1: MERRIAM'S WILD TURKEY IN THE BLACK HILLS OF SOUTH DAKOTA*
ABSTRACT Eight wild‐trapped Merriam's turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) were introduced into the Black Hills of South Dakota in March 1948. Two booster plantings of wild‐trapped birds, one of 15 in 1950 and one of 6 in 1951, completed the introduction. Reproduction from this basic stock wa...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
1973-01-01
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| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.1973.tb00031.x |
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| Summary: | ABSTRACT Eight wild‐trapped Merriam's turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) were introduced into the Black Hills of South Dakota in March 1948. Two booster plantings of wild‐trapped birds, one of 15 in 1950 and one of 6 in 1951, completed the introduction. Reproduction from this basic stock was trapped and transplanted throughout the Black Hills during the 1950's. The Black Hills flock reached its peak of approximately 5,000 to 7,000 birds about 1960. Since 1960 a total of 255 turkeys have been trapped, banded, and released on site. A 30.1 percent band return has been made on males and a 2.0 percent return on females. Analysis of 64 crops showed Kinnikinick (Arctostaphylos uva‐ursi) seed, ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) seed, and bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) acorns to be the most important spring‐summer food items taken. Oat (Avena sativa) seed, wheat (Triticum aestivum) seed, pine seed, and acorns were the most important fall‐winter food items. One verified death due to parasites was recorded. Examination of 40 intestinal tracts and two carcasses revealed the presence of 13 species of parasites. A total of 13 turkey nests were reported, all on east‐facing slopes. Clutch size for complete nests averaged 12.2. Brood data collected May 15 through September 15 each year indicated an average brood size of 6.5 young per hen for the years 1963 through 1969. The first fall hunting season was held in 1954 and fall hunting seasons have been held each year since 1957. Spring seasons have been held each year since 1962. Success has ranged from 8.3 percent to 29 percent for fall seasons and from 11.7 percent to 19.6 percent for spring seasons. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |