short-term, localized studies to model populations on large geographic areas. Often, the results obtained during these modeling efforts do not reflect actual changes in the population.
These types of problems are evident when comparing similar research between northern and southern Missouri. Obviously, average reproductive potential differs substantially between the 2 regions.
This information is as important today as it was in the late 90’s but the only difference is the habitat pie is split even more today – Hogs did not exist in numbers; Bears did not exist in numbers and Elk did not exist in numbers in that region. Along with poult to hen ratio in 1998 was 2.6 and the raccoons sold was 200,000 and in 1999 the poult to hen ratio 2.3 and Raccoon sold was 107,267
Information from the 8th National Wild Turkey Symposium in 2000
REPRODUCTIVE ECOLOGY OF EASTERN WILD TURKEY FEMALES IN THE EASTERN MISSOURI OZARKS
Turkey populations in the northern regions of the state, on average, appear to have the potential to produce greater numbers of poults and, consequently, obtain and maintain higher densities than turkey populations in the eastern Missouri Ozarks.
MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Biologists are sometimes forced to use data obtained from short-term, localized studies to model populations on large geographic areas. Often, the results obtained during these modeling efforts do not reflect actual changes in the population.
These types of problems are evident when comparing similar research between northern and southern Missouri. Obviously, average reproductive potential differs substantially between the 2 regions.
Reproductive ecology of radiomarked eastern wild turkey females in the eastern Ozarks of Missouri on 2 study areas during 1990–98
Across years and study areas, nesting rates ranged from 45.3 to 100%.
Nest success of females that did attempt to nest ranged from 14.1 to 63.3%.
Survival of poults to 4 weeks of age ranged from 0 to 82%. Even though the 2 study areas were only about (19 mi) apart, differences in nesting rate between areas were detected.
On both study areas, nesting rate of juveniles was lower than that of adults. When compared with data
from radiomarked females in northern Missouri, nesting rates, female success, and poult survival in the eastern Ozarks were substantially lower.
Average reproductive rates were much lower in the eastern Ozarks than in northern Missouri and do not appear to be sufficient to maintain population levels observed at the beginning of the study.
We conducted our study in 2 locations in the eastern Missouri Ozarks. The Peck Ranch Conservation Area is a 9,187 ha (22,508 ac) area in Carter county.
The South Study Area is located south of U.S. Highway 60 in southeastern Shannon, northern Oregon, and southwestern Carter counties.
Nesting rates observed in the eastern Missouri Ozarks (<0.85) were lower than those observed in northern Missouri (Vangilder and Kurzejeski 1995).
In addition to having lower nesting rates in southern Missouri than in other parts of the eastern wild turkey’s range, the overall nesting rate differed between the 2 study areas which were in relatively close proximity [19 mi] apart).
We also observed a difference in the overall nesting rate of juvenile and adult females. In northern Missouri.
Poult survival to 4 wks in the eastern Missouri Ozarks (0.24–0.26) was less than those reported elsewhere in the eastern wild turkey’s range. 0.45 in northern Missouri.
Suggested that annual fluctuations in wild turkey populations may be most impacted by changes in nest success and variation in poult survival. For the eastern Ozarks, we agree with Roberts et al. (1995) that nest success and poult survival have the greatest impact on population fluctuations because female survival is similar to that observed elsewhere in the eastern wild turkey’s range (Vangilder 1996).
Turkey populations in the northern regions of the state, on average, appear to have the potential to produce greater numbers of poults and, consequently, obtain and maintain higher densities than turkey populations in the eastern Missouri Ozarks.
MANAGEMENT IMPLICATIONS
Biologists are sometimes forced to use data obtained from short-term, localized studies to model populations on large geographic areas. Often, the results obtained during these modeling efforts do not reflect actual changes in the population.
These types of problems are evident when comparing similar research between northern and southern Missouri. Obviously, average reproductive potential differs substantially between the 2 regions.
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No. 8 – Dr. Vangilder – Missouri
Missouri Ozarks cause-specific mortality, eastern wild turkey, harvest.
IO-year study is to provide estimates of survival and cause-specific mortality of radio-marked wild turkeys on two study areas in the Missouri Ozarks.
Peck Ranch Conservation Area (PRCA) and South Study Area (SSA).
The study was conducted on two study areas in the southern Missouri Ozarks: the Peck Ranch Conservation Area (PRCA) and the South Study Area (SSA). The PRCA is a 9,187-ha area in the northwest corner of Carter County, Missouri, except for 32 ha in Shannon County.
