Texas Turkey Talk

TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE

Texas Turkey Talk

by Ralph Suarez Wildlife Biologist TEXAS TURKEY TALK by Ralph Suarez Wildlife Biologist,TPWD

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all Texas Parks and Wildlife Department personnel who contributed to this publication. This work would have been incomplete without their valuable assistance. I would like to especially thank John Burk,Turkey Program Leader - TPWD, for the eastern turkey section and Mike Hobson,TPWD District Leader - District 1, for the section on Merriam's turkey. Thanks also to Steve Jester,TPWD District Leader - District 3 and Joe Herrera, TPWD District Leader - District 8 for assistance with the Rio Grande turkey section. I would also like to acknowledge Robert L. Cook and Horace Gore for the original TPWD publication “Learn About Turkey,” which provided valuable ideas and information. A special thanks to the Clemente Guzman III for the use of his beautiful painting as our cover art.

AUTHOR’S NOTE This booklet was written to provide updated information on the different types of turkey found in Texas. This is intended to be a general information booklet that will hopefully encourage interested individuals to study further on the topic of Texas turkeys. The suggested reading list provides sources of more detailed information on wild turkey. This booklet should also provide educa- tors with a publication that can be easily read and followed by students of many ages. NOTICE The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department receives federal financial assistance from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973,Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the U.S. Depart- ment of the Interior and its bureaus prohibit discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability or sex (in educational programs). If you believe that you have been discriminated against in any Texas Parks and Wildlife Department program, activity, or facility, or if you desire further information, please call or write: The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Diversity and Civil Rights Programs - External Programs, 4040 N. Fairfax Drive,Webb 300,Arlington,VA 22203, (703) 358-1724. History of the Turkey in Texas

Turkeys are native to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart- species needed in Texas for Americas and probably ment (TPWD) has trapped over restoration purposes. The turkey- evolved from pheasant-like 30,000 Rio Grande turkey since restocking program has been ancestors. Native the 1920’s and restocked them to very successful and serves as a Americans ate turkeys and suitable habitats throughout the model for land managers and used the feathers to adorn state in an effort to restore the sportsmen showing the positive themselves and their bird to its historic range. impact that translocation of weapons. Cortez, the Additionally,TPWD has partnered native species can have on Spanish explorer, found with the National Wild Turkey wildlife populations. the Aztecs and other Federation (NWTF) and other natives in Mexico in state agencies to restore the possession of domesti- eastern turkey to East Texas. cated turkeys in 1519. These turkeys (7,200) were The explorer Vasco de trapped in other states and Gama introduced released at 321 release sites turkeys into Europe. in East Texas during the last 20 years with 97% being Turkeys were almost released since 1989. extirpated from Texas by the late 19th century, at Turkey populations, thanks to which time protective conservation-minded landowners, efforts outlawing trap- hunters, conservation groups and ping for five months of agencies like TPWD, currently the year were initiated. occupy most suitable turkey In 1903, a bag limit of habitat in Texas. Consequently, 25 turkeys per day significant stocking efforts in throughout a five- Texas were discontinued in 1999. month season was Limited supplemental stocking of established. These eastern turkey continues and liberal regulations TPWD supports national turkey Limited supplemental stocking of turkey and lack of resources restoration efforts by providing continues in some areas of Texas. ©TPWD to enforce them did Rio Grande turkeys to other not help the turkey states. The Texas “Rios” are on most of its range. exchanged for other wildlife In 1919, the legislature created a bag limit of three bearded gobblers per season. Increased protection by conservation-minded landowners and additional game wardens in the 1920’s helped turkey popula- TPWD has trapped several thousand tions recover throughout turkey and much of the state. restocked them to suitable habitats Native Americans ate turkey throughout the and used the feathers to state in an effort to adorn themselves and their restore the bird to weapons. ©Thomas E. Mails its historic range. ©TPWD

