Banded Turkeys

[EasyE]

Have talked about this with several biologists across the SE. They think it can yield significant data. Other wise they would not be doing it. I think in Tn the banding was started some years ago. They spread the banding across the state , as KY I doing now.

They are banding jakes if possible in the fall. They want to see how long this bird lives, and what the non hunting mortality is, among other things. Like how far they travel. I killed banded bird in TN last spring. Had been banded ten miles from kill spot. Was two plus years old.

Any data is better than the guessing game that has somewhat been done in last decades. IMO.

This lines up with exactly what a biologist told me. They can take a small sample and the program spits out a ton of data.
Pay attention to the weather for the next month and a half. The nest I found should be hatching out today(+ or- 3 days). If it gets cold and rainy it will result in poor survival for poults. Bad weather=#1 killer of turkey poults…. Loss of good habitat #2. Predators #3. Hunters #4. Could possibly switch #2&3 in some areas.

 

[Kentucky_Sheddar]

Is there that many fall hunters?

Not really! There is roughly 2000 birds killed in the fall.

We jus had the largest harvest since 2010. That’s saying something.

If people don’t have them in their area anymore, I’d first look at the landscape (more than likely it has changed). To most it has been gradual so it’s not as noticeable.

I see more birds on farms that implement their own Turkey management: habitat (controlled burns, logging, mowing and non mowing, controlling honeysuckle and green olive bushes), predator control (nest predators is key), and harvest limits (jus because the state hasn’t changed it doesn’t mean you can’t limit yourself/farm)

 

[OLE RASPY]

My little farm has produced since I bought it. I’m happy for that.
I left some seed this time. I pulled up to farm this morning got out of truck and bird was gobbling on his own. For about a hr. Good to hear.

 

[carnivore]

My little farm has produced since I bought it. I’m happy for that.
I left some seed this time. I pulled up to farm this morning got out of truck and bird was gobbling on his own. For about a hr. Good to hear.

Had one gobbling like crazy today.

 

[Oldrook]

Fished at Barren River lake Wednesday and heard a couple gobblers hammering until around 7:30 AM.

 

[EasyE]

Got 1 gobbling his head off right now at my house in Hardinsburg. I live at the edge of town in a subdivision. I’ve called birds up into my neighbors yard several times over the years. He’s responding good but won’t commit. I love hearing birds after season is over.