James E. Miller 

Professor Emeritus

Mississippi State University 

Starkville, Mississippi

 

Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Like other bird and mammal species 

whose populations have been restored 

through conservation efforts, wild turkeys 

(Figure 1) are treasured by many 

recreationists and outdoor enthusiasts. 

Wild turkeys have responded positively to 

wildlife habitat and population 

management. In some areas, however, 

their increased populations have led to 

increased damage to property and 

agricultural crops, and threats to human 

health and safety. 

Turkeys frequent agricultural fields, 

pastures, vineyards and orchards, as well 

as some urban and suburban 

neighborhoods. Because of this, they may 

cause damage or mistakenly be blamed 

for damage. Research has found that 

despite increases in turkey numbers and 

complaints, damage is often caused by 

other mammalian or bird species, not 

turkeys. In the instances where turkeys did 

cause damage, it was to specialty crops, 

vineyards, orchards, hay bales or silage 

pits during the winter. In cultured crops or 

gardens where wood chips, pine straw or 

other bedding materials (mulch) are 

placed around plants, wild turkeys 

sometimes scratch or dig up the material 

and damage plants when searching for 

food. 

Wild turkeys can also be aggressive 

towards people, especially during the 

breeding season.

Wildlife Damage Management 

Technical Series

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

Wildlife Services

January 2018 Wild Turkeys

Figure 1. Male (left) and female (right) wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)

Quick Links

Human-Wildlife Conflicts 1

Damage Identification 3

Management Methods 3

Economics 5

Species Overview 6

Legal Status 9

Glossary & Key Words 10

Resources 11 

Appendix 12 
Crops

Reports of wild turkey damage to agriculture have 

increased as turkey populations have expanded. Reports 

often come during the growing season when turkeys are 

seen in corn, soybean, sorghum, peanut, melon, bean and 

pea fields, and other small grain and vegetable crops. 

Turkeys may cause damage to fruit orchards, grape 

vineyards, and specialty crops that are mulched or bedded. 

Wild turkey damage also occurs in open silage pits and 

from scratching wheat, oat or hay bales during the winter. 

Studies done within the last 15 years show the majority of 

damage, particularly in agricultural crops, attributed to wild 

turkeys is actually caused by other wildlife species. Wild 

turkeys observed in crop fields, orchards or vineyards 

during the growing season are likely feeding on other 

foods, such as insects, weeds or waste grain/seeds from 

previous crops. A wildlife damage management 

professional should assess the situation before 

management action is taken. 

Human Health and Safety

Wild turkeys that adapt to urban or suburban communities, 

especially young and mature males during the breeding 

season, can become quite aggressive towards people. 

Rarely do they cause serious damage, although they often 

will chase and harass children. Elderly individuals are also 

at risk from falls associated with aggressive turkeys.

Wild turkeys, like other wildlife species, can become a 

hazard to people and rarely survive collisions with 

airplanes and cars. According to the Federal Aviation 

Administration’s Wildlife Strike Database, a total of 61 

collisions occurred between wild turkeys and airplanes 

across 24 states from 2000-2017. 

Wild turkeys are susceptible to a number of diseases, as 

well as both internal and external parasites. Some 

common infectious diseases include avian pox, 

Lymphoproliferative neoplasms (transmissible tumors), 

infectious sinusitis and histomoniasis (blackhead disease). 

Most of these are transmitted to wild turkeys from 

domestic poultry sources. Although these and other 

infectious diseases are sometimes found in wild turkeys, 

none are known to pose a human health threat. However, 

health experts recommend not handling nor eating wild 

turkeys known to have an infectious disease.

Wild turkeys are also hosts for a variety of internal 

parasites, including protozoans, trematodes, cestodes, 

acanthicephalans, nematodes and arthropods. Except for 

the protozoa Histomonas meleagridis, these parasites 

rarely cause mortality in wild turkeys. Although weakened 

birds are more susceptible to predators and disease. 

External parasites found on turkeys include ticks, mites, 

lice and louse flies. Some of these can be transmitted to 

people. Wear appropriate protective gear, such as rubber 

gloves, when handling live or harvested turkeys. 

Figure 2. Turkeys on a roof in a residential neighborhood.