Furthermore, spring harvest information indicates that after a series of poor production years, spring harvest in the southern Missouri Ozarks declines more than in northern Missouri, because fewer adult gobblers remain in the population.
Both hens and gobblers were killed by predators during all seasons. Evidence at kill sites indicated that owls (presumably great horned owls [Bubo virginianus] ) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) were the major predators.
In this study, predation caused, on average, 68% of the hen mortality on the two study areas
In this study, legal harvest accounted for 30% of the adult gobbler mortality, and predation accounted for 51% of the mortality.
This study also demonstrated both gender- and study area-specific differences in the relative importance of the causes of mortality. Predation accounted for less mortality in gobblers (51%) than in hens (68%).
In this study, average harvest rates of radio-marked adult gobblers during the spring gobbler season were 18.7 and 22.3% on the PRCA and SSA
These differences suggest that although average annual survival rates might be generalized to a larger area, survival rates during a given year and the timing and relative importance of the various causes of mortality are specific to the population (area) being studied. The data from this study, when compared with that from the northern Missouri study (Vangilder and Kurzejeski 1995), also suggest that the timing and relative importance of the various causes of mortality are specific to the area being studied.
Generalization of results from a particular study need to be made with caution, especially when harvest management decisions are being made.
Missouri Ozarks cause-specific mortality, eastern wild turkey, harvest.
IO-year study is to provide estimates of survival and cause-specific mortality of radio-marked wild turkeys on two study areas in the Missouri Ozarks.
Peck Ranch Conservation Area (PRCA) and South Study Area (SSA).
The study was conducted on two study areas in the southern Missouri Ozarks: the Peck Ranch Conservation Area (PRCA) and the South Study Area (SSA). The PRCA is a 9,187-ha area in the northwest corner of Carter County, Missouri, except for 32 ha in Shannon County.
Furthermore, spring harvest information indicates that after a series of poor production years, spring harvest in the southern Missouri Ozarks declines more than in northern Missouri, because fewer adult gobblers remain in the population.
Both hens and gobblers were killed by predators during all seasons. Evidence at kill sites indicated that owls (presumably great horned owls [Bubo virginianus] ) and bobcats (Lynx rufus) were the major predators.
In this study, predation caused, on average, 68% of the hen mortality on the two study areas
In this study, legal harvest accounted for 30% of the adult gobbler mortality, and predation accounted for 51% of the mortality.
This study also demonstrated both gender- and study area-specific differences in the relative importance of the causes of mortality. Predation accounted for less mortality in gobblers (51%) than in hens (68%).
In this study, average harvest rates of radio-marked adult gobblers during the spring gobbler season were 18.7 and 22.3% on the PRCA and SSA
These differences suggest that although average annual survival rates might be generalized to a larger area, survival rates during a given year and the timing and relative importance of the various causes of mortality are specific to the population (area) being studied. The data from this study, when compared with that from the northern Missouri study (Vangilder and Kurzejeski 1995), also suggest that the timing and relative importance of the various causes of mortality are specific to the area being studied.
Generalization of results from a particular study need to be made with caution, especially when harvest management decisions are being made.
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3,406 Posts
No. 9 - Missouri KURZEJESKI and LEWIS
HOME RANGES, MOVEMENTS, AND HABITAT USE OF WILD TURKEY HENS IN NORTHERN MISSOURI
ERIC W. KURZEJESKI, Missouri Department of Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Research Center, JOHN B. LEWIS, Missouri Department of Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Research Center
The first release of wild trapped eastern wild turkeys in agricultural portions of the midwestern United States occurred in Adair County, Missouri, in winter 1961
In this paper we document habitat use, home ranges, and movements of wild turkey hens in northern Missouri during 1981-82.
STUDY AREA
The study area is on private lands about west of Kirksville in Adair County, Missouri.
45% of the study area is in woodland,
16% in row-crop agriculture, primarily soybeans and corn.
24% Pasture and hayland cover.
14% Open lands not used for pasture or hayland and dominated by herbaceous plants were classified as old fields.
The topography is rolling. Bottomlands adjacent to the Chariton River, which bisects the study area, are primarily used for row cropping.
Upland portions of the area are a mosaic of pasture and woodland Most woodland is dominated by trees classified as large poles and small sawlogs. About 25% of the woodland is moderately grazed.
RESULTS
Annual home range size varied from 365 to 2,299 ha. (901 acres to 5,680 acres)
The Average Home range was 779.9 HA or around 2,000 acres and seasonal home ranges were significantly smaller.
