Factors Influencing Productivity of Eastern Wild Turkeys in Northeastern South Dakota

Population growth is highly sensitive to changes in reproductive rates for many avian species. Understanding how reproductive rates are related to environmental conditions can give managers insight into factors contributing to population change. Harvest trends of eastern wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris) in northeastern South Dakota suggest an apparent decline in abundance in recent years.  We therefore investigate factors influencing reproductive success of this important game bird to identify potential factors contributing to this decline. We monitored nesting rate, nest survival, re-nesting rate, clutch size, hatchability, and poult survival of 116 eastern wild turkey hens using VHF radio-transmitters during the springs and summers of 2017 and 2018. Heavier hens were more likely to attempt to nest than lighter hens, and adult hens were more likely to re-nest than yearling hens. Nest survival probability was lowest in agricultural fields relative to all other cover types an...