TEXAS TURKEY TALK HISTORY OF THE TURKEY IN TEXAS Types of Turkey in Texas

There are three subspecies of a 400-mile wide band of vegeta- the Guadalupe and possibly turkey found in Texas. East Texas, tive cover types associated with Franklin Mountains of Texas. The a 57 county region that includes 18 to 35 inches of annual precipi- Merriam’s habitat predominately the Post Oak Savannah, Piney- tation including South, Central consists of ponderosa pine but woods, and Gulf Coast Prairies and North Texas. Rio Grande Douglas fir, southwestern white and Marshes, typically receives turkeys can be found throughout pine, piñon pine, and assorted 35 to 65 inches of annual precipi- these regions in very large num- junipers and oaks may also be tation. This humid environment bers along rivers and other water- found throughout their current and the vegetative communities courses. The Merriam’s turkey, range in Texas. Merriam’s inhabit associated with it are habitat for Meleagris gallopavo merriami, arid mountainous territory with the eastern turkey, Meleagris is the least common subspecies of an average rainfall between gallopavo silvestris. Thanks to turkey in Texas and is located in a 15 and 23 inches, steep terrain TPWD restocking efforts, many few isolated mountainous areas of (>50% slope), temperature range East Texas counties now have West Texas. The historical range between 35 to 100 degrees huntable populations of the of the Merriam’s turkey occurred Fahrenheit, and at elevations eastern wild turkey. The Rio throughout the western conifer- ranging from 3,500 to 10,000 feet. Grande turkey, Meleagris ous forest mountain regions of Presently, viable populations of gallopavo intermedia, occupies the United States including the Merriam’s inhabit the Davis states of Arizona, New Mexico and Mountains and Guadalupe Colorado. Populations existed in Mountains in Texas.

Eastern turkey ©TPWD

Merriam turkey ©J G Dickson USFS Eastern

Rio Grande

Merriam

RG/M

The Rio Grande turkey is the most abundant of the three subspecies of turkey. The Eastern is the second most abundant followed by the Merriam’s which accounts for only a small percentage of the total turkey found in Texas. Rio Grande turkey ©TPWD

TEXAS TURKEY TALK TYPES OF TURKEY IN TEXAS General Biology of the Turkey Normally, the eastern turkey is Gobbler darker, larger and has a thicker beard (specialized feathers found on the breast) than the more Snood Snood Hen common Rio Grande turkey. A mature Rio Grande gobbler (male) averages 16 to 18 pounds, while easterns average 19 to 21 pounds. The Merriam’s subspecies is similar in size to the Caruncles eastern turkey with larger toms (males) weighing over 26 pounds. Whitish tail tips and a white patch on the rump distinguish the Merriam’s from other subspecies.

The gobbler is usually easily iden- The gobblers snood is pink or red and elongates hanging down next to the gobblers tified by its larger size, darker face while the snood of a hen is inconspicuous and covered with small black hair-like color and by the presence of a feathers. The caruncles are large and red on the gobbler and small and pink to flesh beard. Gobblers appear darker colored on the hen. because they have black tipped breast feathers, whereas hens Turkey hens are roughly half the The caruncles, the fleshy wart- (females) have buff tipped breast size of gobblers weighing an aver- like growths at the base of the feathers and appear drab brown. age of 10 to 12 lbs. Like the gob- neck, are large and red on the bler, some hens (~15%) also have gobbler and small and pink to beards that increase in size and flesh colored on the hen. The thickness with age and are as pro- turkey has no wattles (which in ductive as hens without beards. the domestic chicken are the paired appendages of the comb The way to differentiate between that hang down from either side sexes is by the coloration and fea- of the bill). Spurs are a second- tures of the head and neck. With ary sexual characteristic of the the exception of a sparse cover- male turkey and rarely exceed ing of black bristles, the gobbler’s 1 3/4 inches even in old birds. head and neck is featherless Spurs are made of horn, similar to while the hen’s neck and head is human fingernails, around a core covered with small buff colored of bone and occur occasionally feathers. The coloration of the on hens. gobbler’s head is white on top, with blue cheeks, and a red neck while the hen’s head is drab Spurs are a secondary blue/gray. The snood (the fleshy Spur sexual characteristic protrusion between the turkeys of the male turkey eyes) is pink or red and elongates and rarely exceed 1 3/4 inches. Spurs Gobblers appear darker because they and hangs down next to the gob- are made of horn have blacked tipped breast feathers. blers face while the snood of a around a core of Changes in head coloration, snood hen is inconspicuous and covered bone and occur length and caruncles turning bright red occasionally on hens. indicate a state of excitement, usually with small black hair-like feathers. in the spring. ©TPWD

