Spittin Drummin MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT Mississippi Wild Turkey Report 1 MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, AND PARKS

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1 & Spittin Drummin MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT Mississippi Wild Turkey Report MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE, FISHERIES, AND PARKS

2 Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

3 Spittin And Drummin MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks Eastover Drive Jackson, MS 9 Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

4 Mississippi Wild Turkey Population Statistics Based on Spring Gobbler Hunting and Brood Surveys SPITTIN AND DRUMMIN : MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT Steve Gulledge THE SPRING GOBBLER HUNTING SURVEY (SGHS) WAS INITIATED IN TO PROVIDE THE MISSISSIPPI Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) biological information about the state s wild turkey resource. Each year, cooperating hunters record information about their spring gobbler hunts. The database obtained from this survey assists the MDWFP in monitoring populations and making management decisions in the best interest of the turkey resource and turkey hunters. The MDWFP appreciates the data collection efforts and comments from all hunters and hunting clubs who participate in the SGHS. All turkey hunters, regardless of their ability or experience, are encouraged to participate. This is an opportunity to be directly involved in the conservation and management of the wild turkey in Mississippi. An application for participation in the SGHS is provided at the end of this report. Private land data from the 7 SGHSs are presented graphically in the following statewide and regional summaries. The remainder of this introduction describes how the data were collected and summarized, along with important points to consider during interpretation. Most parameters are expressed as an average number per every or hours of hunting. Standardizing values by a specific number of hours hunted allows the rates to be compared among regions and years, even though hunter effort varies. Reproduction During June, July, and August, the annual wild turkey brood survey (initiated in 99) is conducted by personnel from the MDWFP, Mississippi Forestry Commission, U.S. Forest Service, and other cooperators. Brood surveys provide indices to reproduction and are valuable in monitoring turkey population trends. Hens observed with at least one poult are considered successful. Hens without poults are considered unsuccessful and either did not attempt to nest, abandoned their nest, lost their nest to predation or human disturbance or had no poults survive. Average brood size is the total number of poults divided by number of successful hens and is an index to poult survival. Poults per total hens is defined as the number of poults observed divided by total number of hens seen. Poults per total hens is the most practical reproductive index because it considers successful hens, unsuccessful hens and poult survival. Turkey observations are classified as gobblers, jakes, hens, or unknowns. Observation rates are reported as the average number of gobblers, jakes, or hens seen during hours of hunting. Total observations combine all turkeys seen, including unknowns. Observation rates provide indices to sex ratios, gobbler age ratios, population size, and population trends. Jake observations reflect the recruitment of males into the population from the previous year s hatch and provide an index to the potential number of -year-old gobblers in the population during the next spring turkey season. Steve Gulledge Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

5 Gobbling Activity The number of individual gobblers heard and the total number of gobbles heard are used as indices to gobbling activity. Gobbling activity is reported as the average number of gobblers and gobbles heard during hours of hunting. Gobbling activity is considered an indicator of hunting quality and may show a trend reflecting the number of gobblers in the population. Harvest Rates and Age Structure Harvest rates provide an index to hunter success and population size. Spur lengths generally increase with age and therefore provide an index to age structure of harvested gobblers. Spur lengths are classified into four length categories based on the longer of the two spur measurements for each harvested gobbler. Spurs less than half an inch long are classified as jakes or -year-old gobblers. Lengths between a half and one inch are generally -years-old. with spurs one to one and a quarter inch are considered -years-old, while birds with spur lengths over inch and a quarter are considered -years-old or older. Monitoring spur length distribution should reflect changes in gobbler age structure over time. If age structure is increasing, a higher percentage of gobblers harvested should be in the larger spur length categories. Spur length distributions are used to monitor the impact of harvest on the gobbler population and to evaluate season lengths and bag limits. Steve Gulledge Steve Gulledge POPULATION STATISTICS Steve Gulledge Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

