Missouri Wild Turkey Research
SUMMARY OF THE MISSOURI WILD TURKEY RESEARCH
The 5-year Missouri Wild Turkey Research from 2014 to 2019 and the current 3rd year of the 5 ½ year Missouri Wild Turkey Research shows that 20% nest success isn’t sustainable with predation rates we see on hens, and harvest rates on males. Back in the 90s, nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years on a site. We never see those boom years anymore. George Hurst used to say that turkeys only needed one boom year of 50% success every 5 years.
Despite all the research Missouri Department of Conservation has done - Missouri now stands alone as the only state in the country through implementation of 2024 regulation change to increase harvest in spring by minimum of 10% per MDC Biologist during a population decline. The biggest regulations in 20 years for Wild Turkey in Missouri.
At least 11 states across the country have taken measures to slow the decline of the wild turkey populations thru regulations change.
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
Eastern Wild Turkey and Mesocarnivore Technician (2 positions) Unionville, MO |
Wild turkey field technician (2 positions) – Wapello, Iowa |
$2000.00/month - 04/05/2021
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$13.81/hour - 05/15/2021
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Iowa Wild Turkey Research
as of last contact with Iowa - No updated information!
2024 Missouri - Putnam County Wild Turkey Research Update - Year 4 - Final Year
2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Putnam County Wild Turkey Research Completed
Putnam County, Missouri along the Iowa Border - Unionville, Mo.
The official field began in January 2021 on mostly private lands in Putnam County four years. Research spread over the course of 5 1/2 years.
2013 to 2019 - This is the First Missouri Wild Turkey Research - In 2013, the MDC began a five-year wild turkey research project in north Missouri in partnership with the University of Missouri, University of Washington, and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF). The study was conducted in Putnam, Schuyler, Monroe, and Marion Counties. Funding for the project is provided by the MDC and grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program and the George Clark Missouri State Chapter of the NWTF.
The research project provided information that was used by the Conservation Department’s Wild Turkey Management Program to monitor the turkey population and assist with making decisions about hunting regulations.
The Conservation Department uses a science-based approach to manage the state’s wild turkey population and that research project was just one of the many ways that the Conservation Department obtains the information used in its program.
A five-year study results (2014 to 2019) that wrapped up in 2019 concluded that poult survival was far less than normal rates. – per MDC Wild Turkey Biologist.
Wild Turkey Hens in Missouri are no longer replacing itself short term or possibly in itself lifetime. MDC Wild Turkey Biologist
2014 to 2024 - The reason for the wild turkey research per MDC Wild Turkey Biologist "Missouri Researchers are trying to solve a mystery, to determine why turkey populations have been in decline statewide."
Nest Survival and Site Selection category!
2024 – 2021 – 147 tagged hens, 57 hen mortalities 32 due to predation, 25 had an unknown cause of death.
2024 – 2021 – 25 renest attempts
2024 – 2021 – 86 poults. Only 17 poults survived. 37 killed by predators. 2 confirmed avian, 3 confirmed mammalian.
32 they lost radio contact with.
2024 - 2021 - Nesting at Glance
First 3 years - nest success averaged 25%
Final year – nest success averaged 50%
Poult Production
To maintain a balance approximately 2.5 poults per hen must be produced. When this ratio drops below 2.5 a population is decline indicated and when it goes above 2.5 an increase occurs, quoted by multiple turkey biologist across the United States.
Poult production for 2024 in Missouri was 1.2 poults per hen and Missouri 10-year average is 1 poult per hen. But MDC has eliminated one of the oldest methods of poult counts to a new NWTF method that raise poult number to 1.9.
Missouri Wild Turkey nesting figures are in line with all the research ongoing in Southern United States, a little higher predation rates but not that much higher. Right now, nest success of 1000+ nests across 9 sites are sitting at about 21% over multiple years. Nearly all the nests that don't hatch are either predations of the nest or hen, or both in some instances.
20% isn’t sustainable with predation rates we see on hens, and harvest rates on males. Back in the 90s, nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years on a site. We never see those boom years anymore. George Hurst used to say that turkeys only needed one boom year of 50% success every 5 years.