Page 2 WDM Technical Series─Wild Turkeys

Figure 3. Wild turkeys blocking traffic.
Structures

Like other territorial birds, wild turkeys often perceive 

their reflection as an intruding bird and attack the 

reflective surface. For instance, a wild turkey may 

scratch or damage a window, door or mirror on a parked 

vehicle when it sees its reflection. Turkeys may also 

repeatedly attack ground level windows on residential 

and commercial buildings. The behavior can go on for 

days or weeks, possibly damaging the window or the trim 

surrounding the window.

Nuisance

Nuisance reports of wild turkeys in rural, suburban and 

urban areas include scratching in yards, flower beds, 

mulched areas or gardens; using bird feeders; leaving fecal 

droppings on yards, decks, porches, and sidewalks; 

attacking reflections in glass or sides of vehicles; damage 

to roofing materials from roosting (Figure 2); noise from 

roosting birds; fecal and scratch damage left on parked 

cars or trucks; aggressive behavior towards people; and 

impeding traffic (Figure 3). Much of this is caused by 

habituation to people.

Damage Identification

Wild turkey damage can often be difficult to distinguish 

from other wildlife damage. It includes feeding on seeds, 

seedlings or other plant material (Figure 4); scratching and 

digging up mulch and other gardening materials; damaging 

cars, windows or other reflective surfaces; and polluting 

areas with fecal material. 

Management Methods

No single management method to prevent wild turkey 

damage works all the time or in all settings. Generally, 

management methods should be combined so that one 

method enhances the effects of another.

Because of existing regulations on the harassment or 

lethal removal of wild turkeys, contact a state or federal 

agency natural resources professional to assess the 

situation, confirm it is wild turkey damage, and provide 

damage management recommendations.

Habitat Modification

The best way to modify the habitat to prevent wild turkey 

damage is to eliminate access or remove attractants, such 

as bird feeders, livestock feed or other food sources. 

Covering mulched areas or fencing small flower gardens, 

vegetable gardens or vineyards when feasible may also 

help reduce damage. Landowners may also control insect 

populations to reduce the availability of this food source.

Exclusion

Excluding wild turkeys from areas is difficult as they can fly 

and will often fly over low fences. Fencing can deter, but 

not prevent, wild turkey access to highly attractive areas. 

The cost of excluding wild turkeys may be worthwhile to 

prevent damage to specialty crops or smaller flower and 

vegetable gardens. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 3

Figure 4. Wild turkey damage to corn seedlings.
15-mm pyrotechnics (e.g., screamers and bangers), and 

long range pyrotechnics (e.g., CAPA rounds). Users should 

be trained in the safe use and handling of these tools to 

prevent injury and fires. Permits from the Bureau of 

Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms are required for the use of 

some classes of pyrotechnics by individuals and nongovernmental entities.

Propane cannons are noise-making devices (Figure 5). 

These devices can be placed at locations and activated by 

a timer or remote control. Birds quickly habituate to 

propane cannons, if their use is predictable. Move the 

device frequently and only trigger it when necessary.

Biological

Harassment using human or other animal activity (such as 

a pet dog) in an area frequented by wild turkeys can be an 

effective deterrent. Check local and state regulations 

before attempting as this may not be legal in some areas. 

Where legal, exhibit dominant behavior toward turkeys, 

scare them with loud noises and chase them off the 

property. Defend against aggressive turkeys with a broom, 

open umbrella, cane or spray them with a water hose. 

Repellents

No repellents are currently registered for use with wild 

turkeys.

Shooting

Most states have official hunting seasons for wild turkeys 

which can help alleviate damage associated with the birds. 

If the level of complaints is high, the respective state or 

provincial fish and wildlife agency may expand hunting 

seasons (e.g., lengthen a season or increase the bag limit) 

in the specific management zone or area where damage 

has been confirmed. However, most often they will be 

reluctant to change seasons or bag limits, and may instead 

provide damage permits to the individuals or communities 

where significant damage is occurring. In situations where 

wild turkeys threaten public safety (i.e., birds at airports), 

state or federal agencies often remove individuals or flocks 

through trapping or lethal control. 

Page 4 WDM Technical Series─Wild Turkeys

Fertility Control

None available.

Frightening Devices

Multiple nonlethal frightening devices or harassment 

methods are available for use with wild turkeys. They are 

only effective for short periods of time as birds quickly 

become habituated to them. For best results, use a variety 

of devices and change their location and frequency of use 

regularly.

Auditory and Visual

Although wild turkeys vocalize distress and alarm calls, 

using the recordings of such calls as frightening devices 

only deters wild turkeys for a short period of time.

