Survival and Reproductive Success of Eastern Wild Turkeys Introduced into Eastern South Dakota

Heidi M. Jacobsen, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, 57007

The eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) was the only wild turkey native to South Dakota; however, it was extirpated from the state in the early 1900s.  Trap-and-transplant programs since the 1950s have helped to re-establish turkey populations throughout the United States, including South Dakota.  A two-year study was initiated to determine survival, nest success, and movements of eastern wild turkeys transplanted in Brookings County and Hamlin County, South Dakota.  A total of fifty-two hens were fitted with radio-collars and tracked 2-3 times per week from March through August to determine these objectives.  Hen survival was estimated at 43.9% (n=52) throughout the study; 63.2% (n=39) and 69.5% (n=35), for 2006 and 2007, respectively.  Survival was lowest in the spring 76.6% (n=39) and 81.3% (n=34) for 2006 and 2007, and above 91% during the winter and summer for both years.  Survival was significantly lower in the spring compared to both winter and summer survival rates (p=0.016, p=0.028).  Overall nest success for the two years was estimated at 11.3% (n=18) and 15.8% (n=25), for 2006 and 2007, respectively (Program MARK).  Mean distance from release site to nest site was 4.1 km, and maximum straight line distance from release to nest site was 20.9 km.  The introduction appears to be successful because of the tracts of grasslands, mixed shelterbelts, small woodlots, and the many agricultural fields in the area capable of supporting a sustainable population of eastern wild turkeys.