Regulations Changes
At least 11 states across the country have taken measures to slow the decline of the wild turkey populations thru regulations change.
Missouri now stands alone as the only state in the country through implementation of 2024 regulation change to increase harvest in spring by minimum of 10% per MDC Biologist during a population decline. The biggest regulations in 20 years for Wild Turkey in Missouri.
SUMMARY OF THE MISSOURI WILD TURKEY RESEARCH
The 5-year Missouri Wild Turkey Research from 2014 to 2019 and now the 3 out of 4 years Missouri Wild Turkey Research shows that 20% nest success isn’t sustainable with predation rates we see on hens, and harvest rates on males. Back in the 90s, nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years on a site. It is rare to have those boom years anymore. George Hurst used to say that turkeys only needed one boom year of 50% success every 5 years.
Despite all the research Missouri Department of Conservation has done - Missouri now stands alone as the only state in the country through implementation of 2024 regulation change to increase harvest in spring by a minimum of 10% per MDC Biologist during a population decline. The biggest regulations change in 20 years for Wild Turkey in Missouri.
At least 11 plus states across the country have taken measures to slow the decline of the wild turkey populations thru regulations change.
The only place the Missouri Wild Turkey Research can be seen by hunters, landowners, conservationist and the general public – Has never been provided by the MDC on its website, in its magazine or on social media.
2023 Missouri - Putnam County Wild Turkey Research Update - Year 3
2021, 2022 & 2023 Putnam County Wild Turkey Research Update
Putnam County, Missouri along the Iowa Border - Unionville, Mo.
The official began in January 2021 on mostly private lands in Putnam County and will continue over the next four years. Research spread over the course of 5 1/2 years.
The reason for the wild turkey research per MDC Wild Turkey Biologist "Missouri Researchers are trying to solve a mystery, to determine why turkey populations have been in decline statewide."
Nest Survival and Site Selection category!
2023 – 51 of 58 GPS tagged hens were alive at the beginning of nesting season.
2023 – 16 hen mortalities during the 2023 field season.
2023 – 1 hen mortality occurred in 2022 by hunter in the fall.
2023 – 10 hen mortalities were attributed to predation, 6 had an unknown cause of death.
2024 - 2021 - 147 Wild Turkey Hens Tagged
2021 – Of those 50 hens 39 reached incubation.
2022 – Of those 47 hens 40 reached incubation.
2023 – Of those 51 hens 28 reached incubation.
2021 - 8 of the 39 nest attempts hatched.
2022 - 9 of the 40 nest attempts hatched.
2023 - 6 of the 28 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.
2023 – 7 hens whose nest failed attempted to renest, 2 hatched.
2021 - 17 nests located in forest 26 located in opens fields.
2022 - 24 nests located in forest 26 located in opens fields.
2023 - 16 nests located in forest 19 located in opens fields.
Brood Survival
2022 - 10 broods with 38 poults captured. Only 10 poults survived. 13 killed by predators.
2023 - 5 broods with 19 poults captured. Only 2 poults survived. 8 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.
2023 – 58 captured hens 42 survived the 2023 field season 10 mortalities due to predations, 1 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
2023 Nesting at Glance
55% hens incubated a nest
25% renested after nest failure.
23% nest hatched ---------------------- FYI nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years.
21% of initial nest hatched.
28% of 2nd nest attempts hatched.
Media nest incubation date 5/19/2022
RATES OF PREDATION
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 - 74% of nest failed due to nest predation of the actual nest, and 6% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch.
2023 - 49% of nest failed due to nest predation of the actual nest, and 11% failed due to predation of the hen that was incubating the clutch. (17%) had an unknown fate due to a lack of landowner permission on sites where the birds nested.
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
2023 - Raccoon Count, Site 1 - 0 per acre, Site 2 - .23 per acre, Site 3 - .37 per acre, Site 4 - .00 per acre, Site 5 - .27 per acre.
2023 - Opossum Count, Site 1 - 0 per acre, Site 2 - .17 per acre, Site 3 - .30 per acre, Site 4 - .02 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.