6 Statewide STATEWIDE PRIVATE LAND DATA WERE COLLECTED DURING THE 7 season by more than hunting clubs and approximately individual hunters participating in the Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey. BOLIVAR COAHOMA SUNFLOWER TUNICA QUITMAN DESOTO TATE PANOLA BENTON MARSHALL TIPPAH YALOBUSHA CALHOUN TALLAHATCHIE CHICKASAW LEFLORE LAFAYETTE UNION PONTOTOC ALCORN PRENTISS LEE MONROE GRENADA CLAY WEBSTER MONT- GOMERY LOWNDES CARROLL CHOCTAW OKTIBBEHA TISHOMINGO ITAWAMBA WASHINGTON HUMPHREYS HOLMES ATTALA ISSAQUENA SHARKEY YAZOO LEAKE MADISON NOXUBEE WINSTON NESHOBA KEMPER SPITTIN AND DRUMMIN : MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT Reproduction Throughout June, July, and August of 7, the MDWFP turkey brood survey tallied a total of, hens. Of these, (%) successfully raised young. A total of,, poults were observed, and the average overall brood size was.9 poults. Of broods lead by a single adult hen, average brood size was. poults. The statewide average number of poults per hen (PPH) was. (Figure ). This tally was below the values of the prior three years, and approximately % below the -year PPH average (. PPH). Regional variation in reproduction was observed throughout the state. Harvest Rates & Age Structure Harvest per unit of effort increased statewide in 7. On average, participants in the Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey (SGHS) harvested approximately. gobblers per hours hunted (Figure ), which was a % increase over the harvest rate. Participants in the SGHS harvested gobblers throughout Mississippi. Of these, 7% were likely -year-old birds, whereas % had spurs greater than one inch, likely making them -year-old or older. Interestingly, % of the statewide harvest carried spurs /, which was the greatest proportional value of juvenile gobblers (i.e., jakes) in the harvest since the enactment of the No-Jake rule in (Figure ). Harvest Per Hours Hunted Figure % 9% % % % ADAMS WILKINSON WARREN CLAIBORNE COPIAH JEFFERSON FRANKLIN.7 AMITE. 9 HINDS LINCOLN Poults Per Total Hens Figure PIKE. RANKIN SIMPSON LAWRENCE WALTHALL. JEFF DAVIS MARION Spur Length Classes (%) Figure SCOTT SMITH COVINGTON. LAMAR PEARL RIVER HANCOCK NEWTON JASPER JONES FORREST PERRY. STONE HARRISON.9 LAUDERDALE CLARKE WAYNE GREENE GEORGE JACKSON % % 9 % % % 9 % ".-.".-." >." Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

7 Gobbling Activity Gobbling activity increased statewide during the 7 spring season. The total number of gobbles heard per hours hunted (7.) was above the figure s -year average (.; Figure ), while the number of gobblers heard per hours hunted increased to. individuals. Statewide, gobbling activity tended to decline throughout the spring season. The number of both total gobbles and individual gobblers heard per hour hunted was greatest during the Youth week. During the regular season, the third week of the season, corresponding to March 9th through April th, was the peak of gobbling activity (Figure ). & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Year Figure & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Week Figure YOUTH MAR - MAR MAR - MAR MAR 9 - APR APR - APR APR - APR APR 9 - APR APR - MAY During the 7 spring season, turkey sightings were slightly above the previous year, but still below their long-term average. Participants in the SGHS observed an average of 7. total turkeys per hours hunted, including.7 gobblers (including both jakes and adult gobblers) and 7. hens (Figure ). Statewide sightings of jakes increased approximately 7% to. jakes seen per hours hunted (Figure 7). Per Hours Hunted Figure Jake Observations Per Hours Hunted Figure 7 STATEWIDE (Includes Jakes) Hens Total (Includes Unknowns) Season Forecast Patterns in brood data, turkey observations, and the relative abundance of jakes in 7 suggest that, on average, Mississippi turkey hunters should expect a spring turkey season that is on par with what they experienced in 7. While not covered in the previous section, available data suggests that gobbler carry-over from 7 was above-average throughout much of the state, and this suggests increased availability of adult gobblers in. Still, the lackluster hatch of last summer may mean overall turkey observations are likely to drop in many areas. Spring weather and regional variability will play a large role in the timing of gobbling activity, but if prior years are any indication, Magnolia State turkey hunters will hear the most gobbles during the week or so that straddles April st. Mississippi Wild Turkey Report 7

