Page 39 - Outdoor Oklahoma Magazine Mar-Apr2023

The plight of the wild turkey in Oklahoma quickly became a priority for the Wildlife
Department. It was time to embark on a major research project into what was caus- Turkey Hunting Rules
ing the decline. Allow One Tom in Spring
Research Supervisor Kurt Kuklinski said ODWC emphasized the importance of Oklahoma’s 2023 spring turkey
wild turkey declines by initiating a 4.5-year study. hunting season’s regulations are
“Just the fact that we’re willing to put almost $2 million on the line for a five-year unchanged from the 2022 season,
project, that shows at the administrative level that this was important.” when the bag limit and season
The research is focusing on demographic parameters of turkeys at sites in south- dates were changed in response to
eastern and southwestern Oklahoma, and genetic variation in wild turkeys across a decline in wild turkey numbers.
the state. Specifically, researchers are examining nesting success, nesting site char- Hunters planning to pursue any of
acteristics, and cause-specific mortality of poults and hens. the three subspecies of wild turkeys
The genetic analyses will focus on evaluating genetic heterozygosity, gene flow, found in Oklahoma are reminded of
and metapopulation dynamics of regional turkey populations. Biologists anticipate these spring season regulations:
information from this study will assist in determining priority areas for turkey conser-
• Wild turkey hunting season
vation and provide recommendations for specific wild turkey management.
Entering its second year in 2023, researchers have already trapped and tracked dates are April 16 to May16,
statewide.
wild turkeys in southeastern Oklahoma, and are preparing for the first trapping sea-
son in the southwest. They are also preparing the first batch of collected biological
• The spring turkey season bag
samples to undergo extensive genetic analysis.
limit is one tom turkey per
The project involves ODWC, the Oklahoma Cooperative Fish and Wildlife
hunter. A tom is defined as
Research Unit, Texas A&M University-Kingsville, the federal Wildlife Restoration
any bearded turkey.
Program, other state and federal entities, and private landowners who are working
together to address wild turkey population dynamics. • Rifles and handguns are illegal
Stated research objectives are to: methods of take in the spring
• Evaluate nest initiation rates, clutch size, nest success, nest site characteristics, season. Archery and shotgun
and habitat selection of nesting wild turkey at sites in southeastern and south- (conventional or muzzleload-
western Oklahoma. ing) are permitted.
• Evaluate brood ecology by monitoring poult survival and habitat selection for
• The 2023 youth spring tur-
wild turkey broods.
key season will be Saturday,
• Determine seasonal movement and habitat selection of wild turkey.
April 8,and Sunday, April 9,
• Determine survival of wild turkeys for breeding and nonbreeding hens based on
for hunters 17 or younger
VHF data. Leg bands are being used to estimate harvest rates for male turkeys.
(accompanied by an adult).
• Determine how fragmentation and landscape features influence gene flow and
genetic diversity among turkey populations. • A turkey taken during youth
• Determine if any populations are isolated or have low genetic diversity. spring turkey season counts
• Determine patterns of hybridization and introgression between genetic stocks toward the regular season
founded by the Rio Grande and Eastern wild turkey subspecies. limit of one turkey per hunter.
• Provide best management practices for wild turkey management and incorpo-
rate research findings into public outreach and extension programs. • Unfilled spring youth turkey
When this major research project wraps up in June 2026, biologists expect it will license remains valid during
provide a better understanding into the cause of current wild turkey population the regular spring season.
declines, and will add to the collective science and best management practices for
wild turkey management in Oklahoma and across the nation.

To receive regular reports about the ongoing turkey research
project, sign up to receive the Upland Update e-newsletter; just
scan this code:

MARCH/APRIL 2023 37