Some frightening devices, such as Mylar® tape and 

balloons tied or attached to stakes, owl effigies/decoys, 

and scarecrows are used with limited success. Motionactivated sprinklers can be used to keep wild turkeys out 

of flowerbeds. Inflatable air dancers have been used to 

scare turkeys from roost trees.

When applied at varying locations and intervals, 

pyrotechnics can effectively scare both individual wild 

turkeys and flocks. These wildlife control explosives include 

a variety of different products, such as shell crackers, 

Figure 5. Propane cannons are noise devices used to scare birds and other 

wildlife.
Toxicants

No toxicants are currently registered for use with wild 

turkeys.

Trapping

Wild turkeys can be live-trapped using several trapping 

tools and techniques, including rocket or cannon nets over 

baited sites, large drop net traps over baited sites, and net 

guns over baited sites. 

In some situations, wild turkeys may be captured and 

moved by USDA Wildlife Services or state officials 

particularly if the state is trying to establish flocks in 

currently unoccupied, but suitable, habitats. 

Euthanasia

Shooting is the most common method of humane killing for 

wild turkeys. Cervical dislocation and carbon dioxide gas 

are also used.

Disposal

Check local and state regulations regarding carcass 

disposal. 

Economics

Wild turkeys are treasured game birds that are avidly 

sought after by recreational users, including hunters and 

other wildlife enthusiasts (Figure 6). The economic value 

for spring gobbler season to the local, state, and U.S. 

economy was estimated at $4.4 billion according to a 

study by Southwick Associates. The 2003 study estimated 

that nationally, more than 2.2 million spring gobbler 

hunters spent nearly $1.8 billion and stimulated a total 

economic activity of $4.4 billion. This supported 41,323 

jobs, $88.9 million in state sales tax and income tax 

revenues, and $198.6 million in federal income tax. 

The extent of damage and economic losses from wild 

turkeys is unknown. One appraisal estimated wild turkey 

damage to agricultural crops in Wisconsin from 2005-

2016 to be $654,970 with the majority associated with 

ginseng (Figure 7). This multi-year crop is grown under 

shade and covered with straw for winter protection. Wild 

turkeys frequent the shaded areas in search of insects and 

seeds in the winter. Their scratching damages the plants. 

Fortunately, where turkeys cause damage, a variety of 

acceptable prevention or control techniques can be 

implemented. Anyone with concern about wild turkey 

damage or threats to public safety should contact their 

state or federal wildlife agency for assistance. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 5

Figure 6. Wild turkeys are hunted throughout the continental United States.

Figure 7. Ginseng is a valuable specialty crop that has experienced damage 

from wild turkeys. 
Page 6 WDM Technical Series─Wild Turkeys

Species Overview

Identification

The term “wild turkey” refers to members of five North 

American subspecies that belong to the order Galliformes, 

family Meleagridae, and genus Meleagris. Currently, wild 

turkeys are in the subfamily Meleagridinae within the 

family Phasianidae. Subspecies commonly recognized in 

North America include:

 Eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris);

 Florida wild turkey (M. gallopvo osceola); 

 Rio Grande wild turkey (M. gallopavo intermedia); 

 Merriam’s wild turkey (M. gallopavo merriami); and

 Goulds wild turkey (M. gallopavo Mexicana). 

Physical Description

Wild turkeys are large, sexually-dimorphic birds with long 

legs, wide and rounded tails, long necks and small heads. 

Large adult males (also known as toms or gobblers) may 

weigh from 15 to 35 pounds throughout their range in 

North America, with the average being 17 to 21 pounds. 

Females (or hens) usually do not exceed 13 pounds, with 

the average size 8 to 11 pounds. 

Large feet and powerful legs enable the turkey to run 

between 12 to 18 miles per hour. They also enable the 

birds to scratch through leaves, duff, and heavy soil, and 

burst into flight. 

Wild turkeys have dark, bronze-green iridescent feathers 

over most of their bodies. The “beard” that grows from the 

center of the turkey’s breast is made from feathers that 

look like hair. They are commonly found on adult males 

and occasionally on females. Depending upon their 

physiological state during the breeding season, the bare 

skin on the males’ heads and necks can change quickly 

from a bluish-gray color to brilliant red, white and blue that 

is very noticeable to female turkeys and hunters. 

Each subspecies is distinguished primarily by different 

colored tail feather tips, rump patches or wing feather 

barring, as well as other distinguishing features (e.g., 

length of leg bone). Where two or more subspecies’ ranges 

overlap, interbreeding can occur making it difficult to 

recognize distinct subspecies. 