Nest Predator Captures
To understand the influence of potential turkey nest predators (raccoons, opossums, and skunks) on nest success, we live trapped and tagged nest predators in April. We live-trapped 4 areas in Putnam County for 10 days each, using 39-43 cage traps per area. Each captured mammal was ear tagged and microchipped the first time they were captured. These tags were then used to identify individuals if they were recaptured. Preliminary estimates of raccoon, opossum, and skunk population density in the four trap areas are presented below. Skunk captures were limited in 2022 so we are unable to make a direct comparison without further analysis.
Trap site 5 was a new area where we only captured 2 opossums this year; therefore, we could not estimate opossum density. Capture site 4 has been trapped for the last two field seasons but there was a decrease in capture events for all species in 2023. This data will be used to relate predator population estimates to nest success and identify possible relationships between the nest predator density in Putnam County, and nest success.
Additional Information not provided above.
Poult Production
To maintain a balance approximately 2.5 poults per hen must be produced. When this ratio drops below 2.5 a population is decline indicated and when it goes above 2.5 an increase occurs, quoted by multiple turkey biologist across the United States.
Poult production for 2023 in Missouri was 1.4 poults per hen and the 1.0 poults per hen for the 5 year average.
Missouri Wild Turkey nesting figures are in line with all the research ongoing in Southern United States, a little higher predation rates but not that much higher. Right now, nest success of 1000+ nests across 9 sites are sitting at about 21% over multiple years. Nearly all the nests that don't hatch are either predations of the nest or hen, or both in some instances.
20% isn’t sustainable with predation rates we see on hens, and harvest rates on males. Back in the 90s, nest success was 30+% on average and 40% or even beyond in certain years on a site. We never see those boom years anymore. George Hurst used to say that turkeys only needed one boom year of 50% success every 5 years.
Regulations Changes
At least 11 states across the country have taken measures to slow the decline of the wild turkey populations thru regulations change.
Missouri now stands alone as the only state in the country through implementation of 2024 regulation change to increase harvest in spring by minimum of 10% per MDC Biologist during a population decline. The biggest regulations in 20 years for Wild Turkey in Missouri.
2022 Missouri - Putnam County Wild Turkey Research Update - Year 2
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.
Poult Production 2022
Missouri Wild Turkey Population will continue to decline
Most important slide that no one talks about is the NEXT 5 year decline of the Missouri Wild Turkey Population.
Missouri Department of Conservation presentation shows that under the current regulations for Wild Turkey and Predators, season limits, season length and season timing and under 2.5 ratio of poult production - AKA the Status Quo the Missouri will loose another 100,000 plus Wild Turkey in the next 5 years from it's current Population.
In 2020 MDC Wild Turkey Biologist stated Missouri had 350,000 to 400,000 Wild Turkeys.
So per slide 2025 will the population of Missouri Wild Turkeys will be 250,000 to 300,000 given the Status Quo.
5 Years of Poult Production
Missouri Wild Turkey Research Year 1
November 25, 2021
New Information - Breaking News FY 2021
Wild Turkey Study in Missouri on the Iowa Border
Only 21% of nests successfully hatched!
Only 23% of poults surviving! - The 80s, that was closer to 46%.”
Which lower than the previous 5 year study in Northern Missouri.
Missouri Sets TWO season records in 2021.
2021 is Missouri Worst Fall Turkey Season in history.
2021 Spring Missouri Wild Turkey Season the worst season in 24-year history of the three-week season in Missouri
If you keeping track 2,360 hens have been killed this fall in Missouri - during lowest population since 1989. Top Wild Turkey Biologist this is his response.
"Yes I saw that. 78% nest initiation and 20% nest success. Not sustainable unless adult survival is incredibly high, which we know it isn’t. Those numbers parallel nearly all of the sites I’m working on across the southeast."
Why did this happen in Missouri and information from MDC Biologist
"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"
Per Acre Raccoon Count
1.57 per acre
2.02 per acre
3.34 per acre
Opossum Count
.65 per acre
1.11 per acre
.93 per acre
How does the Wild Turkey Research in Putnam County Habitat Type compare to your county?
Putnam County Wild Turkey Habitat
50% Cropland
31% Patureland
11% Woodland
8% Other
www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/AgCensus/2017/Online_Resources/County_Profiles/Missouri/
So let me get this right. - August 1, 2022
Missouri National Wild Turkey Federation pledges $340,000.00 to Save the Habitat in 2020. Money they raised from Missouri Members.
