Factors Affecting Productivity in a Northern Wild Turkey Population

Survival and productivity of 65 eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) fitted with radio transmitters were studied in western Massachusetts during 1983-85. Winter survival of radio-tagged birds (93%) indicated that winter conditions were not limiting. Mean body weight for females did not decrease through winter. Female survival was lowest (78%) during the nesting period and predation was the dominant (75%) cause of mortality. Thirty-three of 36 (92%) radio-tagged females attempted to nest; adults nested more (P = 0.043) than yearlings. Seventeen of 31 (55%) nesting females produced broods. Predation on eggs or the female accounted for most (92%) nest losses. Poult survival through summer was 23%. Recruitment of young females into the fall population was 0.59/female in the breeding population. Predation exerted the greatest influence on productivity. Winters that resulted in high survival and females in good physiological condition did not lead to high natality and recruitment. Status of the population should be considered when modeling or managing turkey populations.