DEM Asks the Public to Report Sightings of Wild Turkeys

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PROVIDENCE - The Department of Environmental Management is asking Rhode Islanders to assist its Division of Fish and Wildlife's wild turkey project by reporting any sightings of wild turkey hens with or without broods of young turkeys, known as poults. DEM biologists need the information to evaluate this year's reproduction of wild turkeys, the survival of the poults, and the population of the state's wild turkey flock.

Last year, 64 turkey brood sightings were reported, according to Brian Tefft, principal wildlife biologist at DEM and head of the wild turkey project. The total number of adults reported was 102, while 299 poults (young) were reported for a brood index of 2.9 young per hen. This information helped the Department determine the number of young birds that survived after various mortality factors, such as predators, poor weather, road kills, or domestic cats took their toll. The 2008 brood index of 2.9 young per hen surviving until fall declined slightly over 2007; however, it was well below the 10-year average of 4.3 young per hen. Of concern is the fact that 59 percent fewer broods were reported in the 2008 survey than in the previous two years, which were the worst brood years ever recorded. Weather related factors can dramatically affect brood production in ground-nesting birds like wild turkeys. Warm, dry weather favors the survival of turkey poults and other ground- nesting birds, while cool and rainy conditions in early summer can reduce survival or threaten entire broods. DEM hopes conditions will improve in 2009, and that the public will assist in responding with information about broods in their area.

Tefft estimates the overall statewide turkey population at approximately 5,500 birds. He points out that the distribution and density of the wild turkey population improved in the state following DEM Fish and Wildlife's successful trap and transfer program, bringing increased recreational opportunities and chances for the public to see a bird. The wild turkey restoration project began in 1980 with releases of wild trapped birds that established new turkey flocks in Exeter, Burrillville, Little Compton, West Greenwich, Foster, Scituate, and Tiverton. Restoration of the wild turkey was funded by state hunting license fees and the Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration program. Wild turkeys were abundant prior to the 1700s but were decimated due to habitat destruction and subsistence hunting.

To report wild turkey sightings of hens with or without broods, participants should record the date, location, and total number of hens and poults seen. Send the information to Brian Tefft via email at brian.tefft@dem.ri.gov or to his attention at 277 Great Neck Road, West Kingston, RI 02892, or call him at (401)789-0281.

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