Just One Branch in Missouri nets over 70,000 dollars in Southeast Missouri.
Missouri Department of Conservation with over $200 Million Dollar taxpayer budget.
Gives the Missouri NWTF over $384,000.00 in taxpayer funds in Vendor Payments from 2012 to 2018.
Fiscal Year Vendor Name Payments Total
2012 NATIONAL WILD TURKEY $44,000.00
2013 NATIONAL WILD TURKEY $34,000.00
2014 NATIONAL WILD TURKEY $33,981.34
2015 NATIONAL WILD TURKEY $32,836.80
2016 NATIONAL WILD TURKEY $78,827.08
2017 NATIONAL WILD TURKEY $44,000.00
2018 NATIONAL WILD TURKEY $119,000.00
Then they ask for money from the citizens of Missouri to fund the Wild Turkey Research.
To buy $100 box traps and tags
To buy $150 VHF transmitters.
To buy $200 Game Cameras.
To buy $1,500 GPS transmitters.
For a total of $8,000. None of these agencies or groups can write a check for $8,000.
Does any of this make sense to anyone ?
MISSOURI WILD TURKEY HENS KILLED IN MISSOURI
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - July 15, 2021 - Continued
YOU GOT TO BE KIDDING?
$100 = one box trap for nest predator (raccoon, opossum, etc.) tagging.
$150 = one VHF transmitter that will be used to monitor survival of an individual turkey poult.
$200 = one trail camera set-up (includes lock, SD cards, batteries, etc.) to monitor occupancy of coyote, fox, and other larger predators.
$1,500 = one GPS transmitter that will be used to monitor movements and reproductive attempts of hens.
The most well funded game and fish department in the nation is asking for money for Missouri wild turkey research.
https://mochf.org/support-wild-turkey-research/
The so called national model of game and fish department can't afford to trap a raccoon in a box trap.
Where does the 100's of Millions collected each year of the MDC 1/8 cents sales tax go?
Out of the 100 management hunts in Missouri, only bear and elk have application fee.
Where did the $352,000 application fees for Elk and Bear go?
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - July 14, 2021 - Continued
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Wake up Southern Missouri Turkey Hunters!
Who are you giving your money too!!!
Now you learn why the Wild Turkey Research for the past 5 year and the next 5 years are in Northern Missouri.
In 2012, the Missouri NWTF state board adopted Missouri-specific goals.
The NWTF worked with the Missouri Department of Conservation to target areas most in need of management, ultimately determined to be parts of northeastern Missouri and southern Iowa.
https://www.nwtf.org/conservation/article/achieving-region-specific-goals-require-a-federation
Too bad they can't remember what the past.
Nowhere is there an area in north Missouri of (15,000 ac) that is 70% timbered. Corn and soybean fields more than make up for the lack of trees and turkey densities in the northern part of the state are much higher than in the more heavily forested parts of south Missouri.
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. Southern Missouri has a lower reproductive rate.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - July 9, 2021 - Continued
Last 5 Minutes of the Missouri Department of Conservation Commission Meeting
Missouri Conservation Commission Meeting
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - May 28, 2021 - Continued
The field research crew for the northeast Missouri turkey research project collecting data from the 50 hens that went on the air in March.
In addition to the turkeys, researchers are also doing mark recapture work with predators to assess densities in various habitat types and how they are arranged on the landscape.
Tagging skunks and raccoons, install an ear tag then release them back private ground in Putnam County, Missouri near Unionville, Mo.
When the research moves to the four-year field phase, it will allow them to answer those questions that could affect poult survival, such as how do changing weather patterns, habitat conditions, large-scale landscape changes, predator distribution and densities and declining insect abundance affect nesting success and poult mortality. They are also looking at habitat preferences for different behaviors such as nesting and brooding. Is there a nexus where these habitats and time periods overlap with higher predator use, making a predator/turkey interaction more likely?
That means the research will require tracking of a variety of predators to assess locations and densities.
