Activities Of Wild Turkey Hens And Poults As Influenced By Habitat

Daily movements and brood rearing among wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) hens in the Piedmont of eastern Alabama was studied during 1968 and 1969. Twelve hens were tagged in the patagium and instrumented with radio transmitters. Daily movements did not cover the entire spring and summer ranges. Daily movements of non-nesting hens averaged 0.4 mile; those of nesting hens averaged 0.22 mile; and those of hens with broods averaged 0.32 mile. They were usually linear and were strongly influenced by feeding areas provided by permanent pastures. All brood rearing ranges were within grazed permanent pastures and adjacent grazed woodlands. Management suggestions for brood rearing habitat based on range and movement data are given.