8 SPITTIN AND DRUMMIN : MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT Turkey Region TURKEY REGION CONSISTS OF COUNTIES IN NORTH-CENTRAL AND NORTH-EAST Mississippi. The two primary forest types in Region are oakhickory and oak-pine. The oak-hickory forest type is located on the western side COAHOMA of the region and in association with the Blackland Prairie. While this forest type BOLIVAR is dominated by various oaks and hickories, it also includes beech, black cherry, and yellow poplar. The oak-pine forest type runs along the Alabama state line and in the central portion of the region. Here, upland oaks comprise about WARREN % of the forest community and are mixed with minor amounts of loblolly and CLAIBORNE shortleaf pines. Reproduction In Region, turkey reproduction during the summer of 7 increased more than % from, and was slightly above the -year PPH average for the region (Figure ). Across the region, a total of hens were observed during the survey period, of which approximately one-third () were accompanied by a brood. The average overall brood size was. poults, which was similar to the observed average in the previous year. Harvest Rates & Age Structure In 7, northeast Mississippi led the state in harvest per unit of effort with.7 gobblers harvested per hours hunted (Figure ). This was an impressive % increase over, and nearly % above the -year average for the region. Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey participants harvested 9 gobblers, which was more than any other region in 7. Of those harvested, approximately % were jakes (spurs less than. ), % were likely -year-olds (spurs between. and ), and % were three-years-old or greater (spurs ; Figure ). Harvest Per Hours Hunted Figure % 9% % 7 9 7% 9 % 7 % 7 7 % ADAMS WILKINSON SUNFLOWER TUNICA QUITMAN DESOTO TATE PANOLA BENTON MARSHALL TIPPAH YALOBUSHA CALHOUN TALLAHATCHIE CHICKASAW LEFLORE WASHINGTON HUMPHREYS ISSAQUENA SHARKEY JEFFERSON FRANKLIN COPIAH Poults Per Total Hens Figure AMITE YAZOO HINDS LINCOLN PIKE GRENADA CLAY WEBSTER MONT- GOMERY LOWNDES CARROLL CHOCTAW OKTIBBEHA HOLMES MADISON RANKIN SIMPSON LAWRENCE WALTHALL Spur Length Classes (%) Figure MARION LAFAYETTE ATTALA JEFF DAVIS LEAKE SCOTT SMITH COVINGTON LAMAR PEARL RIVER HANCOCK UNION PONTOTOC WINSTON NESHOBA NEWTON JASPER JONES FORREST PERRY STONE HARRISON ALCORN PRENTISS LEE CLARKE WAYNE MONROE NOXUBEE KEMPER LAUDERDALE GREENE GEORGE JACKSON TISHOMINGO ITAWAMBA 7 % % % % ".-.".-." >." Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

9 Gobbling Activity During the 7 season, hunters heard an average of. gobblers and 7. gobbles for every hours hunted (Figure ). Each of these values were well above the previous year, and also above their long-term average. Gobbling activity had a clear mid-season peak in northeast Mississippi. The total number of individual gobblers heard peaked during the third week of the regular season (March 9 th April th ) at. gobblers heard per hours hunted. Meanwhile, total gobbles heard was highest during weeks three through five, with the weeks of March 9 th April th and April th April th both reporting near 7 total gobbles heard per hours hunted (Figure ). & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Year Figure & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Week Figure YOUTH MAR - MAR MAR - MAR MAR 9 - APR APR - APR APR - APR APR 9 - APR APR - MAY Sightings of turkeys stayed relatively unchanged from recent years in northeast Mississippi during the spring of 7. For every hours hunted, SGHS participants saw. total turkeys, including. hens and 7. total gobblers (including jakes and adults; Figure ). Jake observations fell slightly in 7. Hunters saw an average of.7 jakes per hours hunted, which was similar to the long-term average for the region (Figure 7). Per Hours Hunted Figure... Jake Observations Per Hours Hunted Figure TURKEY REGION (Includes Jakes) Hens Total (Includes Unknowns) Season Forecast Northeast Mississippi was a hot-spot in 7 and, as mentioned, had the SGHS s highest regional harvest rate. Available data suggests that populations coming into the spring season will be similar to the previous few years. The combination of positive gobbler to hen ratios, brood survey tabulations, and comparable jake observations all suggest that the hunting should still be very good in the Northeast during, although maybe not quite as good as 7. Mississippi Wild Turkey Report 9

