(Area) The Iowa Department of Natural Resources and Iowa State University are attempting to gain more information on the trend of wild turkey population.
A ten year study has been started. Bryan Hayes with the Iowa DNR office in Lewis says, “To understand the declines in the wild turkey populations and poult production Data from the eastern United State indicates poult production has likely declined since the mid 1980’s leading to population declines in recent years including Iowa.”
Hayes says the last population study in Iowa was done over 25 years ago. “If you look at some of our surveys that are available online, like the bow hunter survey, it’s been pretty consistent declines in the number of wild turkeys. This ten year study will hopefully answer some of those questions about just what is the driving force behind declining turkey populations.”
The study will explore nest success, habitat selection, disease, genetics, and other factors.
