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A Total Forest Management Plan
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Concept of Needed Research on the Wild Turkey, 2001, National Wild Turkey Federation
Over the past 25 years, we have learned much about the biology and
management of the wild turkey. As we enter the new millennium, we face
different and far-reaching challenges in managing this grand species. Many
of these challenges are complex and research must address those factors that
limit wild turkey populations and our ability to manage for wild turkeys.
The following topics have been compiled from the research subcommittee of
the NWTF technical committee and others and attempt to address some of the
more crucial problems. We will give priority to projects with regional and
national implications.
(If you are interested in obtaining NWTF funds to conduct research on one or
more of these topics, contact Tom Hughes(thughes@nwtf.net) by email or by
phone (803-637-3106 ext. 3075). Proposals are due to the NWTF by 15 January
2002. Research funds will be available June 2003.)
The topics, in no particular order, are:
1)Winter survival/Landowner issues As turkey populations expand in the
north and west, factors that affect their survival and welfare during the
winter become more important. The potential for adverse landowner impacts
increases as turkey populations expand. Research is needed to study the
following:
- Determine the importance or impact of supplemental feeding or
plantings.
- Determine the limits to northern expansion of turkey populations.
- Determine and address landowner concerns about perceived and real
damage from over-wintering flocks.
- Determine and address concerns about potential year-round
agricultural and horticultural damage by turkeys. Develop a system for
cataloging complaints/responses.
2)Turkey introduction - In order to continue introductions in some areas of
North America, research is needed to:
- Determine the impacts from turkey introductions to other plants and
animals, especially threatened and endangered species.
- Determine the economic impacts of turkey introduction.
- Determine prehistoric range and ancestral relationships to help
address the native/non-native issue.
3)Harvest strategies Turkey populations are increasing throughout most of
their range. As they increase, we need to know how many can be harvested on
a sustainable basis, and what economic impacts may occur due to changes in
harvest strategy or seasons. Research should:
- Determine the best harvest strategy for maximum sustained yield.
- Determine the best harvest strategy for maximum hunter opportunity.
- Determine the economic and social impacts of different harvest
strategies.
- Attempt to develop new or improved census techniques.
- Determine the influence of harvest strategies on age structure of
the male segment of the population.
4)Domestic versus wild genetics - Often, for law enforcement purposes, it is
necessary to determine the identity (wild/domestic) of a turkey or turkey
carcass. Research on DNA or other analyses should provide the following:
- Develop a cost comparison of the methods.
- Determine the reliability of each analysis.
- Develop the best methodology for identification.
5)Habitat suitability and the impacts of changing land use/Forest management
As the nation moves into the 21st century, turkey management is
complicated by many new factors. Some, if not addressed, will limit our
ability to manage turkey habitat. Others may help restore or improve
degraded habitat. Research in this area should address:
- The effects on turkeys of urban sprawl and the resulting
fragmentation of habitats.
- The potential loss of brood rearing and nesting habitat in the
Northeast as forests mature and agriculture declines.
- The impacts of forest management on neotropical migrants, Indiana
bats and other species that may affect turkey habitat management.
- Hardwood restoration and the development of improved hardwood
seedlings, especially oak, chestnut and beech.
- Evaluation of native and non-native plant species that may provide
food or cover for wild turkeys.
6)Population management In many western states, yearling female turkeys
rarely nest. Research should analyze:
- What factors influence the propensity for yearling females to nest?
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Last revision July 13, 2001.