10 SPITTIN AND DRUMMIN : MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT Turkey Region TURKEY REGION COMPRISES THE TEN DELTA COUNTIES AND IS SUBJECT TO extensive, annual spring flooding that has a major impact on turkey reproduction. The dominant forest type in the Delta is oak-gum-cypress. This region can be subdivided into the batture lands (west of the mainline Mississippi River levee) and the interior floodplain. The batture area is dominated by sugarberry, sycamore, cottonwood, sweetgum, elm, and cypress. Pecan is the only hard mast producer of any significance. The interior Delta consists of extensive agricultural areas containing fragmented hardwood forests interspersed with cypress swamps. The major tree species include overcup oak, Nuttall oak, water oak, JEFFERSON green ash, sweetgum and cottonwood. WILKINSON WALTHALL GEORGE Region is unique in that most of the turkey habitat in the interior Delta is on public PEARL STONE RIVER JACKSON HARRISON lands (national forest, wildlife management areas, and wildlife refuges), and the vast majority of the private land habitat is located in the batture lands west of the Mississippi River levee. HANCOCK Therefore, data from the annual brood survey is biased by the majority of turkey observations coming from public lands in the interior Delta, while all the other information in this section is almost exclusively from private lands between the levees. Reproduction Brood surveys conducted in Region during the summer of 7 failed to register any successful reproduction (Figure ). This is a continuation of the region s trend over the last decade in which the summer hatch has been either very good or nearly nonexistent. While there is little indication that a strong hatch occurred in the Delta in 7, it was likely better than indicated, and the zero values reported here are doubtless a function of the very limited sample () of adult hens that were observed across the region during the MDWFP brood survey period. Harvest Rates & Age Structure In 7, SGHS hunters in the Delta harvested approximately. gobblers per hours hunted (Figure ). This was near the values of the previous two springs, but was more than % below the -year harvest average. Unsurprisingly given the region s recent reproduction woes, most of the harvest was comprised of older age class gobblers. Two-year-old gobblers (spurs between.. ) only accounted for % of the harvest (Figure ). Harvest Per Hours Hunted Figure % 9% % 7% % % % % % % % ADAMS 9 BOLIVAR Poults Per Total Hens Figure COAHOMA TUNICA.-.".-.".-." >." SUNFLOWER QUITMAN DESOTO TATE PANOLA BENTON MARSHALL TIPPAH YALOBUSHA CALHOUN TALLAHATCHIE CHICKASAW LEFLORE WASHINGTON HUMPHREYS ISSAQUENA SHARKEY WARREN CLAIBORNE COPIAH FRANKLIN YAZOO HINDS LINCOLN Spur Length Classes (%) Figure AMITE PIKE GRENADA CLAY WEBSTER MONT- GOMERY LOWNDES CARROLL CHOCTAW OKTIBBEHA HOLMES MADISON RANKIN SIMPSON LAWRENCE MARION LAFAYETTE ATTALA JEFF DAVIS LEAKE SCOTT SMITH COVINGTON LAMAR UNION PONTOTOC WINSTON NESHOBA NEWTON JASPER JONES FORREST PERRY 7 ALCORN PRENTISS LEE NOXUBEE KEMPER LAUDERDALE CLARKE WAYNE ITAWAMBA MONROE GREENE. 7 TISHOMINGO Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

11 Gobbling Activity Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey participants heard an average of.7 individual gobblers and 9. total gobbles per hours hunted (Figure ). Both of these values were down from, and were also below their -year average. Gobbling activity was noticeably greater during the Youth week than at any other point during the spring season, with an astounding gobblers and gobbles heard per hours hunted (Figure ). During the regular season, the peak of gobbling was the third week of the season (March 9 th April th ). & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Year Figure & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Week Figure YOUTH MAR - MAR MAR - MAR MAR 9 - APR APR - APR APR - APR APR 9 - APR APR - MAY Total turkey observations dropped in Region during 7 for the second straight year. Hunters averaged seeing. gobblers,. hens, and 7. unknown birds, for a total of 77. turkeys seen per hours hunted (Figure ). This was nearly % below the -year average observation rate. Observations of juvenile gobblers dropped slightly from. observed per hours hunted in to.7 in 7 (Figure 7). Per Hours Hunted Figure 7 Jake Observations Per Hours Hunted Figure TURKEY REGION.9 7. (Includes Jakes) Hens Total (Includes Unknowns) Season Forecast Unfortunately, there isn t much good news to be shared with Delta hunters. Untimely floods over the last decade have been a chronic problem keeping populations along the Mississippi River from reaching their full potential. The last hatch that was able to significantly bolster populations occurred in and has mostly played out. The only bright spots are that recent restoration efforts in parts of the interior Delta have slightly expanded hunting opportunities, and regulation changes on public lands have successfully increased harvest rates by keeping hunting pressure down. Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

