TURKEYS

TURKEYS.

Photo courtesy: Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Biological Facts: Weight: males 17-30 lbs; females 8-12 lbs.

Length: males 42-48 inches; females 32-38 inches.

Flight and ground speed: Max. ground speed: 25 mph; max. flight speed 55 mph.

Habitat: woodland habitats mixed with agricultural fields.

Foods: waste grains, insects, wild fruits, and tree nuts.

Life expectancy: females 57%, males 35%. Mating: polygamous, hens typically mate with dominant male.

Nesting period: April-June.

Nests: usually shallow depressions in the ground.

Clutch size: Avg. 11 eggs (range 6-18)

Eggs: Tan of buffy white, evenly marked with small reddish spots; ovate (1 3/4" x 2 1/2").

Incubation: 28 days.

Young: precoccial; leave nest immediately and can fly to roost in trees at 2 weeks.

Number broods per year: 1; 30-60% will renest.

Nest success: 40-60%.

Nationwide wild turkeys numbered in the millions when the first settlers landed at Plymouth Rock. The bird provided food and the market. Turkey populations were unable to withstand uncontrolled hunting pressures. Year-around hunting and the clearing of forested habitats led to the removal of wild turkey flocks from their historical range north of the Ohio River and from most areas in the South and East. By 1920, an estimated 250,000 eastern wild turkeys remained in the United States. Only 8 states mainly in the mountainous terrain of the southeastern United States still had a turkey hunting season. Turkeys were virtually removed from Iowa by 1900; the last verified sighting was made in Lucas County in 1910.

In the early 20th century, trends which had led to the demise of turkey flocks began to be reversed. Most states formed conservation agencies like the Iowa Department of Natural Resources gave protection to vanishing wildlife. Unproductive farmlands were abandoned as industrial jobs became more attractive. Purchase of state and national forests, reduction in cattle grazing on public forest lands, and wildlife management led to the growth of new turkey habitats in areas where no turkeys existed.

In the 1920s, states began turkey restoration programs. Pen-raised turkeys in large numbers were released. These efforts were generally unsuccessful. Pen-raised birds did not have the instincts to survive in their natural environment. Despite spending millions of dollars over several decades no free-ranging turkey populations existed in the early 20th century.