| History: Information on annual variations in turkey productivity
is needed to evaluate the status of turkey populations in various regions
of the state. Because few reliable wild turkey census techniques
have been developed, hunter success rates, turkey harvest levels, and age
ratios of harvested birds are the best available indicators of relative
turkey populations between hunting zones. Research has found significant
correlations between both August poult:hen ratios, percent juveniles in
the harvest, and total gobbler harvests in the subsequent spring in Missouri,
suggesting that an index to productivity would be useful in establishing
hunting regulations. Compared to the more formalized census procedures
used for more visible wildlife species, indices to eastern wild turkey
productivity are generally based on random observations of broods.
Methods: A list of cooperators has been established from
Iowa DNR personnel and rural residents living in selected portions of Iowa
containing established turkey populations. All rural residents living
in designated survey areas are sent a form to be returned if they are willing
to participate in the survey. Each cooperator is sent return-addressed
postcards which are to completed and returned based on turkey broods sighted
between 1 July and 31 August. Productivity indices are constructed
from these returns.
2007 Turkey Brood Survey
The information received from the turkey
brood survey is essential in order to monitor turkey reproduction in
Iowa. We welcome anyone interested in
future help with the survey, and thank all those who have helped in the
past. We hope you will all continue to
help monitor turkeys throughout Iowa.
This information is crucial to successful turkey management in Iowa, and
could not be accomplished without all of your help. We very much appreciate
your continued cooperation and support.
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