“Turkey population per square mile”???

[Sligh1]

anyone have any data or ideas what densities could be like? So- let’s say you have some ideal situations... tons of cover and food & low pressure.... see flocks of 80-100 often. A member on here sounded like he was uniquely “over run” with turkeys. And I’ve seen this. So- I’m just curious - could it be a few hundred per square mile at top end?

I don’t turkey hunt BUT my mind goes to keeping “balance” & I know if u shoot toms, it really won’t do much damage from my understanding? Birds live, what, 4-6 years??? I’ll never shoot too many toms but say guys “saw and shot 20 big Toms” - is there a point where U need to quit killing? (obviously I can make the loose relationship with deer that if u over kill young bucks- ur screwed for seasons ahead). Also wanna keep those rascals under check for damage to seed & the “possible myth” they are hard on pheasants.

Dunno much about the biology here but wanna learn more.

 

[Rjack]

Lots of Jake's that will be 2 year old birds the following spring. Unless you are hammering all the Tom's and lots of Jake's, I don't think spring hunting will slow them down much.
Let me know if you have too many, be happy to take some out.

 

[goatman]

The DNR said winter flock of 40 was a huntable group. 6 years is a lucky bird. Turkeys over here seems to be on the rise after several years of poor hatch. There was a study going on along the Mississippi to find out more about lower populations but I haven't heard anything more about this.

 

[Hardwood11]

Seems like if you have big elevation changes timber/draws/food ...turkeys call it home

There are farms in South Dakota that easily have 100 per section... but they move a lot.