TEXAS TURKEY TALK GENERAL BIOLOGY OF THE TURKEY Turkeys live an average of two to In eastern turkey range,“spring factor. It is important that roost- three years. However, a few birds green-up” is more predictable and ing areas be protected from dis- have been known to live ten rarely limiting. However, eastern turbances. No one should be years. Most mortality occurs to turkeys prefer open mature allowed to camp, hunt or other- the eggs and poults (young of the forests with an understory of wise disturb turkey (day or night) year). Turkey populations and grasses and weeds. Soil type within one-quarter mile of a roost their annual fluctuations are influences vegetative response. site. Turkeys are very mobile and largely dependent on reproduc- From the southwest to the north- utilize a large geographic winter tive success. Annual recruitment east portion of their range in and summer range. Seasonal is related to the pre-nesting condi- Texas, soils change from sands to movement occurs up to 10 miles tion of the hens, and the quality loams and clays. Loamy and clay from wintering areas to summer of the nesting and brood rearing soils maintain grasses while nesting areas. Food, cover and habitat. Proper nesting and brood sandy soils, in the absence of protection must, therefore, be rearing habitat (knee-high grasses active management, succeed to provided over an area of several and weeds) are required for brushy thickets that eastern thousand acres. reproductive success of the Rio turkeys avoid. Grande turkey and is correlated Turkeys are primarily with winter and spring soil mois- In order for turkeys to survive herbivorous, but they eat insects, ture. Wet winters and springs and flourish, certain habitat snails and other invertebrates. enhance the “spring green-up” requirements must be met. As Major food items during the which provides high protein knee-high grasses and weeds are spring and summer include green forages and insects important for important in providing nesting grasses and weeds, buds, flowers, egg production. Vegetation will and brood rearing cover, turkeys seeds and insects. Insects are mature and provide nesting cover also require ample numbers of especially important for the and foraging areas for poults as mature trees and a variety of development of young turkeys spring advances. shrubs to provide food (pecans, by providing them with a high acorns, berries, seeds) as well as protein food item. In the fall and cover and roosting areas. Within winter, turkeys eat fruits, mast Rio Grande turkey range, these such as pecans and acorns and critical areas can be a limiting green forage such as Texas winter grass, oats, wheat and clovers depending upon their availability. Young turkeys are called poults. Poults rely on insects as a source of high protein in their diet. This is very important for the development of young turkey.

TEXAS TURKEY TALK GENERAL BIOLOGY OF THE TURKEY nesting habitat is rarely a limiting reasonably good turkey hatch can factor. In eastern turkey range be expected in spite of predators water is usually not a limiting and other limiting factors. The factor. However,“Rio” hens hen and newly hatched poults require a permanent water will stay around the nest for source in close proximity to their about one day. Poults can fly well nest. The water is used for drink- for short distances, and begin to ing and for transferring water roost in trees at two weeks of onto the eggs to keep them moist age. It is during this critical during extreme hot and dry period (first two weeks) when weather. Hens will lay an average poult mortality is at its highest. of 9 to 11 eggs over a two-week Although a hen may have period. Most of the eggs are hatched eight or ten poults, only fertile and will hatch after the two or three may survive until 28-day incubation period (if not summer’s end. destroyed or disturbed). Each year biologists and techni- cians with the TPWD record Turkeys require ample number of observations of Rio Grande mature trees and a variety of shrubs to turkey hens and poults. The same provide food as well as cover and roost- information in eastern turkey ing areas. Frequent disturbances at range is collected from an annual roosting areas can cause turkey to abandon that area. ©TPWD survey that is mailed out to 4,000 landowners and sportsmen each July asking them to report their Turkeys breed during the spring turkey observations from May to of each year, with nesting success August. The information is and poult survival directly requested in an effort to monitor dependent upon environmental turkey nesting success and poult conditions. Hens need to breed survival. The data from these only once each spring in-order to surveys help biologist establish fertilize their entire clutch of regulations that will enhance eggs. On average, dominant gob- and ensure healthy turkey blers can mate with as many as populations for future use by ten hens during the spring breed- Turkeys breed in the spring of each year if conditions are favorable. hunters and the general pubic. ing season. After breeding takes place, a turkey hen will begin to look for suitable nesting habitat. Overall, turkey-nesting success is Ideal nesting habitat is described similar to that of other ground- as an area where a higher nesting birds. Weather is the percentage of the eggs will result main determining factor in Rio in adult turkeys. Turkeys will Grande turkey nesting success. usually nest in vegetative If there is insufficient ground communities that support knee moisture, the eggs will get too high grasses and weeds. Both hot and dry during incubation Rio Grande and eastern turkey and the embryo will die. Some hens have been known to nest studies indicate that predators Hens will lay an average of 9 to 11 eggs in dense grass stands, wild plum destroy almost one-half of all over a two-week period. Most of the thickets and along fencerows. turkey nests. If weather condi- eggs are fertile and will hatch after the On properly managed ranges, tions are good, however, a 28-day incubation period. ©TPWD

