A safer net propelled device to capture wild turkey

Abstract

We compared 2 net-propelled devices to capture eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris). One device, the rocket-net, employs explosives for propulsion and is currently the most effective and widespread method used to capture this species. The second device, the net blaster, works with compressed air instead of explosives. During 2009-2012, we captured 344 wild turkeys using rocket-nets (n ¼ 30 attempts) and net blasters (n ¼ 15 attempts). Both devices had a similar capture success rate; but malfunctioning was twice as common with the rocket-net as with the net blaster, as was the rate of injuries to captured wild turkeys. However, rocket-nets did not have a higher rate of capture-related mortality. The net blaster was more difficult to handle, more expensive, and did not work when temperatures were below À208C. Overall the net blaster proved to be more efficient capturing wild turkeys and was safer than the rocket-net. Ó 2014 The Wildlife Society.

Extreme climate events limit northern range expansion of wild turkeys

“…We schedule Argos/GPS transmitters to collect 5 locations during a period of 24 h. We followed some individuals for more than 4 years but the average was 270 and 253 days for VHF and Argos/GPS transmitters, respectively (Lavoie et al 2017). More details on capture methodology are given in Lavoie et al (2014Lavoie et al ( , 2017.…”

Winter and summer weather modulate the demography of wild turkeys at the northern edge of the species distribution

“…We captured wild turkeys (ssp silvestris) during December to February, 2009-2012, using a rocket-net and a net blaster (Wildlife Control Supplies, East Granby, Connecticut, USA; Lavoie et al 2014). We classiied individuals as adult (>1 year) or yearlings (<1 year) based on barring on the 10th primaries (Williams 1961).…”

“…We calculated locations of VHF radiotagged birds during daytime using ground triangulation data with LOAS software (Ecological Software Solution LLC, Hegymagas, Hungary) at least twice per week during nesting and at least once per week the rest of the year between 2010 and 2013. We collected GPS locations of hens with Argos/GPS transmitters 5 times during a period of 24 h. More details on capture and methodologies are given in Lavoie et al (2014).…”