Data from: 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 and positively related to horizontal visual obstruction and distance
to the nearest road. Daily nest survival probability demonstrated an
interaction between temperature and precipitation, such that nest survival
probability was lower on warm, wet days, but lowest on dry days. Egg
predation was the leading cause of nest failure, followed by haying of the
nest bowl and death of the incubating hen. Poults reared by adult hens had
a greater probability of survival than poults reared by yearling hens. Our
estimate of survival probability of poults raised by yearling hens was low
relative to other studies, which may be contributing to the apparent
regional population decline. However, there is little managers can do to
influence poult survival in yearling hens. Alternatively, we
found nest survival probability was lowest for nests initiated in
agricultural fields. Wildlife-friendly harvesting practices in
the region such as delayed harvesting or installation of flushing bars
could help increase productivity of eastern wild turkey in northeastern
South Dakota.