Most turkey hunters would agree that wild turkeys are undoubtedly one of the wariest game species in the woods. It is this natural cautious tendency that makes them such a challenge to pursue, and is one of the primary reasons so many hunters leave the turkey woods shaking their heads in defeat and confusion each spring. Although it may often seem as if the birds possess supernatural powers, the truth is that their suspicious nature can be primarily attributed to their low status on the ecological food chain and the ever-present host of threats that surround them. Even before they are born, turkeys face a gauntlet of potential predators – nearly everything in the woods likes to eat turkeys or turkey eggs. This fact leads many landowners who desire higher turkey populations to conclude that a reduction in predators is all that is needed in order to turn their property into a slice of turkey heaven. But is this the right approach?
Wild turkey predators come in all shapes and sizes. Some can take down adult birds, some are only a threat to the young, and still others specialize in finding turkey nests. Some predators can do all three. So who are these evil doers? Well, as was just suggested, turkey predators can be loosely broken into three somewhat distinct groups – adult predators, poult predators, and nest predators.
Of the three, the smallest is the group that can kill adults. Bobcats are the only carnivores in Mississippi of any major significance to full-grown turkeys. Coyotes, fox, and great-horned owls also occasionally kill adults, especially nesting hens, but are not nearly as effective. Yet, in all four, turkeys only make up small percentage of the diet, as each tends to primarily hunt rodents and small mammals. In fact, despite popular opinion, adult turkey survival is relatively high in most years. Research in Mississippi has suggested that < 10% of adult gobblers are killed outside of the hunting season as a result of "natural" causes. Hens are somewhat more susceptible to predation, and anywhere from one-third to over one-half of hens will be killed by predators within any given year, but nearly all of these losses will come during the nesting and brood-rearing season. During these times, hens are incubating nests and protecting their young, making them much more vulnerable to attack. Outside of those critical periods, hen survival is significantly higher, and few are usually lost during the period from June - February.
Turkeys are approximately 10 days old before they gain the ability to fly. Until they reach this critical juncture and are better equipped to escape predators, they suffer heavy losses. In some years, nearly 8 out of 10 poults that hatch will not live past their second week of life. Almost everything with claws, talons, or fangs is a threat to young turkeys. All of the aforementioned species are also predators on the young, and baby turkeys are additionally susceptible to hawks, snakes, and medium-sized mammals like raccoons. Landowners have limited options available for directly dealing with many of these. Some, such as the birds of prey, are federally protected. For others like snakes, effective means for control do not exist.
The most significant group of predators effecting turkey populations are the nest predators. This group is broad, and is composed of everything from crows to armadillos. Perhaps the most notable of this suite are the raccoon, skunk, and opossum. These species love to dine on eggs, and are experts at sniffing out turkey nests. Most – but not all – nest failures are results of this group. On average, between 40 and 60 % of all turkey nests will be eaten before they are hatched, thus most predator control programs typically attempt to target this group with hopes that their reduction will lead to increased nest success within a particular area. However, research conducted by wildlife scientists has yielded mixed conclusions regarding the efficiency of predator control programs. Although some studies have shown that predator control can be an effective means of increasing turkey populations, others have suggested that even the most intensive predator control programs may only result in limited, short-lived success. This can largely be attributed to the extremely dynamic and complex relationship between predators and their prey. In many instances, removal of one predator may invite another, or the few remaining individuals will have much higher reproductive outputs to compensate for the temporary decline in the population. The bottom-line is that predator control must be intensive, large-scale, and continuous to even show minimal positive results, and this level of input is neither economical nor logistically feasible for most landowners. So have we covered turkey predators from top to bottom just to conclude that nothing can be done about them? Nope – you just have to think outside the “predator problem” box, by realizing that there are very few feasible options available to deal with predators, but there are many things that can be done to minimize predation.
As was stated at the beginning of this article, turkeys are one of the wariest creatures in the woods because they face threats at every turn. This, of course, is nothing new. Turkeys have been dealing with these dangers for eons and have still managed to survive because they are uniquely adapted to overcome the threat of predation when given the right conditions. Landowners with an interest in turkeys will receive far better results by focusing their efforts toward providing the birds with all the elements they need to gain an advantage over predators, rather than attempting to get rid of the predators themselves. This is why habitat management is important. When a property is managed with turkey habitat in mind, the birds will have the means necessary to avoid, detect, and evade predators, and under these circumstances predation may become a non-factor.
