USE OF GOBBLING COUNTS TO MONITOR THE DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE OF WILD TURKEYS
Abstract Two forms of call count surveys were used to monitor populations of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Minnesota during 1973‐1979. An intensive survey involving daily counts of gobblers during 1 April‐15 June was conducted annually on 2 routes. An extensive survey was conducted annually...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1980-01-01
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| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.1980.tb00120.x |
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| Summary: | Abstract Two forms of call count surveys were used to monitor populations of wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in Minnesota during 1973‐1979. An intensive survey involving daily counts of gobblers during 1 April‐15 June was conducted annually on 2 routes. An extensive survey was conducted annually on 9‐17 different routes, on 2 days during peak gobbling periods. Data obtained defined the phenology of gobbling activity in this region and provided estimates of changesin distribution and abundance during the early growth phases of introduced turkey populations. An assessment of the reliability of data showed that extensive surveys were able to monitor range expansion and trends in population growth. A combination of extensive and intensive survey data provided good estimates of relative abundance and correlated well with spring hunter success rates (r=0.99, p < 0.02). Costs of the survey were less than 100 man‐days per year. Applications of the survey data to turkey management in Minnesota are presented. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |