Mississippi Wild Turkey Brood Survey

Each year from June to August, the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) conducts a survey to monitor wild turkey reproduction across the state. The "brood survey", as it is commonly known, enlists numerous observers who note all turkeys seen during the three-month survey period.

The resulting information allows turkey biologists to measure reproductive success and gives hunters an objective look at how turkeys are faring across the Magnolia State.

Dave Godwin, the MDWFP Wild Turkey Program Coordinator, reports that the brood survey data indicates reduced turkey reproduction for much of the state during 2013. "We witnessed our best hatch in over a decade last summer, but unfortunately it was followed up with a decreased hatch in most areas this year," said Godwin.

According to Godwin, the proportion of hen wild turkeys observed with young in 2013 declined 43 percent from the previous year's tally, and the average brood size dropped substantially as well. 

Adam Butler, MDWFP Wild Turkey Program Biologist, suggests several factors that could be responsible for this year's decreased hatch.  "We had an unusual spring this year.  Springtime nesting activity seemed delayed as a result of the late winter and cool spring, and the later the birds get started nesting, the worse they tend to do," Butler said.

He also pointed out that untimely rains during the nesting and early brooding period likely had a negative impact. Another factor could be the abundant hatch of 2012, which may have skewed the population in favor of juvenile hens.

Research has shown that young hens tend to nest less frequently, and they are often not as successful.   

For more information regarding wild turkeys in Mississippi, visit www.mdwfp.com.

source: Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks

Gifts Ideas for Turkey Hunters

When searching for wild turkey or turkey hunting gifts, there are plenty of choices. Popular gift ideas for turkey hunters include apparel and accessories that celebrate the sport of turkey hunting.

An incredible range of turkey hunting gear is available online, featuring wild turkey photography, illustrations, line art and other logos.

Wild Turkey Gobblers coffee mug by north_america 

This turkey gobblers logo is available on coffee mugs, t shirts, sweatshirts, hats, stickers, and other accessories.

Maryland 2011 Spring Turkey Harvest Data

Hunters reported taking a total of 2,826 wild turkeys during Maryland's 2011 spring turkey season. The total was nearly identical to the 2010 harvest of 2,847 birds. The harvest is slightly above the 10-year average of 2,902 birds.

Some counties noticed slight declines in harvest while others observed increases. Jakes comprised 29 percent of the 2011 spring harvest.

Two notable regulation changes took effect for Maryland's 2011 spring season. Hunting was permitted until sunset during the last two weeks of the season to increase hunter opportunity and minimize the potential impacts of additional hunting pressure.

Hunting was also allowed on one Sunday in May in Alleghany and Garrett counties only, which resulted in a harvest of 16 turkeys.

Garrett County reported 339 turkeys, followed by Allegany (287), Washington (285), Charles (222), Dorchester (210) and Worcester (191).

Signs of Spring

In the USA Mid Atlantic region, signs of Spring are everywhere. All along the Atlantic Flyway, snow geese are visibly restless. As each day grows longer, snow geese gather in ever-larger flocks to feed, becoming more and more restless throughout the day. Although they feed heavily, geese spend considerable time flying back and forth between feeding spots. As the days of February pass, their time in the region grows shorter.

Wild turkeys are also becoming much m ore visible. Large flocks are on the move and sightings in open fields are more common. Food supplies have been lean for some time, but even now turkeys are beginning to find a much wider selection of foods.

Deer behavior is also changing fast as March grows near. With the rut, hunting season and most of the harsh weather behind, deer are able to feed more consistently. During morning and evening, whitetails are often seen eating tree buds, early grasses and other vegetation.