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A wild turkey is seen here in flight. Oklahoma researchers are gearing up to capture some of these birds in southwestern Oklahoma this winter as part of an ongoing 4.5-year statewide study of wild turkey populations and survival. (Andy Reago, Chrissy McClarren/Wikimedia CC-BY2)

WILD TURKEY POPULATION DYNAMICS AND BROOD SURVIVAL PROJECT REPORT FOR AUGUST 2022

Provided by Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, Oklahoma State University

   Wild turkey genetics is among the focus areas in a planned 4.5-year study launched at the beginning of 2022 by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation and the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit to address wild turkey population dynamics and brood survival.

   Genetics Study: All tissue samples collected during 2022 have undergone the DNA extraction process at least once. Some samples were re-extracted to obtain good concentrations of DNA. All samples will soon be ready for further analysis.

   Southwestern Study Area: Researcher Cody Griffin was interviewed on the Today in Ag radio show on KECO 96.5FM in Elk City. He discussed current issues facing wild turkeys in the area and field logistics. He also pursued new leads on private landowners who might allow access to their properties for turkey research.

   Also, Griffin began logistical planning for the winter trapping season and continued reviewing literature and developing research ideas.

   Southeastern Study Area: The 2022 turkey tracking season ended in August. Thirteen hens with transmitters remained on the air and will be monitored periodically through fall and winter for mortality and winter flock locations. The research team has started planning, hiring, and acquiring equipment for the 2023 capture season.

^{(Financial support for this publication was provided by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation through the Wildlife Restoration Program, F21AF02702 (W-216-R-1), and Oklahoma State University.)}