Reproduction of eastern wild turkeys in Virginia and West Virginia

Knowledge of reproductive parameters and assessment of the relative importance of factors affecting reproductive success are essential for effective management of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris). We determined reproductive parameters of 599 radiomarked hens (293 for >1 yr), and the effects of age. year, region, condition (winter weight), incubation chronology (periods), land-ownership, and weather on their reproductive success in 3 Appalachian Mountain regions of Virginia and West Virginia. Average first nest incubation initiation was May 5 +/- 0.6 days ((x) over bar +/- SE, n = 629). Production rate (poults alive 4 weeks post hatch/female alive 1 Apr) averaged 1.46 +/- 0.09 (n = 863). Nesting rates were lower than studies in other regions and may be limiting reproduction. Production rates increased with age (juv: 0.4 +/- 0.14, 2+: 1.40 +/- 0.14, 3+: 2.55 +/- 0.25), but did not differ among regions, years, or weight classes of winter-trapped juvenile or adult hens. Reproduction was evaluated by quintiles (periods) of the first incubation dates by year. Hens that began incubation in the second or third periods had higher (>67%) incubation completion rates than other periods (less than or equal to 50%), but potential production rates (poults alive 4 weeks post hatch/female completing incubation) were not different among incubation periods. Potential production rates were higher on private lands (3.93 +/- 0.30) than public lands (2.67 +/- 0.43). Nest incubation dates in Virginia were correlated with mean March temperatures (p = -0.53) and snow depth (p = 0.52). Managers should cautiously implement or increase fall either-sex hunting seasons in populations with survival and production rates similar to those we studied. Older hens play a critical role in reproductive success in the Appalachians. In areas with fall either-sex hunting, season timing and length that reduce adult vulnerability may lessen hunting impacts on reproduction and population growth.