Range

Significant restoration efforts by state and federal wildlife 

agencies during the last half of the 20th century have 

enabled wild turkey populations to become established 

and sustained in 49 of the 50 states (including Hawaii) 

within the U.S. and six provinces in Canada (Figure 8). 

Some populations have also been established in New 

Zealand and several European countries. 

Voice and Sounds

Wild turkeys have many distinct vocalizations. Recreational 

hunters try to imitate the “yelp” and other calls of female 

Figure 8. Range of wild turkey. 
turkeys to attract males to their location, and sometimes a 

gobble call is used as well to challenge aggressive males. 

Both male and female wild turkeys will cluck and purr 

when content.

Turkeys have acute hearing even though they do not 

possess visible external ears. The ear opening is covered 

with fine bristle feathers. They do not have ear flaps or 

pinnae which normally concentrate sound waves. Research 

indicates that turkeys hear lower pitched and more distant 

sounds than people, and can readily distinguish the 

location of calls from other turkeys or people imitating 

turkey calls. 

Tracks and Signs

Wild turkeys often leave tracks and other signs, such as 

feathers, droppings and dusting areas. Wild turkey tracks 

show three toes forward and one smaller toe backward, 

and measure about 33⁄4 to 5 inches long by 4 to 51⁄2 inches 

wide (Figure 9), with male turkey tracks considerably larger 

than female tracks. 

Wild turkey droppings of adult hens are usually looped, 

spiral or bulbous in shape, whereas adult gobbler 

droppings are usually in a J or L shape, straighter, longer 

and larger in diameter. Both may have portions of the 

dropping that are lighter in color. Dusting areas are shallow 

depressions in dry dirt or sandy ground where the birds 

take dust baths. Feathers and scratch marks may be 

present. 

Reproduction

Wild turkeys are polygynous (i.e., males mate with many 

females). Their breeding behavior is triggered primarily by 

the increase of daylight hours in the spring, although 

unseasonably warm or cold weather may advance or delay 

breeding activity. Male wild turkeys have an elaborate 

courtship behavior called “strutting” that begins during late 

winter. They puff out their feathers, spread their tails and 

drag their wings. Males can breed and inseminate females 

throughout the spring and early summer months. 

Turkeys are ground nesters. Females typically lay between 

4 and 17 eggs. Incubation is between 25 and 31 days. 

Females will nest again, if their nests are predated or 

destroyed. However, subsequent nests are usually less 

productive. Young turkeys (poults) are precocial, staying 

with the adult female through the fall (males) and early 

spring (females).

Mortality

The mean life expectancy of wild turkeys is 1.3 to 1.6 

years, although one banded wild turkey lived up to 10 

years. 

Adult females, eggs, and poults up to a few weeks old are 

extremely vulnerable to predators. In addition to predation 

and human hunting, other causes of mortality include 

weather (i.e., rain and cold temperatures), diseases and 

body parasites.

Population Status

In the early 1900s, fewer than 40,000 wild turkeys existed 

throughout North America. In 1959, wild turkey 

populations within the U.S. were estimated at 250,000 

birds. Today, as a result of successful restoration efforts 

and their adaptability, wild turkeys are commonly observed 

throughout most of North America. Their population is 

estimated between 6.5 to 6.7 million birds. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 7

Figure 9. Wild turkey tracks. Note right track is missing the imprint of the 

back toe.
Habitat 

Wild turkey habitat includes riparian zones, oak forests, 

pine savannas, forest clearings, grasslands, meadows and 

pastures. Forested areas are often used for foraging, 

daytime resting and escape cover, and nighttime roosting. 

Grasslands and other open areas are used primarily for 

foraging (Figure 10).

Although originally thought to be limited to large remote 

forested areas, wild turkeys have adapted to a variety of 

habitats including some urban and suburban areas. 

Human-impacted landscapes are often where most 

conflicts occur between people and wild turkeys.

Behavior

Wild turkeys are highly social animals usually forming large 

flocks. For instance, female brood flocks may contain 200 

or more individuals during the winter when many broods 

gather together. 

Male turkeys compete for females. Courting males gobble 

and display to attract females and warn competing males 

(Figure 11). Fighting between males is common during the 

breeding season.

Wild turkeys have excellent vision. Like many other birds, 

they can detect color and variations of color. Because their 

eyes are on the side of their head, turkeys have 

predominantly monocular, periscopic vision. By turning 

their head slightly, turkeys have a 360° field of vision. 

