The following schedule is from the 72nd Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies which was held October 21-24, 2018 in Mobile, Alabama.
AUTHORS: Joshua H. Nix, University of Arkansas at Monticello – School of Forestry and Natural Resources; Douglas C. Osborne, University of Arkansas – Division of Agriculture Experiment Station
ABSTRACT: Increases in outdoor human activity is known to adversely affect how wildlife use the landscape. In the Ozark and Ouachita mountain regions of northern Arkansas, anthropogenic activity increases periodically throughout the year through hunting activities. Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) hunting season occurs during spring, concurrent with turkey breeding activities and may influence how male turkeys use the landscape. The objective of this study was to determine the biotic factors that influence habitat selection by male turkeys during breeding season, February-May. Additionally, we aimed to determine the impacts of anthropogenic disturbances (i.e. hunting) on wild turkey habitat selection. To address these objectives, we trapped 114 male turkeys from 2016-2018 prior to the hunting season, and fitted each captured male with a satellite transmitter to determine used locations. Using turkey location data, national land cover dataset, and discrete choice analysis, we were able to determine the habitat selection of male wild turkeys during reproductive activities and adjustments made as a result of increased human-wildlife interactions during hunting season on the landscape. Management of turkey populations may be facilitated as we gain a better understanding of male habitat selection and how anthropogenic disturbances may influence turkey habitat use.