So what sort of habitat puts the odds for survival in favor of turkeys? The answer will vary depending on where turkeys are within their annual cycle. Nesting hens need dense vegetation near the ground that will keep them concealed. Likewise, young turkeys need low-growing, lush vegetation that allows them to forage without being exposed to predators and the elements. For adults, timber stands should not be so dense that the birds are unable to scan for potential danger. Creative interspersion of these habitat types can minimize the amount of travel required for the birds to meet their needs, which will further reduce exposure to predators. All of these elements are important parts of a turkey habitat management plan, and all of them can be addressed through specific management practices.
So keep in mind, the first step toward increasing turkey numbers is recognizing that quality habitat – rather than fewer predators – is most often all that is needed for the birds to thrive. If you are interested in learning more about how you can improve turkey habitat on your property, please contact Adam Butler at (601) 695-6795 or [email protected].
Turkeys have evolved a variety of strategies to protect themselves from predators. As prey animals, being vigilant and wary are key to their survival. Their behaviors, anatomy, and instincts all contribute to keeping them safe.
Roosting In Trees
One of the turkey’s main defenses is their habit of roosting in trees at night. Despite their large size, wild turkeys are adept at flying up into trees to spend the night. Perching up high provides safety from most predators.
The turkey’s powerful claws allow it to tightly grip branches Their toe arrangement with the hind toe facing backward provides balance for roosting Turkeys choose large trees with many branches that can support their weight. Typically they select the highest, sturdiest branches with dense foliage to obscure and shelter them.
Staying In A Flock
Wild turkeys spend most of their time on the ground, foraging in flocks. There is safety in numbers With many sets of eyes scanning for danger, threats can be detected faster
If a predator attacks the flock scatters in all directions making it difficult for the predator to single out one bird. Flocks also provide more vigilance over poults (baby turkeys). Adult turkeys surround poults to hide and protect them.
Camouflage Coloring
A turkey’s feathers provide remarkably effective camouflage. Their patterns and coloring blend seamlessly into their natural surroundings making them very difficult to spot.
Hens have brown and tan barred feathers that mimic leaf patterns on the forest floor where they spend much of their time. Toms have iridescent black and brown feathers that shine bronze, green, and copper when light hits them. This disguises their outline and makes them appear as part of the foliage.
Keen Vision And Hearing
A turkey’s senses are finely tuned to detect threats. They have excellent vision spanning 270 degrees around them. This wide panoramic view allows them to scan a large area without moving their head.
Their eyes are positioned on the sides of their head giving them peripheral vision. Slight head movements provide full 360 degree vision. Turkeys have sharp hearing and can perceive sound frequencies outside human range. Even with their head down while feeding, they can pick up danger sounds.
Fast Reaction Time
When sensing a threat, turkeys react instantly. If startled, they burst upward with powerful wing beats and take flight. On land they run surprisingly fast covering short distances up to 25 mph. This rapid reaction time gives them a head start to escape predators.
Aggressive Displays
While turkeys prefer to avoid confrontation, they have aggressive displays to stand their ground against predators. Toms puff themselves up to appear more imposing by spreading and dragging their wings on the ground.
Both toms and hens will charge towards predators while hissing, drumming, and pecking. Groups may mob or attack predators fearlessly to drive them away. Though bluffing at first, they will physically strike if pressed.
Sharp Spurs
Toms are equipped with natural weapons in the form of sharp, bony spurs on the back of their legs. Used in mating displays between toms, these spurs become lethal defensive tools against predators.
A kick from a tom’s powerful leg can stab and rip predators with their inch long spurs. This is a last resort when facing large predators. But spurs provide a painful deterrent and injury may make predators think twice before approaching turkeys.
Vocal alarms
Turkeys have a wide vocabulary of vocalizations. Specific calls communicate information to the flock about potential danger. For example, the “putt” is a soft warning call alerting others to be cautious.
Loud repetitive gobbles indicate a predator has been spotted. Poults give shrill distress calls when separated from the flock to alert adults. Calls requesting assembly of the flock are protective as there is safety in numbers.
Remaining Still
Turkeys may freeze and become motionless when sensing a threat nearby. Their mottled brown feathers blend into the surroundings, effectively camouflaging them.
Poults in particular will hide under foliage and remain utterly still. Their instinct is to avoid drawing attention and avoid detection. Stillness also allows them to locate the direction of danger sounds.
Identification Of Predators
Through generations, turkeys have learned typical predator behaviors and strategies. This allows them to recognize and respond to different threats. For example, owls hunt from above so looking upwards when hearing wing beats is key.
Foxes stalk prey on the ground so careful attention to forest floor movements is vital. Their calls even differentiate between ground or air predators. This identification informs their defensive response to each predator.
Guarding By Toms
In the spring, male turkeys are dedicated to guarding turkey hens and their nests. Toms stay alert and act as lookouts while hens nest.
They watch for predators like raccoons, opossums, and snakes that may raid nests for eggs. Aggressive toms will physically confront predators and lead them away from nesting hens.
