Behavior and Movement of Wild Turkey Broods

We used GPS data from hens with broods to study various aspects of brood behaviors.  We found that only 36% of broods survived the first month after hatching.  Brood movements increased dramatically after they were 3 days old, and they spent most of their time each day within an area of about 10 acres.  Broods selected for open areas within the densely forested sites we worked on, and broods that moved more had lower survival.  The take-home is, quality brood habitat is a critical component of managing for wild turkeys.