Rio Grande Wild Turkey - PowerPoint Presentation

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Rio Grande Wild Turkey

Biology & ManagementAndy James, Extension AssistantSeptember 2014Slide2

Overview

IntroductionLife HistoryBiology ManagementSlide3

Introduction

HistoryIn the late 1800s, hunting greatly reduced RGWT numbers.By 1920, much of the population was extirpated over its original range.Approximately 100,000 birds left in Texas, primarily in the Edwards Plateau and South Texas Plains.Slide4

Introduction

HistoryThrough harvest restrictions and restoration efforts, RGWT rebounded across Texas and U.S.Restoration primarily by trapping and transplanting birds.Turkeys in the Edwards Plateau were not immune to population declines as numbers have been decreasing since the 1970s.Slide5

Possible Reasons for DecreaseReproductive issuesLand fragmentationIncrease in brush canopyDecrease in vegetative coverSlide6
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Feathers5,000-6,000 feathers4 molts

Different coloration between males and femalesSlide9

Physical Characteristics Females

Smaller8-11 lbsMalesLarger17-21 lbsSlide10

Life History

–Physical Characteristics Slide11

Life History–Physical Characteristics

Female

MaleSlide12
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Life History

–Physical Characteristics

Adult

JakeSlide14

PoultsWeight - a few ouncesnatal downLife History–Physical Characteristics Slide15

Poults

Down replaced by 14 daysLife History–Physical Characteristics Slide16

MovementTurkeys move up to 2 mi/hr in search of foodDirection is random, but driven by food availabilitySlide17

Spring – bred hens move independently from non-bred hens

Summer – gobblers move separate from juvenile males and non-breeding femalesLate-summer – brood flocks formWinter - males join flockSlide18

Movement

From winter roosts, turkeys move ~ 2 mi searching for foodIn spring, search for nesting and brooding coverUsually within 2 miles of roostSome have been documented moving up to 27 milesSlide19

Pre-Nesting

Strutting display on gobbling groundsCopulationSlide20

Nest sites

Grass clumpsBrush pilesShallow depressionLays 8-16 eggsSlide21
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NestingSlide23

NestingEggs cream / tan with specklesIncubation begins when last egg is laidLays 8-16 eggsIncubation takes ~ 28 daysSlide24

NestingEdwards PlateauIn grass ~18 inches tallRolling PlainsVegetation near roadways

Low brush important for poultsSlide25
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NestingReproduction and recruitment are highly importantPercent hens nesting and re-nestingNest success (clutch hatched out)Poult survivalSlide27

Nesting

Reproductive success dependant on Rainfall Cumulative over the year not individual rain eventsWinter rainfall better predictor than spring rainsRange conditionBody condition of individual hensSlide28

Survival Rolling PlansMales; juvenile 59%; adult males 36%Most mortality in the springSlide29
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Predation Effects on NestsSlide33

Predation Effects on Nests

Raccoon and grey foxes were the most common nest predatorsSometimes more than 1 predator depredates a nestOccasionally a hen will resume nesting if some eggs remainSlide34
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Management Considerations and PlanningOutlines a plan of action to enhance wildlife and habitat resourcesSlide44

Usable SpaceDiversity is essentialSlide45

Benefits of Prescribed Burning RGWTs can benefit from prescribed burningbest in the fall and winterstimulates forbs, which produce seeds and green foliage

beneficial for invertebratesSlide46

Prescribed Burning Caution:

spring and early summer might destroy nests and kill poultsSlide47

Turkey Diets

RGWTs have broad dietsGreen foliageSeeds from grasses and forbsMastAnimal matter Content varies seasonallySlide48

Shallow DiskingDisk in January - MarchPlow, 2-4 inches deep to break soilNarrow strips ~ 20 ft wide

Place close to coverDisk strips in alternate yearsSlide49
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Roosting Trees

Large trees with many horizontal branches and broad crownsPecanCottonwoodOaksHackberryElmSlide51

Roosting Trees

Roost trees should be protected from heavy brush encroachmentSlide52

Roosting TreesIf brush treatments are required, considerTiming of treatmentLate spring or early summer; when leaving winter roosts

Midday while turkeys are foragingAvoid roost disturbance; quickly get in & get outDensity of encroaching brush speciesTypes of treatmentMechanicalChemicalStem treatmentSlide53

Roosting TreesMechanical treatmentUse depends on stem densityPro: instant gratification to brush personPro: no chance of killing roost tree with herbicide

Con: noisy and invasiveCon: does not kill most brush speciesRecommend taking only a small percentage of brush and gauge turkey responseSlide54

Roosting TreesChemical Treatments – basal stemPro: quiet as compared to mechanical treatmentPro: precisely control which plants to killPro: brush dies over 12-18 months; mimics natural plant mortality

Con: if tebuthiuron, or hexazinone are used it WILL KILL the roost treeRecommend 15-25% mix of triclopyr in diesel for selective brush treatmentSlide55

Roosting TreesChemical Treatments – cut-stumpPro: quiet as compared to mechanical treatmentPro: precisely control which plants to killPro: instant gratification given top removal

Con: if tebuthiuron, or hexazinone are used it WILL KILL the roost treeRecommend 20-25% mix of triclopyr in diesel for selective brush treatmentApply immediately to fresh cut stumpSlide56

Roosting Cover

When natural roosts do not exist or are limitedArtificial sites can be built Set horizontal boards between two polesApproximately 20 ft highLeaving 3 feet between the boardsSlide57

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