North Dakota Wild Turkey Research Update

Last year, the NWTF highlighted all the new research projects it is funding through its 360k investment into wild turkey research. These projects across the country are building momentum, and the new ecology research in North Dakota is no different.

This project is the most thorough wild turkey ecology study in North Dakota to date. The new, multipronged research project — led by the University of North Dakota and the North Dakota Game and Fish Department — seeks to better understand the survival and productivity of North Dakota hens as part of the NDGFD’s translocation program.

To aid in the nuisance complaints, the department captures and relocates about 200 birds every year and places them on state WMA’s, a win for ranchers and hunters alike. Researchers will study the underpinnings of this unique program while also gathering other insightful information.

How do survival rates compare between translocated females to non-translocated females? Does nest survival differ between translocated turkeys and non-translocated turkeys? How far do translocated turkeys move once released in a new area? These questions are at the heart of this new study

Just recently, NDGF staff caught 12 birds, which were aged, sexed, swabbed and had blood samples taken, and 10 of which were tethered with GPS-VHF transmitters.

“No information on turkey survival and limited information on productivity in North Dakota exists,” said Rodney Gross, NDGFD’s upland game biologist. “The findings from this research will aid North Dakota Game and Fish Department biologists in management decisions for future turkey translocations and hunting seasons.”