Their night vision is poor and the birds are primarily active 

during the daylight hours. 

Although they mostly get around by walking, wild turkeys 

can fly. If startled, they may take to the air or run. Flying 

close to the ground, they can travel up to a quarter mile 

(400 meters) at a time. A wild turkey in flight has been 

clocked at up to 55 miles per hour. 

Food Habits

Wild turkeys have a poor sense of taste and smell because 

they have few taste buds and very small olfactory lobes in 

the forepart of the brain. In food selection, color and shape 

appear to be much more important than either taste or 

smell. 

Wild turkeys are omnivorous ground feeders, that forage 

opportunistically on both plants and animals, including 

nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and small reptiles. The shape 

of their bill enables them to peck through forest litter and 

eat fairly large items, such as acorns and hickory nuts (0.5 

to 2.5 inches). 

Examinations of wild turkey crops and gizzards reveal that 

354 species of plants and some 313 species of animal 

matter have been eaten by wild turkeys. Feeding activity by 

wild turkeys is best described as opportunistic and 

Page 8 WDM Technical Series─Wild Turkeys

Figure 11. Strutting wild turkeys.

Figure 10. Wild turkey habitat is a mixture of forested areas and meadows.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 9

nomadic, in that they seem to wander aimlessly, yet are 

very purposeful in locating and obtaining various food 

items. Their scratching and pecking behavior aids in 

finding and obtaining different foods. They will scratch in 

flowerbeds or garden sites when available. Like most 

animals, turkeys will feed on food from waste grain, bird 

feeders and deer baiting sites. 

Turkeys typically feed soon after leaving their roosts early 

in the morning, and again in the mid- to late afternoon 

before heading back to their roosts. 

Legal Status 

Wild turkeys are a valuable game species, treasured by 

recreational hunters and wildlife enthusiasts. State, 

federal, and provincial wildlife management agencies, as 

well as private landowners across the nation, take great 

pride in the fact that wild turkey populations have been 

restored and managed for many years with great success. 

Agencies carefully regulate the taking of wild turkeys. A 

resident or non-resident license and, in some states, 

appropriate stamps or permits are required to legally 

harvest wild turkeys. Most states have spring and fall 

turkey seasons, although season schedules, bag limits, 

and related restrictions may vary by state. Additionally, 

regulations regarding the harassment, management or 

taking of wild turkeys because of damage or human health 

and safety threats also vary by state. Check requirements 

in your state or province before initiating any management 

practices. 
Page 10

Acknowledgements

Figure 1. Photo by Robert Burton, USFWS

Figure 2. Photo by Stephen Vantassel

Figure 3. Photo by Madison Wisconsin Police Department

Figure 4. Photo by Bill Cissel, University of Delware Cooperative Extension

Figure 5. Photo by Daniel Lile, Department of Defense U.S. Air Force 

Figure 6. Photo by Missouri Department of Conservation

Figure 7. Photo by Jim Tharman, USDA Wildlife Services

Figure 8. Map by The Birds of North America Online (A. Poole, Ed.). Ithaca: Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Figure 9. Photo by Wikimedia Commons, Virginia State Parks

Figure 10. Photo by Ohio Department of Natural Resources

Figure 11. Photo by Kevin Keirn

Key Words

Game bird, Meleagris gallopavo, Wild turkey

Disclaimer

Wildlife can threaten the health and safety of you and 

others in the area. Use of damage prevention and control 

methods also may pose risks to humans, pets, livestock, 

other non-target animals, and the environment. Be aware 

of the risks and take steps to reduce or eliminate those 

risks. 

Some methods mentioned in this document may not be 

legal, permitted, or appropriate in your area. Read and 

follow all pesticide label recommendations and local 

requirements. Check with personnel from your state 

wildlife agency and local officials to determine if methods 

are acceptable and allowed. 

Mention of any products, trademarks, or brand names 

does not constitute endorsement, nor does omission 

constitute criticism. 

Citation

Miller, J.E. 2018. Wild Turkeys. Wildlife Damage 

Management Technical Series. USDA, APHIS, WS National 

Wildlife Research Center. Fort Collins, Colorado. 12p.

Glossary

Brood: A family of young birds. 

Crop: A muscular pouch near the throat of a bird used to 

temporarlily store food. 

Gizzard: A muscular part of a bird’s stomach for grinding 

food, typically containing grit. 

