MONTGOMERY-The gobble and drum of a wild turkey stirs emotions in turkey hunters that are difficult to describe. Few other sounds in nature exude wildness. The exhilaration during a hunt intensifies as gobble and drum volumes increase, marking the approach of the spring woods monarch. And if all goes as planned, this anticipation is breached by the spectacle of a gobbler in full strut. For those who have a passion for the wary wild turkey, spring mornings without turkeys would be undesirable.
In the early 1900s wild turkeys were rare or nonexistent in most of Alabama. With a 
population estimated to be as low as 10,000, there were many undesirable spring mornings. These alarming conditions prompted Alabama’s key role in implementing what has come to be known as the North American Model for Wildlife Conservation. Landowners and hunters assisted state biologists lead the charge for restoration, protection, management and research of wild turkeys. These efforts bolstered the population from the abyss to an estimated 400,000 today. Even though turkey numbers in the state are good now, this is no time to rest on the laurels of past achievements.
There has been a recent concern in the Southeast among biologists that turkey reproduction and populations are declining. Although we have not seen widespread evidence in Alabama, this trend in other states has our attention. The Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) is ramping up efforts to measure the wild turkey population conditions more accurately. Most of the work is centered on developing methods to better understand nesting chronology and more precisely determine poult (juvenile) survival.
In 2010, staff wildlife biologists began collecting brood survey data statewide. Observers 
record the numbers of hens and poults seen in July and August. From these observations, the number of poults per hen is determined. This information provides a trend of survival over a number of years. Even though this method does not meet scientific rigor, it does reveal changes in numbers seen at a regional scale.
Early indications reveal good survival of broods (hens with poults) in most areas of the state (three or more poults per hen). The most important measure of productivity is the number of all hens including hens with no poults. This number typically drives down the potential of poult production (less than two poults per hen reported in some areas of the state). In an effort to increase our sample size and improve statewide representation, we recently partnered with the Alabama Chapter of The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) volunteers, hunting lodges, conservation enforcement officers, and other private landowners in the data collection efforts.
University-led wild turkey surveys and research projects are underway to assist us in seeking answers to unknowns relating to population dynamics and habitats in ever-changing landscapes. Auburn University (AU) continues to explore standardized, scientific approaches to turkey reproduction in Alabama. The bulk of this effort has been through the use of game cameras deployed at randomly selected points in brood habitat on public and private lands. This survey measures reproduction, population structure and associated habitats.
The University of Georgia (UGA) is also working with southeastern states in a project looking at standardized brood surveys that would 
enlist common metrics from state to state.
The results of surveys and research dealing with turkey population and habitat related issues, assisted by AU and UGA investigators, will help guide our decision-making as a state agency. The bottom line is that WFF, in collaboration with our partners, must work to stay current on turkey population conditions and make recommendations as needed based on pooling the best information available. Partners such as the Alabama Chapter NWTF and others will be critical to ensure the resources are in place for this important work.
There are ample, prior studies and supporting management strategies available to address 
brood habitat issues. Adequate, early successional habitat (grasses/forbs) in woodlands and openings is the key to brood survival. Wild turkeys are a product of habitat quality. Managing lands for hens and poults is critical! If you do not manage for broods, you will not have many turkeys. It is well-documented that areas managed for insect production that will conceal hens/poults without restricting movements is a must. Thinning, prescribed burning and disking are examples of important tools needed to enhance brood range.
The take-home message is that surveys and research must be ongoing to stay current with ever-changing wild turkey populations and habitat conditions. Collaboration with universities and the NWTF along with other public and private entities is essential for success. Landowners with local turkey population concerns must focus on annual habitat needs with an emphasis on improving brood habitat. WFF wildlife biologist are available throughout the state to provide guidance and help develop management plans to meet these goals.
MEDIA RELEASE/Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources/ Steven W. Barnett, Certified Wildlife Biologist, Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries
