John D. Burk

We assessed survival and reproduction of Georgia and Iowa eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) relocated to the Pineywoods of Texas. Using approximately equal numbers from each state, 12 females and 3 males were radio tagged and released at each of 4 sites in February 1994. In February 1995, 8 resident females were captured, radio tagged, and released on a disjunct study area intensively managed for wildlife. Radio tracking of the turkeys began immediately after release and continued until 30 June 1996. We found no differences in annual, first-year after release, spring-...

Relocated (N = 76) eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) were released into the Post Oak Savannah of Texas in winters 1994 and 1995. Before release, each bird was fitted with a radio transmitter and numbered leg band. Mortality and reproduction were monitored through 1996 to determine survival and reproduction. First-year annual survival rates for gobblers and hens was 0.286 and 0.484, respectively. One of 4 study areas lost all gobblers within the first year. Mammalian predation (63.4%) was the primary cause of mortality. High post-release mortality was attributed to...

Past research suggests nesting habitat limits survival and growth of some eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) populations. However, information on nest-site selection is primarily on established populations with limited data on restocked birds. Our objectives were to assess nest-site characteristics of relocated birds and determine causes of nest failure in the Post Oak Savannah of eastern Texas. Radio-tagged wild turkey hens (N = 48) were relocated to 4 areas in winter 1994. We compared understory and ground cover characteristics between 22 nest sites of radio-tagged...

We studied wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) gobbler habitat use and seasonal home range size by radio telemetry in an area dominated (45%) by loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations (PP) in Kemper County, Mississippi, 1986-1988. In 1986, gobbler habitat use was more than expected for PP (fall) and pine-hardwood forests (spring). Use was less than expected for pine-hardwood forests (fall) and fields (summer). Use was as expected for PP, pine-hardwood, and hardwood forests and fields for the other seasons. In 1987, PP were used less than expected for all seasons. Use was more than expected...

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hens were monitored by telemetry from January 1987 through August 1988 in Kemper County, Mississippi. Thirty-nine of 52 hens reached incubation. Nesting success was 46% in 1987 and 36% in 1988. In 1987, all 12 located nests were in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations. Eleven hens nested in 17- to 19-year-old plantations; I hen nested in a 9-year-old plantation. In 1988,21 located nests were in plantations and I hen was in a mature pine-hardwood forest. Most hens (81 %) nested in plantations age 13-20 years old. Plantations used for nesting had been...