A DEVICE FOR MEASURING SPURS TO ESTIMATE THE AGE OF MALE WILD TURKEYS IN THE SPRING
Abstract: Age determination of male eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) harvested during spring seasons is necessary to monitor the demographic structure of the harvest and assess the impacts of harvest strategies. We modified a 6‐cc clear plastic syringe to measure the length of t...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Wiley
2000-01-01
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| Series: | Wildlife Society Bulletin |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.2000.tb00255.x |
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| Summary: | Abstract: Age determination of male eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) harvested during spring seasons is necessary to monitor the demographic structure of the harvest and assess the impacts of harvest strategies. We modified a 6‐cc clear plastic syringe to measure the length of the longest metatarsal spur (mm) of male wild turkeys. The device was used to obtain 42,677 spur lengths at statewide check stations during Indiana's spring turkey seasons, 1985–99. Tube accuracy and precision were evaluated using mounted metal nails of defined length. Observer effects were tested using a sample of spur tubes to measure a set of wild turkey spurs of variable lengths. The evaluation of tube accuracy and precision yielded SE <2% of the mean and the bias was easily identified and corrected. The device was used by lay persons to provide consistent and precise measurements. The technique adequately separated harvested male turkeys into 3 age classes (1,2, ≥3 yr) using visible separations in the frequency distribution of the spur lengths. The age classification criteria were consistent with more sophisticated methods. This inexpensive device provides a quick, precise, and accurate measurement of leg spurs and is robust to observer error. |
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| ISSN: | 2328-5540 |