“We’ll capture and tag nest predators, such as skunks and raccoons, install an ear tag then release them,” Tyl said. “By trapping over a period of time, we’ll be able estimate their densities based on captures and recaptures. For larger predators, such as bobcats and coyotes, we’ll use camera arrays and scent stations to estimate their population distribution and density.
“Once these questions are answered, we’ll be able to mitigate the challenges by manipulating habitat to improve nest success and poult survival. This information would inform habitat management efforts on public and private lands in Missouri to increase turkey recruitment and ultimately abundance.”
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - May 10, 2021 - Continued
Missouri Turkey Population
https://sportsmensnation.com/podcasters/missouri-woods-water
This is a great podcast and expose more of the truth.
Why did the MDC and Missouri NWTF ignore Southern Missouri in the Turkey Research on Pecks Ranch the home of the Modern Wild Turkey Restoration in Missouri!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
NOT ONE STUDY OF WILD TURKEY IN MISSOURI – Has or will exist in 10 years of 100,000 Wild Hogs consuming food sources, 275 Elk Consuming food sources, 1,000 Black Bears Consuming Food Sources and predation of eggs, GOD only know the sheer number of Armadillos destroying turkey nest, the sheer number of predators on the modern landscape because of prices.
Update. This the second study. 2014 to 2019 was first study. Found hens are not replacing itself in short term or long term.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - APRIL 19, 2021 - Continued
https://www.stlmag.com/news/missouri-wild-turkey-population-decline-researchers-sensors-backpacks/
The mystery of Missouri's missing wild turkeys
The mystery of Missouri's missing wild turkeys Researchers are attaching sensors to turkey chicks to find out what's killing them.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research March 29, 2021 - Continued
https://www.nwtf.org/conservation/article/in-search-of-answers
Can we turn the tide of wild turkey declines in Missouri?
The research is under way.
Over a 20-year period, turkey populations in the state have declined at a worrisome rate, and researchers want to know why.
In just under two decades, however, the population has plummeted by more than a third of its former glory based upon harvest data. In north Missouri, the turkey harvest has declined by almost 50 percent compared to 2004, and harvest rates are closely correlated to population numbers.
While population trends have been dire for nearly 20 years
A five-year study (2014 to 2019) that wrapped up in 2019 concluded that poult survival was far less than normal rates - Missouri - Putnam, Schuyler, Monroe, and Marion Counties
The official field work is expected to begin in January 2021 on mostly private lands in Putnam County 150 turkey hens with GPS transmitters over the next four years. Research to spread over the course of 5 1/2 years
Missouri Wild Turkey Research – Jan 7, 2021 – Continued
https://www.monwtf.org/research
NORTH MISSOURI WILD TURKEY RESEARCH PROJECT UPDATE
Landowners in Putnam County—where field work will be taking place
Moved into field house east of Unionville in Putnam County
BIRTH PLACE OF THE MISSOURI WILD TURKEY
Great place for modern day Wild Turkey Research
Last time was in the 1990's
1952 - Peck Ranch still had wild turkeys on it, despite declines elsewhere. It was initially purchased because it was one of the few areas left with an eastern turkey population.” In 1952, the final tracts of what would become Peck Ranch CA were acquired for turkey restoration. These tracts included the fenced refuge, roughly 11,000 acres. From 1954 to 1979, turkeys trapped at Peck Ranch and other areas of the state were relocated to 142 sites in 87 counties. The area served white tailed deer repopulation efforts as well in those early years.
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
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - JAN 3, 2021 - Continued
https://www.voxmagazine.com/magazine/tracking-turkeys-missouri-conservation-hunting-research-mu-wild-poult-birds/article_4d285abc-3a33-11eb-bd7b-6b86ee68d771.html
Wild turkey populations are declining.
MU researchers have a plan to find out why
Wild turkey populations are declining. MU researchers have a plan to find out why GPS backpacks and rocket nets are two tools’ researchers plan to use to track turkey movements across the state.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research - September 24, 2020 - Continued
Can we turn the tide of wild turkey decline
https://www.nwtf.org/conservation/article/in-search-of-answers
4 years putting GPS back packs after they spent 5 years studying Turkeys in areas that do not have all the causes.
Quote from the experts “My speculation is that it’s multiple things causing it not just one and that’s about it. That’s all we can say.”