12 SPITTIN AND DRUMMIN : MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT Turkey Region TURKEY REGION IS THE COUNTY AREA LOCATED IN EAST-CEN- TRAL Mississippi. The two major forest types in this region are loblollyshortleaf pine, which occurs on the drier, more sandy soils, and oak-pine. Loblolly and shortleaf pines constitute more than % of the commercial trees in this forest type. Upland hardwoods, primarily various oaks and hickories, make up the rest of the forest community. In the oak-pine type, upland oaks make up more than % of the trees with the remaining species including hickories, sweetgum, black gum, loblolly, and shortleaf pines. Reproduction In 7, east-central Mississippi was not able repeat the stellar hatch it experienced in. The regional average was. PPH, which was a % decline from the previous year, and was % below the -year average (Figure ). Apparent nest success was %, as 7 of the 7 hens observed during the brood survey period were accompanied by poults. The average overall brood size was.97 poults, whereas single brood hens averaged broods of. poults. Harvest Rates & Age Structure In 7, SGHS hunters in east-central Mississippi harvested.9 gobblers per hours hunted (Figure ). This value was identical to the previous year, but considerably below the region s long-term average. The majority (%) of the 9 gobblers harvested by SGHS hunters in Region were -years-old or older (Figure ). Only % of the harvest was comprised of -year-old birds. Harvest Per Hours Hunted Figure % 9% % % ADAMS. WILKINSON BOLIVAR COAHOMA SUNFLOWER TUNICA QUITMAN DESOTO TATE PANOLA BENTON MARSHALL TIPPAH YALOBUSHA CALHOUN TALLAHATCHIE CHICKASAW LEFLORE WASHINGTON HUMPHREYS ISSAQUENA SHARKEY WARREN CLAIBORNE COPIAH JEFFERSON. FRANKLIN AMITE. HINDS YAZOO LINCOLN Poults Per Total Hens Figure 7 9 PIKE GRENADA CLAY WEBSTER MONT- GOMERY LOWNDES CARROLL CHOCTAW OKTIBBEHA HOLMES MADISON RANKIN SIMPSON LAWRENCE WALTHALL.9.7 MARION LAFAYETTE ATTALA JEFF DAVIS. Spur Length Classes (%) Figure LEAKE SCOTT SMITH COVINGTON LAMAR PEARL RIVER HANCOCK. UNION PONTOTOC WINSTON NESHOBA NEWTON JASPER JONES FORREST PERRY STONE HARRISON. ALCORN PRENTISS LEE NOXUBEE KEMPER LAUDERDALE % 7 7% % % % CLARKE WAYNE. ITAWAMBA MONROE GREENE GEORGE JACKSON TISHOMINGO.. 7 % % ".-.".-." >." Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

13 Gobbling Activity Gobbling activity in Region increased in 7. Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey participants heard an average of. gobblers and 7. gobbles per hours hunted in the east-central region (Figure ). Both these values were very near their -year regional average. When viewed per unit effort, the Youth week offered the most gobbling activity. Hunters afield during that time heard. gobblers and. total gobbles per hours hunted (Figure ). During the regular season, total gobbles peaked in week three at 9. total gobbles per hours hunted, whereas the most gobblers (.) were heard during the regular season in week four. & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Year Figure & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Week Figure YOUTH MAR - MAR MAR - MAR MAR 9 - APR APR - APR APR - APR APR 9 - APR APR - MAY Total turkey observations in Region have been on a clear upswing over the past three years. In 7, turkey observations increased to % above their recent low in. Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey Hunters in east-central Mississippi saw 79. total turkeys per hours hunted, including.7 gobblers (including adult and juvenile gobblers) and 7. hens. Jake observations made an impressive % increase to. juvenile gobblers observed per hours hunted. Per Hours Hunted Figure Jake Observations Per Hours Hunted Figure 7 TURKEY REGION (Includes Jakes) Hens Total (Includes Unknowns) Season Forecast The 7 season proved tough in much of central Mississippi, with a rate of harvest that was considerably below the region s average. Nevertheless, all indications are that will see a significant rebound. This portion of the state had excellent reproduction in, corroborated by both brood survey data and 7 jake observations. This spike should translate into plenty of naïve -year-old gobblers roaming the woods this spring. Total turkey observations have increased in each of the last two springs, and last season overall gobbling activity was higher than at any time in the last five years (although much of this gobbling was being done by jakes). If you hunt in central Mississippi, you should have plenty to be excited about. Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