Within, annual home ranges areas of intensive use were evident. No differences were detected in seasonal home range size within or between years.
Shifts in seasonal home ranges appeared to be related to FOOD AVAILABILITY. The most pronounced differences in habitat use occurred in winter and were food related.
Dispersal from wintering areas began in mid-March. Dispersal distances averaged < 1.4 km, (little over 3/4 mile), but movements of up to 11.5 km (7 miles) were noted. Most dispersals were completed in <2 days.
Old field habitats were used extensively for nesting. Hens with broods used grassland habitats more frequently than did hens without broods.
Mean distance of all brood locations to pasture during the summer was 119 m (130 yards) compared with 275 m (300 yards) for broodless hens.
A 50:50 mix of mast producing woodlands and open land appears to provide ideal turkey habitat. No less than 15% of the open land should be in row crops, and IT IS IMPORATANT THAT STANDS OF MAST PRODUCING TREES border some of the cropland.
DISCUSSION AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Seasonal home ranges appeared to be directly related to food availability with winter food needs exerting the greatest impact on movement and habitat use patterns.
Extensive use of croplands as overwinter food sources has been well documented within midwestern wild turkey populations. During 1980-81, a year of marginal acorn production, turkeys in our study area were observed to travel up to 4.8 km to winter in areas containing row crops. Sixteen percent of the study area was composed of row crops; however, most of the tilled acreage was located in the Chariton river bottoms.
Observations from fixed-wing aircraft and telemetry locations indicated that in YEARS WHEN MAST WAS SCARCE, virtually all turkeys in the study area moved to the river bottoms. The only exceptions were occasional small groups of adult males that wintered in the woodland
areas.
When turkeys congregated in the river bottoms, distinct shifts in areas of intensive use were evident. We believe the shifts were not caused by changes in food availability. Certain fields were used intensively more than once during the winter, indicating that food had not been depleted. It seems that disturbance of flocks, either by HUMANS OR PREDATORS, OFTEN WAS THE CAUSE OF MOVEMENTS.
Most winter lock movements did not exceed 0.5 km; however, the presence of mature timber adjacent to croplands seemed to govern the selection of all the intensively used wintering areas.
Croplands not bordered by mature timber stands were SELDOM USED.
Although croplands undoubtedly play a major role in the maintenance of wild turkey populations in northern Missouri, our data on habitat use depict ROW CROPS as being a SECONDARY FOOD when SUFFICIENT ACORN production occurs.
In the winter of 1981-82 WHEN MAST WAS ABUNDANT, flocks did not move from the fall home range to wintering areas in the river bottoms.
DATA ON POPULATION DENSITY STRONGLY SUGGESTED THAT A 50:50 MIX OF MAST-PRODUCING WOODLAND AND OPEN LANDS APPROACHED THE MOST IDEAL TURKEY HABITAT.
Within a management unit we recommend that no less than 15% should be in row crops. In our latitude, it does not seem that cropland must be well dispersed. but some stands of mature trees should border the field. The remainder of the open land component should be in old fields in varying degrees of succession and pasture lands.
In our study area, pasture lands were especially important to hens with broods, which is
consistent with the findings of other researchers. Old fields received use during all seasons and also seemed important as nesting areas~ Based on the proportions of this cover type within our study area, we recommend that a management area include 15% old fields.
That a diverse patchwork of habitat types may be important in maintaining high turkey population densities.
History from Sixth Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium
Here some history from Proceedings from The Sixth Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium - February 26 thru March 1, 1990
Above is just some information about Wild Turkey you only told parts about - You will really enjoy!!!!!!
Opinion:
Highlights the importance of patchwork of habitat required, which has been driven into every landowner management practices for the past 20 years.
Also highlights the huge importance of Acorn Crops and Mature Timber
Also highlights today with record high predators’ the negative effects it is having on wild turkey by the amount they travel and the landmines of predators. Not by new but the sheer volume of today’s predators now on the landscape. Mean distance of all brood locations to pasture during the summer was 119 m (130 yards) compared with 275 m (300 yards) for broodless hens.
It also shows how in Southern Missouri the Mast Crops being consumed by Armadillos, Wild Hogs, Bears and Elk have a negative impact on Wild Turkeys and compounded the predator problem, requiring the hens to even travel further.
