When predation, hunting, and habitat change mortalities are combined, predation of nests and poults may have a significant impact on rate of increase of the turkey population. Whether predation significantly impacts a turkey population is a function of many interacting variables. Most predator-turkey encounters are random. The impacts of predation upon turkey populations vary by season, location, and land use patterns. It should be noted that these six conditions are true for predation on other animals as well.
Predator control remains controversial.
Under specific situations it may be warranted, such as when introducing or reintroducing turkeys to former range. However, this should only continue until a viable turkey population is established. Studies have shown that viable turkey populations can generally withstand predation and that often predator control in the long term is ineffective and not cost-justified. The position of the wildlife profession on predator control is cautious and only supports programs that are the minimum required and are justified, encourages use of efficient, safe, economical, and humane methods of control, as well as research to improve control methods, and encourages federal and state regulation of control programs. An alternative to predator control is maintaining quality habitat, which is important in wild turkey management and has been demonstrated to have an impact on predation rate of turkeys.