14 SPITTIN AND DRUMMIN : MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT Turkey Region TWELVE COUNTIES IN THE SOUTHWEST PORTION OF THE STATE comprise Turkey Region. The oak-hickory forest type is located along the loess hills bordering the Mississippi River floodplain. Adjacent to the loess hills is a narrow transition zone consisting of the oak-pine forest type. The eastern and southern section of the region is made up of the loblolly-shortleaf pine forest community. Descriptions for these forest types are provided in previous regions. Reproduction In Region, 7 adult hens and poults were observed during the summer survey, resulting in a. PPH average (Figure ). This was % below the long-term average for the region. Thirty-eight percent of all hens were accompanied by poults, which was the highest regional average across the state. The average brood size was. poults. Harvest Rates & Age Structure Harvest per unit of effort increased in Region for the second straight year. Spring Gobbler Survey Hunters in southwest Mississippi harvested an average of. gobblers per hours hunted (Figure ), which was slightly above the region s -year average. There were gobblers harvested by SGHS participants in Region during 7. Of these, % were likely -year-olds with. to. spurs. with greater than one inch spurs comprised % of the harvest. Interestingly, gobblers with spurs less than one-half inch, which are likely juveniles, accounted for their largest percentage of the harvest (%) since the enactment of the No-Jake law in.... Harvest Per Hours Hunted Figure % 9% ADAMS WILKINSON BOLIVAR COAHOMA SUNFLOWER TUNICA QUITMAN DESOTO TATE PANOLA BENTON MARSHALL TIPPAH YALOBUSHA CALHOUN TALLAHATCHIE CHICKASAW LEFLORE WASHINGTON HUMPHREYS ISSAQUENA SHARKEY WARREN CLAIBORNE COPIAH JEFFERSON FRANKLIN AMITE HINDS YAZOO LINCOLN Poults Per Total Hens Figure PIKE GRENADA CLAY WEBSTER MONT- GOMERY LOWNDES CARROLL CHOCTAW OKTIBBEHA HOLMES MADISON RANKIN SIMPSON LAWRENCE WALTHALL. MARION LAFAYETTE ATTALA JEFF DAVIS LEAKE SCOTT SMITH COVINGTON. LAMAR PEARL RIVER HANCOCK UNION PONTOTOC WINSTON NESHOBA NEWTON JASPER JONES FORREST PERRY. STONE HARRISON ALCORN PRENTISS LEE NOXUBEE KEMPER LAUDERDALE CLARKE WAYNE ITAWAMBA MONROE GREENE GEORGE JACKSON TISHOMINGO % 7% % % % % % % 7 % Spur Length Classes (%) Figure ".-.".-." >." 7 7 Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

15 Gobbling Activity Gobbling activity increased in southwest Mississippi in 7. The number of total gobbles heard per hours of hunting (9.) was up from, and was nearly % above the figure s -year average. The number of individual gobblers heard increased sharply from to 7. gobblers heard per hours hunted, which was a 7% year-to-year increase (Figure ). Gobbling activity generally decreased throughout the 7 season. Both total gobbles and individual gobblers heard per hours hunted peaked during the Youth week (Figure ). During the regular season, gobbling peaks occurred in both the first (March th st ) and third (March 9 th April th ) weeks of the season. There was a noticeable drop-off in both the number of gobblers and total gobbles heard during the final week of the season. & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Year & Heard Per Hours Figure Hunted By Year Figure & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Week Figure Turkey observations increased slightly in Region during 7. Turkey hunters observed.7 total turkeys per hours hunted (Figure ). Interestingly, hunters observed more gobblers (. per hours hunted) than hens (.9 per hours hunted). Jakes sightings were slightly above their value from at.7 jakes seen per hours hunted (Figure 7). Despite the slight uptick, this figure was still below the -year average of. jakes observed per hours hunted. Per Hours Hunted Figure YOUTH MAR - MAR MAR - MAR MAR 9 - APR APR - APR APR - APR Jake Observations Per Hours Hunted Figure 7 APR 9 - APR APR - MAY TURKEY REGION (Includes Jakes) Hens Total (Includes Unknowns) Season Forecast In 7, the southwest region was second to the northeast region in harvest rate, and available data suggests that southwestern hunters should expect a similar year in. As was mentioned earlier, the hatch in portions of this region was very good last summer, which should bolster numbers. The summer survey also suggested strong gobbler carryover, which may mean that hunters will tend to encounter older, woods-wise gobblers who are surrounded by harems of young hens. If this proves true, hunters should expect a fun, yet challenging, season. Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

