This Turkey Tuesday is about looking ahead – in this case, to the transition from winter to spring. For many of us turkey hunters, our minds are already wandering ahead to days afield later this spring and we’re making plans for activities months from now. Interestingly, the same can be said in the wild turkey world – that is, birds are performing activities now that will influence many things in the days ahead. Toms are displaying around each other, and even around hen flocks, and you’ll occasionally hear gobbling on warmer days – these actions are directed at maintaining dominance within winter flocks rather than attracting hens. Dominance transcends into spring, so now isn’t a time for toms to rest on their laurels. Some birds within winter flocks will temporarily leave for a few days before returning, even spending time alone or with birds from other nearby flocks. But the real gameplan for wild turkeys right now is to pack on fat – sort of like many of us do over the holidays! Building fat reserves now is critical to success months from now, as those reserves help toms deal with the stresses of spring breeding and hens with greater fat reserves have a better chance of nesting successfully. So, wild turkeys will reach peak body weights in the upcoming weeks. The take home is, wild turkeys are now focused on activities that will influence their success later this spring as breeding season approaches.
Pic by Jami Lindler.