Gobbler: Male wild turkey. 

Poult: A young turkey. 

Precocial: Young that leave the nest immediately upon 

hatching or birth and require limited parental care. 

Pyrotechnics: Flares or cartridges fired from a gun or 

launcher that produce a loud blast or scream accompanied 

by smoke and a flash of light. 

Sexually dimorphic: The males and females of a species 

show differences in coloration, size or body structure. 

WDM Technical Series─Wild Turkeys
U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 11

Resources

Davidson, W.R. and V.F. Nettles. 1997. Field manual of wildlife diseases in the Southeastern United States. Southeastern 

Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study. Univ. of Georgia, Athens, GA. pp. 263-284. 

Davidson, W.R. and E.J. Wentworth. 1992. Population influences: diseases and parasites. Pages 101-118 in Dickson, 

J.G., editor. The wild turkey: biology and management. Stackpole Books. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. USA. 

Gregonis, M.A., B.J. Hiller, R.E.A. Eriksen, and B.C. Tefft. 2011. Assessment of wild turkey-human conflicts throughout the 

United States and Canada. Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium 10:31-39.

Groepper, S.R., S.E. Hyngstrom, B. Houck, S.M. Vantassel. 2016. Real and perceived damage by wild turkeys: a literature 

review. Proc. Nat. Wild Turkey Symp. Vol. 11, pp. 371-378. 

Humberg, L.A., T.L. DeVault, B.J. McGowan, J.C. Beasley, and O.E. Rhodes, Jr. 2005. Crop depredation by wildlife in 

northcentral Indiana. Proceedings of the National Wild Turkey Symposium 9:59-65.

Hurst, G.A. 1992. Foods and feeding. Pages 66-83 in J.G. Dickson, editor, The Wild Turkey-Biology and Management. 

Stackpole, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.

Miller, J.E., B.C. Tefft, R.E. Eriksen, M. Gregonis. 2000. Turkey damage survey: a wildlife success story becoming another 

wildlife damage problem. Proceedings Ninth Wildlife Damage Management Conference. 9:24-32. State College, 

Pennsylvania, USA.

McRoberts, J.T., M.C. Wallace and S.W. Eaton. 2014. Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), version 2.0. In The Birds of North 

America (P. G. Rodewald, editor). Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Ithaca, New York, USA. https://doi.org/10.2173/bna.22

Mosby, H.S., and C.O. Handley. 1943. The wild turkey in Virginia: its status, life history, and management. Virginia Division

of Game, Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries. P.R. Projects. 281 pp.

National Wild Turkey Federation Technical Committee 2012. White paper: Addressing problems associated with 

abundant wild turkeys. 5 pp. National Wild Turkey Federation. Edgefield, S.C., USA.

National Wild Turkey Federation Technical Committee. 2003. California vineyard study. White paper: identifying species 

responsible for wine grape depredations in California. 9 pp. A joint study by the California Department of Fish and Game 

and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

Pelham, P.H., and J.G. Dickson. 1992. Physical characteristics. Pages 32-45 in J.G. Dickson, editor, The Wild TurkeyBiology and Management. Stackpole, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. USA.

Sanderson, G.C. and H.C. Shultz. 1973. Wild turkey management-current problems and programs. Univ. of Missouri 

Press. Columbia, MO. pp. 159-173. 

Southwick Associates, Inc. 2003. The economic contributions of spring turkey hunting. Study prepared for National Wild 

Turkey Federation. Fernandina Beach, Florida. August, 2003. 17pp.

Teft, B.C., M.A. Gregonis, R.E. Ericksen. 2005. Assessment of crop depredation by wild turkeys in the United States and 

Ontario, Canada. Wildl. Soc. Bull. 33: 590-595. 
Appendix 

Page 12

 

 

Type of Control 

 

Available Management Options 

Exclusion Install fencing or other barriers to prevent access 

Fertility Control None available

Frightening Devices  Pyrotechnics and propane cannons

 Mylar® tape, scare-eyes, balloons, kites, and effigies. 

 Dogs or human presence in an area 

Habitat Modification  Eliminate attractants, such as bird feeders.

 Cover mulched areas

 Fence small gardens

Repellents None available

Shooting Allowed with proper State permits or hunting licenses

Toxicants None available

Trapping Allowed with proper State permits; Live-trapping with rocket or cannon nets, drop nets or net guns.

Damage Management Methods for Wild Turkeys