16 SPITTIN AND DRUMMIN : MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT Turkey Region TURKEY REGION CONSISTS OF COUNTIES IN SOUTHEAST Mississippi. Forests in Region are dominated by longleaf and slash pine. This habitat type includes the pine flatwoods of the coastal counties and the adjoining, rolling, pine hills. Longleaf pine and slash pine compose at least % of the forest community. Other common tree species include dogwood, beech, magnolia, and sweet bay along creek bottoms and blackjack oak, post oak, and southern red oak on drier sites. Reproduction Turkey reproduction declined slightly during the summer of 7 in southeast Mississippi. Field surveys suggested. PPH (Figure ), which was below the figure s -year average. The southeastern region posted relatively low nest success, with only % of hens being accomplished by poults. Harvest Rates & Age Structure In southeast Mississippi, SGHS harvested. gobblers per hours hunted (Figure ). This was a slight uptick from, but still below the long-term average (. gobblers harvested per hours hunted). Of the gobblers taken by SGHS participants in Region, most were older age-class gobblers. Only % of the harvest were -year-old birds with spurs between. and. (Figure ). The proportion of limb hanger gobblers with spurs. increased to 7% of the harvest, which is the second highest value for this age-class on record Harvest Per Hours Hunted Figure % 9% ADAMS WILKINSON. BOLIVAR COAHOMA SUNFLOWER TUNICA QUITMAN DESOTO TATE PANOLA BENTON MARSHALL TIPPAH YALOBUSHA CALHOUN TALLAHATCHIE CHICKASAW LEFLORE WASHINGTON HUMPHREYS ISSAQUENA SHARKEY WARREN CLAIBORNE COPIAH JEFFERSON FRANKLIN. AMITE 9 HINDS. YAZOO LINCOLN Poults Per Total Hens Figure PIKE. GRENADA CLAY WEBSTER MONT- GOMERY LOWNDES CARROLL CHOCTAW OKTIBBEHA HOLMES MADISON RANKIN SIMPSON LAWRENCE WALTHALL MARION LAFAYETTE ATTALA JEFF DAVIS LEAKE SCOTT SMITH COVINGTON LAMAR PEARL RIVER HANCOCK UNION PONTOTOC WINSTON NESHOBA NEWTON JASPER JONES FORREST PERRY STONE HARRISON ALCORN PRENTISS LEE NOXUBEE KEMPER LAUDERDALE CLARKE WAYNE ITAWAMBA MONROE GREENE GEORGE JACKSON % 7% 9 7 % % % 9 9 % % % % 7 7 Spur Length Classes (%) Figure ".-.".-." >." TISHOMINGO 7 7 Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

17 Gobbling Activity Spring Gobbler Survey Hunters in Region heard.7 gobblers and.9 total gobbles per hours hunted (Figure ). Each of these values was an increase from, and were near their -year average. Gobbling activity in the southeast was most prolific early in the season. Hunters during the Youth week averaged hearing. gobblers and 7. total gobbles per hours hunted (Figure ). During the regular season, more gobblers and gobbles (. and 77. per hours hunted, respectively) were heard during the opening week (March th March st ) than during any other period. & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Year Figure & Heard Per Hours Hunted by Week Figure In 7, total turkey observations in Region were similar to the previous few years. Hunters participating in the SGHS saw an average of. total turkeys, including 7. gobblers and 7. hens, per hours hunted (Figure ). The number of jakes seen increased noticeably to.9 per hours hunted; this value was near the region s -year average (Figure 7). Per Hours Hunted Figure YOUTH MAR - MAR MAR - MAR MAR 9 - APR APR - APR APR - APR Jake Observations Per Hours Hunted Figure 7 APR 9 - APR APR - MAY TURKEY REGION (Includes Jakes) Hens Total (Includes Unknowns) Season Forecast Much like the Delta, southeast Mississippi turkey hunters have had it tough over the last ten years. And much like the Delta s forecast, nothing in the data suggests will be a needed year of relief. Jake observations were up slightly in the southern piney woods last spring, but not enough to foretell a stellar. Furthermore, summer surveys suggested poor gobbler carryover from 7. As a result, the scant numbers of -year-old gobblers from the hatch will likely constitute the bulk of the available harvest, which could mean a quick start and tough finish for. Encouragingly, reproduction appeared good last summer across the western portions of the Pine Belt, although this was far from the case up and down the Pascagoula River basin. Mississippi Wild Turkey Report 7

