FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF WILD TURKEYS IN MICHIGAN

Abstract: Prior to European settlement, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were present in Michigan south of a line from Saginaw Bay to the mouth of the Muskegon River. Habitat loss and overexploitation during settlement led to the extirpation of turkeys from Michigan in the late 1800s. Several rest...

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Main Author: Steven B. Chadwick
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2005-01-01
Series:Wildlife Society Bulletin
Subjects:
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.2005.tb00322.x
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author Steven B. Chadwick
author_facet Steven B. Chadwick
author_sort Steven B. Chadwick
collection DOAJ
description Abstract: Prior to European settlement, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were present in Michigan south of a line from Saginaw Bay to the mouth of the Muskegon River. Habitat loss and overexploitation during settlement led to the extirpation of turkeys from Michigan in the late 1800s. Several restoration attempts followed in the early 1900s; however, it was not until the mid to latter part of the last century that restoration efforts were successful. As a result, wild turkeys currently occupy much of their ancestral range and beyond, providing Michigan residents with quality hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities on both public and private lands. The expansion of wild turkey range has led wildlife biologists to debate how far north turkeys should be introduced and actively managed. Northern range expansion in Michigan can be attributed to alteration of Michigan's native habitats and human activities that promote turkey survival throughout the year. A literature review was conducted to determine how the major limiting factors of winter weather and lack of suitable habitat influence wild turkey survival in northern regions of Michigan. These limiting factors may be overcome in some portions of the state through habitat management programs that mitigate winter loss.
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spelling doaj-art-d2d9e3c20d6e45df83f57d243eaeb3fb2025-08-20T02:05:24ZengWileyWildlife Society Bulletin2328-55402005-01-012005S130330610.1002/j.2328-5540.2005.tb00322.xFACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF WILD TURKEYS IN MICHIGANSteven B. Chadwick0Michigan Department of Natural ResourcesWildlife DivisionP.O. Box 30444LansingMI48909USAAbstract: Prior to European settlement, wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) were present in Michigan south of a line from Saginaw Bay to the mouth of the Muskegon River. Habitat loss and overexploitation during settlement led to the extirpation of turkeys from Michigan in the late 1800s. Several restoration attempts followed in the early 1900s; however, it was not until the mid to latter part of the last century that restoration efforts were successful. As a result, wild turkeys currently occupy much of their ancestral range and beyond, providing Michigan residents with quality hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities on both public and private lands. The expansion of wild turkey range has led wildlife biologists to debate how far north turkeys should be introduced and actively managed. Northern range expansion in Michigan can be attributed to alteration of Michigan's native habitats and human activities that promote turkey survival throughout the year. A literature review was conducted to determine how the major limiting factors of winter weather and lack of suitable habitat influence wild turkey survival in northern regions of Michigan. These limiting factors may be overcome in some portions of the state through habitat management programs that mitigate winter loss.https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.2005.tb00322.xclimatehabitatnorthern rangewild turkeywinter feeding
spellingShingle Steven B. Chadwick
FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF WILD TURKEYS IN MICHIGAN
Wildlife Society Bulletin
climate
habitat
northern range
wild turkey
winter feeding
title FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF WILD TURKEYS IN MICHIGAN
title_full FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF WILD TURKEYS IN MICHIGAN
title_fullStr FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF WILD TURKEYS IN MICHIGAN
title_full_unstemmed FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF WILD TURKEYS IN MICHIGAN
title_short FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE DISTRIBUTION OF WILD TURKEYS IN MICHIGAN
title_sort factors that influence the distribution of wild turkeys in michigan
topic climate
habitat
northern range
wild turkey
winter feeding
url https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2328-5540.2005.tb00322.x
work_keys_str_mv AT stevenbchadwick factorsthatinfluencethedistributionofwildturkeysinmichigan