Over a 20-year period, turkey populations in the state have declined at a worrisome rate, and researchers want to know why.
Read the entire Article at link above: But none of this was part of the 2021 News Release on Spring Turkey Harvest or has ever been published by the MDC.
Highlight you should note:
NO. 1 - In just under two decades, however, the population has plummeted by more than a third of its former glory based upon harvest data. In north Missouri, the turkey harvest has declined by almost 50 percent compared to 2004, and harvest rates are closely correlated to population numbers.
NO. 2 - A five-year study that wrapped up in 2019 concluded that poult survival was far less than normal rates.
NO. 3 - John Burk, NWTF biologist for Missouri - But there is not a simple regulatory fix to the problem.
NO. 4 - Putnam County – Iowa Border
NO. 4 - While population trends have been dire for nearly 20 years.
Wild Turkey Hens in Missouri are no longer replacing itself short term or possibly in itself lifetime.
Missouri Wild Turkey Research – June 3, 2020 - Continued
Missouri Wild Turkey Management video presentation by the Missouri Department of Conservation - Missouri - Putnam, Schuyler, Monroe, and Marion Counties
Few Questions no one will answer.
How many Feral Hogs have these counties had in the last 5 years? How many will they have in the next 10 years?
How many Armadillos have these counties had in the last 5 years? How many will they have in the next 10 years?
How many Black Bears have these counties had in the last 5 years? How many will they have in the next 10 years?
How many Elk have these counties had in the last 5 years? How many will they have in the next 10 years?
How many of the 7,000 trappers in Missouri trap those counties? How many will they have in the next 10 years?
How many of the (200 trap sites and 491 bait sites in 2021) corn piles do the MDC and USDA Aphis put out that supplement feeds raccoons while trying to trap hogs in Southern Missouri just before Hen Nesting Season?
MISSOURI WILD TURKEY RESEARCH – 2013 THRU 2019
Missouri Researchers are trying to solve a mystery, to determine why turkey populations have been in decline statewide since 2016.
THE ENTIRE SOURTHERN PART OF MISSOURI WILD TURKEY MANAGEMENT IS BEING DECIDE OFF OF THIS!! "Science-based approach"
In 2013, the MDC began a five-year wild turkey research project in north Missouri in partnership with the University of Missouri, University of Washington, and the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF).
The study is being conducted in Putnam, Schuyler, Monroe, and Marion Counties.
Funding for the project is provided by the MDC and grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Wildlife Restoration Program and the George Clark Missouri State Chapter of the NWTF.
The research project will provide information that will be used by the Conservation Department’s Wild Turkey Management Program to monitor the turkey population and assist with making decisions about hunting regulations.
The Conservation Department uses a science-based approach to manage the state’s wild turkey population and this research project is just one of the many ways that the Conservation Department obtains the information used in its program.
THE SOLUTION IN 2026 & BEYOND
Well sounds like they already know the solution and in 2026 – They will be telling MISSOURI LANDOWNER how to manipulate habitat to improve nest success and poult survival. This information would inform habitat management efforts on public and private lands in Missouri to increase turkey recruitment and ultimately abundance.”
The Solution in 2026 after 9 years of research is the same solution that has been given since the restoration of the wild turkey started in 1960’s. Habitat, Habitat and Habitat.
The Missouri Wild Turkey Publication in 1988 - Increase in season length occurred as the turkey population grew but as the turkey population declines –
Regulatory Changes to Turkey and Trappings Season to help the Wild Turkey Declining Population is out of the question.!!!
Missouri Department of Conservation Reply letter - May 20, 2021, letter to Missouri Citizens - Because turkey abundance is driven by production, the best way to increase turkey numbers in your area is by providing the habitat turkeys need to nest successfully and raise their young. There have been broad-scale changes in the landscape that have less to losses in quality nesting and brood-rearing habitat. Planting native warm-season grasses and wildflowers, prescribed burning edge feathering, timber stand improvement, creating forest openings, and woodland restoration are some of the best ways to improve nesting and brood-rearing habitat.
MISSOURI WILD TURKEY HEN TO POULT RATIO DECLINE - 1998 THRU 2020
