This Turkey Tuesday is about trapping predators. Although we’re in the grips of winter, spring is coming, and with it, the reproductive season for wild turkeys. Predation is the primary cause of death for nests, poults, and hens. Because of this realization, predator trapping is one tool in the toolkit for managers wanting to seek ways to bolster their local wild turkey flocks. Here’s a few things to keep in mind if you’re considering adding trapping to your toolkit. One, give it a try! Trapping takes you outdoors at a time when you may otherwise not be and teaches an attention to detail when it comes to reading animal signs – it can also be quite rewarding. Two, framed around legal trapping seasons in your area, trap as close to the onset of nesting season as possible. Three, targeting multiple predator species is likely to be more impactful than only targeting one. Four, once implemented, trapping is more likely to show positive results if it’s repeated through time. Last, be realistic – removing one coyote doesn’t save one hen, nor does removing one raccoon save one nest. For coyotes in particular, removal efforts can be quickly undermined through an influx of transient individuals that research has shown comprises a significant segment of coyote populations – hence why repeatedly trapping is necessary. The take home is, trapping is a tool that can be used to bolster local wild turkey flocks, just be realistic in the expected outcome and enjoy the time outdoors as we look towards the future spring season.
Picture by Monte Loomis
