In late April, mated females slip away from the flock. They choose nesting spots in wooded or brushy areas, near water sources and usually close to forest clearings or old fields. It may be located under the curve of a fallen log, concealed by vegetation or fallen branches or at the base of a tree. The gobbler's sperm is stored in the hen's oviduct, so that fertilized eggs may be laid up to four weeks after mating. One mating is usually sufficient to fertilize an entire clutch.
Eggs are oval and pointed markedly at one end.
The smooth, dull shells are colored pale buff and are evenly marked with reddish-brown spots or fine dots. Incubation takes about 28 days. After young hatch, the hen broods them until they're dry and then, if the weather is mild, leads them away from the nest. They're covered with a fine, brownish fuzz and even at hatching have a wild turkey's distinctive long neck and legs. Easy game for predators, their main defense is to hide.