The 1,582.6 square miles of land that is Millerstown and Liverpool’s, as well as the surrounding areas, Wildlife Management Unit(WMU), 4B, has not been immune to the decreasing turkey population. In fact, 4B’s turkey population density is below what the Game Commission would like to see. Due to this population decrease, the Game Commission is recommending the fall turkey season be limited to one week instead of two, in 2021.
4B’s neighboring WMU, SA, is recommended to have an entirely closed season for the Fall of 2021. There is hope for the turkeys in 4B. With shortening the season, 4B should be on track to meet its population density goal sooner rather than later.
A trap and transfer method for growing turkey populations in the state helped to boost
growth in the species in the ’90s. Before anything drastic like this is done, the Game Commission is conducting a tag and release study on gobblers (male turkeys) to see how the population does during the spring season. This study is running from this January till March of 2021. This will aid in providing the Commission with concrete data on how the turkey population survives through the winter season and spring hunting in the state. If you harvest a turkey with a leg band, directions for contacting the Game Commission are listed on the tag. The data from these studies are a crucial part in determining season lengths.
The Game Commission has highlighted several reasons why the turkey populations are declining. A major reason the Commission cites is that there has been major habitat loss and or changes. Many young forests can't supply the necessary food for turkeys, let alone all of the other wildlife. It also makes roosting difficult for the birds, as there is often less thick cover for the birds to hide.
Another reason the Commission puts on the table is the matter of an increasingly irregular climate. More severe spring rains have been a likely negative consequence to nesting and population growth.
Over predation has become a concern in isolated instances, but can prove to be disastrous to a wide variety of species like turkeys. This can become more prevalent when deforestation occurs and a turkey is left to fend for itself with little places to hide.
Disease is likely another cause for the decline of turkeys. The after-effects of certain diseases are still unknown. That is to say that the turkey had not perished. West Nile Virus antibodies, a serious disease that affects many different bird species, were found in 34% of 194 turkeys submitted to a state lab in 2019. This data suggests turkeys are building immunity, but those who survive may have to deal with the unknown after-effects mentioned above.
A final reason turkey populations in the state are declining is overhunting. Due to the decreased number of turkeys, the number of turkeys harvested in a year therefore needs to be lowered so the species survive.
What you can do to help the Game Commission with the turkey population:
One major thing you can do is plant trees! Native trees like evergreens and hardwoods are excellent for roosting and hiding in forests. Also, consider evergreen shrubbery like mountain laurel which provides hiding spaces all year long for the turkeys.
When harvesting hens in the fall, look for year old or young hens, as adult hens have a greater nesting success rate than beginners. While outside, if you ever stumble across a sick turkey or any animal, you are advised to contact your local state game officials.
One helpful thing you can do is start trapping. The number of trappers in PA has gone down substantially, leaving many predator populations souring. It is a rewarding but time-consuming option with the possibility of earning money if you sell your furs.
With new management practices, research, finding solutions to the problems mentioned above, and help from the public the Game Commission is certain the turkeys will thrive once more. Remember the things you can do to help the turkeys!
Works Cited:
Marcus, Schneck. “Pennsylvania Game Commission enters year 2 of turkey trapping.” PennLive, Advance Publications, 22 Jan. 2021, https://www.pennlive.com/life/2021/01/turkey-group-looking
-for-wild-turkeys-to-trap-in-pennsylvania.html.
Marcus, Schneck. “How is West Nile virus impacting Pennsylvania’s turkey population?” PennLive, Advance Publications, 29 Oct. 2020, https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/10/how-is-west-nile-virus
-impacting-pennsylvanias-turkey-population.html.
“5 ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INFLUENCING TURKEYS.” Hunt Wild PA, Pennsylvania Game Commision, 09 Mar. 2017, https://huntwildpa.com/2017/03/09/5-environmental-factors
-influencing-turkeys/.
Casalena Jo, Mary. “Wild Turkey Management Update.” YouTube, uploaded by PA Game Commission, 26 Jan. 2021, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQUsRKDU0jU.
“Hen with Poults.” The Morning Call, Contributors: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Tribune Publishing, 05 Aug. 2016, https://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-pa-inaugural-turkey
-survey-20160805-story.html.
“The fall turkey hunting seasons opens Saturday, October 31, across most of Pennsylvania.” PennLive, Advance Publications, 27 Oct. 2020, https://www.pennlive.com/life/2020/10/outlook
-mixed-for-turkey-hunting-season-opening-saturday.html.
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