Wildlife need some obvious basics when it comes to survival; food, water and shelter.
But equally critical are safety from predators, and a place to generate offspring.
For Oklahoma’s largest game bird, the wild turkey, the latter two necessities are fueled heavily by the birds’ ability to see. Make no mistake… turkeys have far and away some of the greatest vision of any animal in Oklahoma, but it has its limitations. Dense vegetation and low spots in terrain prevent turkeys from seeing far-away threats, and these also lend themselves to giving predators a point of ambush.
Because of the risk of predation, turkeys favor open areas. Edges along timber stands, clearings within timber stands, and high spots in terrain or open prairies give turkeys the chance to see threats before they become a problem. And when it comes to mating in the spring, it gives them a better chance of locating each other, while offering the security of being able to continually scan for danger.
Oklahoma’s chief predators of wild turkeys are coyotes and bobcats, both pros when it comes to ambushing their prey. Coyotes, with their keen eyesight and laser-sharp hearing, can slink their way into range by using every tree and bush in their path. Bobcats are masters of camouflage and patience, and by using a low-crawling, slow approach, can use nothing more than tall grass to close the distance on a target.
Bunch grasses are a give-and-take for turkeys… they give via a place for hens to construct and tend a nest, but they take by, again, giving predators a place to hide. Bunch grasses that are thinner below are better suited to nesting, as well as escape cover and loafing cover for poults. Cattle, if available, are a great tool for thinning those grasses. As they move through to graze, each footstep and every mouthful serves to thin the grass out and create travel lanes and hiding spots for birds.
And when it comes to roosting trees, if the vegetation at the bottom of and around the tree becomes too thick and tangled, turkeys will abandon that roost and begin looking for alternative sites.
Those interested in lending a helping hand to the turkeys on their property can begin by looking high… at the shapes of trees. Those that have more pronounced horizontal branches will be favored as roost sites, so clear the vegetation back from beneath these to entice the birds to use them.
Next, consider scheduling a prescribed burn – or at least a few small ones – to open up some parcels and reset the vegetation and plant diversity. This will clear out the understory, promote healthy new growth, and will in turn give the turkeys a handful of clearings to navigate and use for feeding, loafing and mating.
Strip discing in the colder months is another option for knocking back old grasses and forbs, which encourages new growth. The soil will be churned up, thus exposing dormant seeds and allowing sunlight and moisture to penetrate.
Finally, consider doing some thinning within stands of timber. This can be achieved with hinge cutting or girdling a few trees, which will open up the canopy over time and allow sunlight and moisture to find its way to the ground below. Remember though, leave some large trees with horizontal branches for roosting sites.
If you are interested in making some wildlife-friendly improvements on your property, reach out to the private lands biologist in your area to schedule a visit.