Abstract
Successful restoration of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) to Wisconsin has stimulated increased interest in hunting and a need for specific management information. We determined survival and causes of mortality for 224 radiomarked hens during 1988-94 in Vernon County, Wisconsin under a relatively liberal fall harvest regime. Annual survival ranged from 43.1 to 66.0 and averaged 52.7% (SE = 4.8). Seasonal survival averaged 72.2 (SE = 2.9), 81.3 (SE = 3.3), and 89.3% (SE = 2.5) during recruitment (16 Mar to 14 Jul), post-recruitment (15 Jul to 21 Nov), and winter (22 Nov to 15 Mar), and was lower (P = 0.001) during recruitment than during winter. Predation accounted for 71.2% of all deaths and was highest during recruitment. Localized starvation occurred during a winter with 49 consecutive days of deep snow and cold temperatures. Cumulative fall hunter densities were about 3.5/km 2 of woodland and the fall harvest rate of radioed hens averaged 7.3%. Turkey densities declined during the study and more conservative fall harvests may be necessary.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
