They have a closed canopy before being thinned and are definitely poor turkey habitat. Gobblers on TWMA preferred young clearcuts, likely due to production of insects and seeds. To me, it indicates that turkeys not only can survive in pine plantation systems, but can actually do quite well. Not too many years ago, it was thought turkeys could only survive in extensive stands of hardwood forests. Today, we know that is not true.
Wild turkeys are remarkably adaptable and can survive in a wide range of environments.
However, I feel that certain practices must be conducted to maintain good populations of turkeys on these areas. Hard mast production in such areas can be important. The amount of area needed in mature forest has not been studied. Prescribed burning during the rotation would be very helpful as well. Again, prescribed fire will only enhance habitat conditions for turkeys.