Defending The Nest
Mother turkeys fiercely defend their nests from predators. Turkey hens won’t abandon their eggs easily. If disturbed at the nest, hens flattened themselves over their eggs to hide them.
They may confront predators with aggressive displays and strikes from their legs and wings. Hens have even been known to continue sitting on nests while being eaten by predators to protect their eggs.
Excellent Diversions
Turkey hens have a clever diversion strategy to draw predators away from poults and nests. When a predator approaches, hens will pretend to be injured by limping and fluttering on the ground.
This tactic triggers the predator’s instinct to attack. The “injured” hen leads the predator away from poults and nests, then miraculously recovers and escapes. Other hens may join in this Oscar-worthy acting performance.
Nests In Sheltered Areas
Hens select nesting sites with protective cover from the elements and concealed from predators. They nest on the ground hidden in thick brush and tall grass.
Hens look for landscape features like downed logs, stumps, or rocky outcrops that provide further screening. Their camouflage plumage blends into the landscape, obscuring hens from view.
Renesting Attempts
Predators like raccoons often discover turkey nests despite the hen’s best efforts. Turkey hens demonstrate persistence in the face of predation. If a nest is raided, they will leave the area and initiate a new nest at a different concealed site.
Hens will make repeated re-nesting attempts until they successfully hatch a brood. This determination to reproduce ensures continuation of the species despite predation.
Poults Follow The Hen
Newly hatched poults are vulnerable to predators as they cannot fly for the first two weeks. But poults have the protective parenting of the hen. They recognize her calls immediately and follow her closely.
The hen leads poults to food sources and shelters them under her wings for warmth. If danger is detected, poults take cover underneath the hen. She becomes aggressive towards predators to protect her offspring.
No Turkey Left Behind
Turkey hens keep track of every poult and will not leave any behind. They patiently wait for straggling poults and call until all have reassembled. If a predator takes a poult, hens have been observed attacking the predator in an attempt to save poults.
At night, hens gather all poults near herself on the roost. Her body blocks poults from view and predators have difficulty separating a hen from her brood in the dark.
Safety In Numbers
There is security in group numbers. Several turkey hens often nest in the same area and combine their broods after hatching. With multiple attentive hens, it is tougher for predators to attack poults.
Throughout the year, turkeys form flocks with strength in numbers. Isolated turkeys are more vulnerable to predators. But flocks provide safety through joint vigilance, mobbing of predators, and better chance of escape.
Renewed Spring Caution
In fall and winter, flocks become less cautious as there are fewer predators and turkeys are not occupied with mating or nesting. Come springtime when mating and nesting commence, predator threats resurge.
Turkeys renew their vigilance and protective behaviors during breeding season. Toms are extra alert in guarding hens. Hens carefully conceal their nests and devote all efforts to incubation and poult rearing.
Learning Through Experience
Turkey hens that survive predator encounters pass knowledge to offspring. More experienced hens demonstrate greater caution towards predators and threats. Their poults in turn learn and adopt proven survival strategies.
Each successive generation hones the turkey’s defenses and anti-predator skillset. Like an arms race, predators evolve more advanced strategies and turkeys counter by improving their protections. This cycle continues over time.
Partnering With Humans
Domesticated turkeys rely on the protection of their human caretakers. Farmers use secure shelters and enclosing fences to keep predators out. Larger livestock like don
Proven Methods to Remove Turkey Predators | Turkey Hunting
FAQ
How do turkeys survive predators?
How does turkey protect itself?
What is the #1 predator of the wild turkey?
How does a turkey vulture protect itself from predators?
Do predators kill wild turkeys?
The next truth is a bitter one: predators kill wild turkeys. This reality stings but is unavoidable. It can be sobering to realize natural predators take more than hunters do, but a look at the numbers drives this truth home. Each year, nearly three-quarters of nests fail, mostly from predation. Eight of 10 poults, on average, are quickly killed.
How do turkeys protect their young?
The females are very protective of their young. When there is danger, the baby turkeys, known as poults, will run and hide, and remain perfectly still in the brush until the predator has passed. The mother hen will also fake an injury to distract the predator while the young scatter.
How do turkeys defend themselves against predators?
To defend themselves against predators, turkeys may kick with their legs, utilizing the spurs on the back of their legs as weapons, bite with their beak, and ram with their comparatively huge bodies, and they may be able to discourage predators as large as mid-sized animals with their relatively enormous bodies.
Are turkeys predators?
Prey species must produce many more offspring than will survive to offset the multitude of predators that used them for food. Wild turkeys eat insects and other small animals, so they are predators, in a sense, but they become the prey of other birds, reptiles or mammals.