Project Summary

The daily and seasonal movements and habitat use of both hen and gobbler turkeys on three bobwhite quail plantations were studied using radio telemetry. It has been well documented that turkeys move to and from different habitats as the seasons come and go. Although less studied, it is also well known that turkeys may move in and out of different habitats throughout the course of a day. However, little research has been conducted concerning wild tukey use of areas managed intensively for bobwhite quail. This research concentrated on wild turkey movements and habitat use as a function of stand type and the unique forest structure present on bobwhite quail plantations. Turkeys were located during different seasons of the year via radio telemetry. Radio telemetry was also used to follow individual turkeys through the course of a day, logging numerous, consecutive locations. Habitat analysis was then conducted to determine the forest structure and stand type at those locations. This data was used to compare habitat use between the sexes, between seasons and by time-of-day to determine what aspects of forest structure influence habitat use by the turkeys, and how.

Results

The field work, data collection and data analyisis portion of this study has been completed. Although a final report has not been completed, preliminary results indicate that hardwood drain habitats within and around areas of low-density pine are important for wild turkeys especially hens, in all seasons. The low-denisty pine stands that are a result of bobwhite quail management were utilized most by gobblers, and hens during the nesting season. Timber density (measured both as basal area and stem counts) appears to influence seasonal habitat use while having minimal effect on turkey movements thoughout the course of a day.

Information

• MS candidate

• BS Virginia Tech