TEXAS TURKEY TALK GENERAL BIOLOGY OF THE TURKEY Management Strategies for Wild Turkey

Properly applied, Availability of suitable roost sites habitat improve- is also important to Rio Grande ment techniques turkeys. Large, healthy turkey such as prescribed burning can have populations have long been a positive impact associated with major water- on turkey habitat. courses in Texas. These areas ©TPWD usually have an ample number of tall hardwood trees that provide roosting habitat. River corridors, in both Rio Grande and eastern turkey range, usually contain large mast producing trees that provide critical fall and winter foods. Artificial roosts can be built in areas that lack suitable roosting When managing for turkey, it is cottonwood and hackberry seed- sites. Turkeys have been important to have a plan that lings, which are considered to be observed roosting on power line identifies goals and objectives good roosting sites. Properly poles.Therefore, creating similar as well as limiting factors and applied, habitat improvement structures may provide Rio cost-effective practices. It is techniques such as prescribed Grande turkeys with suitable important to understand that burning, mechanical control of roosts in the absence of weather and habitat are the two undesirable brush species, and natural roosts. most critical factors in establish- population control of deer and ing or maintaining healthy turkey exotics will have a positive Supplemental feeding for wildlife populations. Weather, especially impact on turkey habitat. is recommended only during prolonged drought, may substan- extended periods of stress such tially reduce turkey populations. Rio Grande turkeys require rivers, as prolonged drought or severe Sufficient rainfall during the late creeks, dirt tanks or other forms winter weather. However, in winter, spring and early summer of free-standing water. Permanent order to sustain wildlife during is essential for good Rio Grande water is essential in a Rio Grande these periods, the animals must turkey production and survival. turkey’s life, and is a critical know where the supplemental element for hens during the feed is located and be accus- Range and livestock management nesting season. tomed to utilizing it. practices can have a positive or negative impact on turkey populations. Livestock numbers stocked at a light to moderate rate with a rotational grazing system will assure an adequate year-round food supply. Over- Heavy grazing grazing by cattle can reduce and presure by live- minimize food availability, and stock can reduce nesting and brood rearing habitat and minimize food availability, critically important to the repro- nesting and ductive success of all subspecies brood rearing of turkey. Continuous grazing habitat critically or long duration grazing along important to the riparian areas in the Rolling reproductive success of turkey. Plains, can have a negative ©TPWD impact on the regeneration of

TEXAS TURKEY TALK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR WILD TURKEY Turkeys prefer natural foods and but high concentrations can lead used for food. Corn containing will not take significant quantities to liver disease or death within no more than 20 parts of afla- of artificial feed unless they actu- 72 hours. Lower aflatoxin con- toxin per billion (ppb) may be ally require it. Although extended centrations result in various used for food use by humans, for periods of severe weather may symptoms, including feed refusal, feed use by immature animals justify supplemental feeding in decreased feed efficiency, (including immature poultry) and some instances, feeding programs impaired reproduction, hemor- by dairy animals. It is believed are expensive. Metabolic cham- rhaging in muscles, and suppres- that corn and grain sorghum con- ber research indicates that a flock sion of the immune system. The taining over 100 ppb may have a of 20 turkeys would need 300 lbs. amount of aflatoxin an animal negative impact on wild turkey of corn per week in the absence can tolerate varies with age, sex populations. Unfortunately, corn of other food, just for mainte- and health. Younger animals are and grain that does not meet the nance. Feeding areas should be most susceptible to aflatoxin poi- standards set by the FDA will kept clean and the grain must not soning. There is not a procedure sometimes end up labeled as become contaminated by the for eliminating aflatoxin after it is wildlife feed and used by hunters birds’ droppings. Feeders should produced, but limiting or main- and landowners. All corn and be moved short distances from taining concentrations may allow grain must be tested and labeled time to time to minimize this contaminated grain to be fed with the amount of aflatoxin it problem. The feeding area should under proper management. The contains, so it is very important be near trees but away from thick Food and Drug Administration to read these labels and stay brush that could provide ambush (FDA) sets standards for accept- away from feeds that do not meet cover for predators. Feeders able levels of aflatoxin in corn standards set by the FDA. should not be close to woven wire fences, as panicked turkeys will often try to go through the fence rather than over it and may get caught in the process.