HOME RANGES, MOVEMENTS, AND HABITAT USE OF WILD TURKEY HENS IN NORTHERN MISSOURI
ERIC W. KURZEJESKI, Missouri Department of Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Research Center, JOHN B. LEWIS, Missouri Department of Conservation, Fish and Wildlife Research Center
The first release of wild trapped eastern wild turkeys in agricultural portions of the midwestern United States occurred in Adair County, Missouri, in winter 1961
In this paper we document habitat use, home ranges, and movements of wild turkey hens in northern Missouri during 1981-82.
STUDY AREA
The study area is on private lands about west of Kirksville in Adair County, Missouri.
45% of the study area is in woodland,
16% in row-crop agriculture, primarily soybeans and corn.
24% Pasture and hayland cover.
14% Open lands not used for pasture or hayland and dominated by herbaceous plants were classified as old fields.
The topography is rolling. Bottomlands adjacent to the Chariton River, which bisects the study area, are primarily used for row cropping.
Upland portions of the area are a mosaic of pasture and woodland Most woodland is dominated by trees classified as large poles and small sawlogs. About 25% of the woodland is moderately grazed.
RESULTS
Annual home range size varied from 365 to 2,299 ha. (901 acres to 5,680 acres)
The Average Home range was 779.9 HA or around 2,000 acres and seasonal home ranges were significantly smaller.
Within, annual home ranges areas of intensive use were evident. No differences were detected in seasonal home range size within or between years.
Shifts in seasonal home ranges appeared to be related to FOOD AVAILABILITY. The most pronounced differences in habitat use occurred in winter and were food related.
Dispersal from wintering areas began in mid-March. Dispersal distances averaged < 1.4 km, (little over 3/4 mile), but movements of up to 11.5 km (7 miles) were noted. Most dispersals were completed in <2 days.
Old field habitats were used extensively for nesting. Hens with broods used grassland habitats more frequently than did hens without broods.
Mean distance of all brood locations to pasture during the summer was 119 m (130 yards) compared with 275 m (300 yards) for broodless hens.
A 50:50 mix of mast producing woodlands and open land appears to provide ideal turkey habitat. No less than 15% of the open land should be in row crops, and IT IS IMPORATANT THAT STANDS OF MAST PRODUCING TREES border some of the cropland.
DISCUSSION AND MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Seasonal home ranges appeared to be directly related to food availability with winter food needs exerting the greatest impact on movement and habitat use patterns.
Extensive use of croplands as overwinter food sources has been well documented within midwestern wild turkey populations. During 1980-81, a year of marginal acorn production, turkeys in our study area were observed to travel up to 4.8 km to winter in areas containing row crops. Sixteen percent of the study area was composed of row crops; however, most of the tilled acreage was located in the Chariton river bottoms.
Observations from fixed-wing aircraft and telemetry locations indicated that in YEARS WHEN MAST WAS SCARCE, virtually all turkeys in the study area moved to the river bottoms. The only exceptions were occasional small groups of adult males that wintered in the woodland
areas.
When turkeys congregated in the river bottoms, distinct shifts in areas of intensive use were evident. We believe the shifts were not caused by changes in food availability. Certain fields were used intensively more than once during the winter, indicating that food had not been depleted. It seems that disturbance of flocks, either by HUMANS OR PREDATORS, OFTEN WAS THE CAUSE OF MOVEMENTS.
Most winter lock movements did not exceed 0.5 km; however, the presence of mature timber adjacent to croplands seemed to govern the selection of all the intensively used wintering areas.
Croplands not bordered by mature timber stands were SELDOM USED.
Although croplands undoubtedly play a major role in the maintenance of wild turkey populations in northern Missouri, our data on habitat use depict ROW CROPS as being a SECONDARY FOOD when SUFFICIENT ACORN production occurs.
In the winter of 1981-82 WHEN MAST WAS ABUNDANT, flocks did not move from the fall home range to wintering areas in the river bottoms.
DATA ON POPULATION DENSITY STRONGLY SUGGESTED THAT A 50:50 MIX OF MAST-PRODUCING WOODLAND AND OPEN LANDS APPROACHED THE MOST IDEAL TURKEY HABITAT.
Within a management unit we recommend that no less than 15% should be in row crops. In our latitude, it does not seem that cropland must be well dispersed. but some stands of mature trees should border the field. The remainder of the open land component should be in old fields in varying degrees of succession and pasture lands.
In our study area, pasture lands were especially important to hens with broods, which is
consistent with the findings of other researchers. Old fields received use during all seasons and also seemed important as nesting areas~ Based on the proportions of this cover type within our study area, we recommend that a management area include 15% old fields.
