A comparison of brood stock origin for eastern wild turkey restoration in eastern Texas

It has been hypothesized that relocated eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) brood stock obtained from similar ecological regions should survive and reproduce more successfully than stock obtained from dissimilar areas. Relocated eastern wild turkeys from midwestern (Iowa and Missouri) and southeastern (east Texas and South Carolina) states were released into two study areas in the Post Oak Savannah of Texas during 1995-99. Prior to release, all birds were fitted with a radio transmitter and a leg band, and survivorship and reproduction monitored. There were no differences between midwestern (61%) and southeastern (49%) adult hen survival. Male survival, however, was greater for southeastern (90%) than for midwestern (64%) brood stock. Nesting rate, nest success, and hen success were similar for both hens of midwestern and southeastern origins. Because reproduction and adult hen survival were similar, yet male survival different based on brood stock origin, it is recommended that future reintroduction efforts consist of southeastern males with females coming from either brood stock.

A comparison of brood stock origin for eastern wild turkey restoration in eastern Texas Academic Article