A critical issue to consider when feeding wild turkey is the impact that corn or grain sorghum infected with aflatoxin may have on a population. Aflatoxin is a term used to refer to a group of extremely toxic chemicals produced by two molds, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiti- cus. The toxins can be produced when these molds attack and grow on certain plants and plant products. Corn is especially infected when stressed under such conditions as drought, but grain sorghum, peanuts and cotton also are at risk. Aflatoxin consumption by livestock and Turkeys prefer natural foods and will not take significant quantities of artificial feed poultry results in a disease called unless they actually require it. Corn and grain sorghum containing over 100 ppb aflatoxicosis. All living organisms aflatoxin may have a negative impact on wild turkey populations. ©TPWD metabolize aflatoxin in the liver,

TEXAS TURKEY TALK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR WILD TURKEY The hand of man continues to diminish turkey habitat throughout Texas. ©TPWD

required to provide a positive response normally renders itself cost prohibitive.

The “hand-of-man” continues to diminish turkey habitat throughout Texas. These demands may have an irreversible effect on wild turkey populations unless large tracts of habitat are managed for turkey. Most of the turkey range in Texas is privately owned property. The future of this species hinges on the ability of TPWD and private landowners to work together to manage this popular game bird. The support of private individuals and conservation organizations interested in the welfare of the Landowners who wish to feed healthiest turkey populations wild turkey have been and should both deer and turkey from the exist in areas where predator continue to be a very important same feeder should consider densities are among the highest component of future manage- using an elevated barrel-type in the state. ment programs. automatic feeder and a mixture of whole corn and milo. Food Where predator control is war- Wildlife Division staff with TPWD plots are preferable to feeding ranted, it must be aggressive, provides no-cost technical assis- stations for turkey and other occur every year, be and imple- tance to private landowners wildlife. These plots need not be mented across a large area. interested in wildlife habitat and large in size; two to 10 acres will However, the degree of control population management through provide large quantities of forage the Private Lands and Habitat for turkey and other wildlife if Enhancement Program. Refer protected from livestock grazing. to the suggested reading list or Turkeys readily eat oats, wheat, contact your local TPWD biologist clover, vetch and rye. for more information on wild turkeys. The impact that predators have on the survival and success of ground nesting bird populations has always been controversial. The natural recruitment cycle of turkeys normally produces enough poults to offset losses The natural from predators, particularly in recruitment cycle good habitat. With good weather of turkeys normally and range conditions, turkey and produces enough poults to offset loses from predator populations remain predators, especially in balanced. Currently,Texas’ good habitat. ©TPWD

TEXAS TURKEY TALK MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR WILD TURKEY Suggested Reading

Breeding Chronology in Rio Grande Turkey Hens by Billy Don Davis, Federal Aid Final Report, Job 7.07,TPWD. 192 pp.

Food Habits of the Rio Grande Turkey in the Permian Basin of Texas by George W.Litton, TPWD Technical Series No. 18.

Rio Grande Turkey Habitat Management by George W.Litton and Fielding Harwell, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Bulletin, PWD RP W7100-263 (10/95). 10 pp.

The Wild Turkey: Its History and Domestication by A.W.Schorger, University of Oklahoma Press. 625 pp.

The Wild Turkey and Its Management edited by Oliver H. Hewitt, The Wildlife Society, 1967. 589 pp.

The Wild Turkey: Biology and Management edited by James G. Dickson, Stackpole books, 1992. 462 pp.

TEXAS TURKEY TALK SUGGESTED READING

© 2002 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department PWD BK W7000-0827 (5/02) In accordance with Texas State Depository Law, this publication is available at the Texas State Publication Clearinghouse and/or Texas Depository Libraries.