That a diverse patchwork of habitat types may be important in maintaining high turkey population densities.
History from Sixth Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium
Here some history from Proceedings from The Sixth Annual National Wild Turkey Symposium - February 26 thru March 1, 1990
Above is just some information about Wild Turkey you only told parts about - You will really enjoy!!!!!!
Opinion:
Highlights the importance of patchwork of habitat required, which has been driven into every landowner management practices for the past 20 years.
Also highlights the huge importance of Acorn Crops and Mature Timber
Also highlights today with record high predators’ the negative effects it is having on wild turkey by the amount they travel and the landmines of predators. Not by new but the sheer volume of today’s predators now on the landscape. Mean distance of all brood locations to pasture during the summer was 119 m (130 yards) compared with 275 m (300 yards) for broodless hens.
It also shows how in Southern Missouri the Mast Crops being consumed by Armadillos, Wild Hogs, Bears and Elk have a negative impact on Wild Turkeys and compounded the predator problem, requiring the hens to even travel further.
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32,185 Posts
Can you summarize in 3 sentences?
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Landowners should always more rights to manage predators on their property, than lobbyist groups in Jefferson City.
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5 Posts
Because it’s not a PREDATOR PROBLEM!! Predation is a symptom of poor habitat. Brood rearing habitat is the number one thing that turkey lack across the landscape, it’s nonexistent in most areas. Proper habitat mitigates most other issues. Predator management isn’t trapping and you can’t manage predators with traps. Nesting success has been close to the same for years. Back in the 70’s and 80’s everyone trapped and nesting success is virtually the same today with no one trapping as it was back then. Arkansas extended trapping to year round and it’s made no difference. Arkansas removed the fall season, outlawed shooting hens, changed season dates to later……none made any difference whatsoever. You can’t create more turkeys without proper brood rearing habitat, nesting habitat and escape cover across the landscape. Entire ecosystems have been lost because of the lack of timber management that has gone on, microclimates have changed, tree species have changed to the point that things aren’t growing where they should be. Timber restoration is the only fix for the turkey decline, all researchers and turkey biologists know this. You refuse to see it because you’ve blocked everyone that disagrees with your crazy thoughts. Everyone but you is working hard to make more turkeys because they understand what to do.
I saw 9 longbeards while spraying fescue day before yesterday and yesterday I saw a gobbler, a hen and 3 Jakes while burning. This property has never had a trap set on it and had no turkey or quail 5 years ago. Now I have 4-5 nice coveys of quail on it and looking at bird dogs. I have predators, but I don’t have a predator problem because I have habitat in place. Predator surveys performed yearly for the last 3 years have shown predator presence where you would expect them….along edges and intersections. Surveys show zero predators actually hunting in my nesting and brood habitat.
I expect that I could slightly increase some numbers of quail and turkey by targeting specific predators from my surveys once my habitat is perfect, but I still have a ways to go to have perfect habitat and won’t set a trap till then. My success comes from my habitat being WAY better than all my neighbors and continually improving every day.
My biggest deterrent against predators has been removing fescue that rats and mice call home, this decreases snakes, hawks, coyotes, fox, bobcats because they are there for the rodents. Stopping feeding, baiting and planting corn as well as removing brush piles, junk piles and den trees decreases ****, possum and skunks. Edge feathering provides great nesting and escape cover around food plots. Fallow cereal grain plots providing great bugging opportunities for poults and quail chicks. And most of all thinning the timber put a nice check in our pockets and provides tons of brood and nesting cover across the entire property. And my bucks are getting bigger, fawn recruitment has drastically increased, timber value has increased and hunter success has increased.
But the biggest thing is that I’m not on social media blaming the MDC or predators for my issues!! I took action and fixed my problem! Maybe you should as well!
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We kinda do, you just can't profit from selling the fur...right?
I mean it's legal to trap and eliminate nuisance predators year round right?
I'm firmly in the camp that turkey populations are in decline partly to do with predation. Habitat is #1 for sure 100% but that doesn't mean you shouldn't address the 2nd or 3rd biggest problem.
Also, how does killing turkeys NOT affect the population? If a turkey is killed in the fall, that is at least one less animal to breed in the spring. That is a fact. If the population is in decline then the MDC should be doing everything in their power to turn that trend around. I wonder if they aren't willing to close that season so as not to appear to be going down the same path as some western states which are being lobbied hard to close/stop bear and lion hunting seasons.
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