18 Join Our Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey Team Help the MDWFP with the conservation & management of turkeys in Mississippi. Steve Gulledge THE SPRING GOBBLER HUNTING SURVEY (SGHS) WAS INITIATED IN by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) to fill the need for a long-term dataset that would aid in monitoring and managing the state s turkey population. It is one of the sources of data that makes this report possible every year. SPITTIN AND DRUMMIN : MISSISSIPPI WILD TURKEY REPORT The driving force behind the SGHS is Mississippi s turkey hunters. Every day of the season, hundreds of turkey hunters throughout the state take to the woods and record information about the amount of turkey activity they saw and heard while hunting. The MDWFP then gathers this information from its hunting cooperators at the end of each season and analyzes it to gain insight into gobbling activity, hunter effort, harvest rates, age structure, sex ratios, and characteristics of harvested birds. This dataset allows the MDWFP to learn about trends in the Mississippi turkey population on a local, regional, and statewide basis. Ultimately, this knowledge helps the MDWFP make management decisions that link the interests of the sportsmen with the wise use of the state s turkey resource. Participation in this process allows Mississippi hunters a unique opportunity to directly contribute to the conservation and management of turkeys in Mississippi. All sportsmen who hunt turkey anywhere in Mississippi, on public or private lands, are eligible and encouraged to participate. In appreciation for the collection efforts of the dedicated hunters that participate in our survey, the MDWFP shares the results with the state s sportsmen in our annual Turkey Program Report, entitled Spittin & Drummin. There are also other ways that hunters can benefit: Benefits of Participating in the SGHS The information you collect will be made available to you within the MDWFP Turkey Program s annual report, Spittin and Drummin which is available online at This report discusses turkey population trends in each region. You ll receive an individualized report that summarizes the data you sent us. These reports will allow you to see trends in activity from the time you, or your hunting club, spent turkey hunting. This information can be used to tailor management decisions for your specific property. Your name will be entered into a special shotgun raffle aimed at increasing participation in the SGHS. You can improve your turkey hunting knowledge and skills by keeping track of your own hunting experiences and habits throughout the season. The MDWFP will provide you with analysis of various topics that will be highlighted for you in special reports and articles. Management decisions of the MDWFP that directly affect your recreational opportunities as a sportsman and conservationists will be made using the best available data. SPRING GOBBLER HUNTING SURVEY MDWFP You will become a part of our natural resource s history by gathering evidence that stands for or against questions such as should season dates be set earlier, later, or left the same? Should we allow a controlled fall season in areas with high turkey densities? Will certain regulations improve hunting quality, carry-over more gobblers, or increase gobbling activity? How can I Participate? If you turkey hunt anywhere in Mississippi, you are eligible and encouraged to participate. There will be absolutely no cost to you to take part in the program. The only thing that we will ask of you is to take approximately a minute or two of your time following every hunt to record information on what you observed. Before turkey season starts, we will send you a data collection booklet that will make it easy for you to document your hunting experience. If you have never participated in the SGHS, but would like to become involved, please fill out and return the application provided in this report, or contact a MDWFP biologist. You can also apply at Your efforts will assist the MDWFP in monitoring Mississippi s turkeys and making decisions in the best interest of the resource and hunters. New SGHS Participants can enroll online at Mississippi Wild Turkey Report

19 ! CUT HERE Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey Application The mississippi Department of wildlife, fisheries, and parks is looking for individual hunters and hunting clubs interested in participating in the annual ng spring Gobbler hunting survey. Cooperators are asked to record various information about their spring gobbler hunts. harvest and population data provided by cooperators will be used to monitor and manage mississippi s wild turkey resource. results will be summarized in the annual mississippi wild turkey report. a copy of this report will be sent to all cooperators. hunting clubs also will receive a summary report for their individual property. if your hunting club or any individual members are interested, please complete and return the application below. if you participated in the survey last year, you will automatically receive data collection materials and do not have to complete this application. this is an opportunity to be directly involved with conservation and management of the wild turkey in mississippi. please encourage other turkey hunters to participate. this application may be copied. Data collection instructions and materials, along with the turkey program report will be sent to you prior to spring gobbler season. name: address: phone: (Home) (Office) Please complete the following information only if your hunting club wants to participate. Club name: County: forested acres: (including food plots) estimate total number of hunts anticipated on this property During the turkey season: Mail application to: Spring Gobbler Hunting Survey / Eastover Dr. / Jackson, MS 9- Mississippi Wild Turkey Report 9

20 MS Chapter NWTF Live Oaks Blvd. Pearl, MS 9 MS CHAPTER NWTF The Mississippi Wild Turkey Report is a The Mississippi Wild Turkey Report is a cooperative cooperative effort effort between between the the MDWFP MDWFP Turkey Turkey Program Program and the and the Mississippi Chapter of of the the NWTF. NWTF. The MDWFP is an equal opportunity employer and provider of programs and services. If anyone believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, national origin, marital status, sex, religion, creed, age, or disability, they may file a complaint alleging discrimination with either the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Office of Administrative Services, P.O. Box, Jackson, MS 9-, or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, L. Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 7. Mississippi Wild Turkey Report