Real and Perceived Damage by Wild Turkeys: A Literature Review

Maize provisioning of Ontario Late Woodland turkeys: Isotopic evidence of seasonal, cultural, spatial and temporal variation

“…Cobs on standing stalks are too high for turkeys to reach in both modern and archaeological varieties of maize from this region (Kuhnlein and Turner 1991;Waugh 1916). Turkeys will scratch at cobs on stalks that have been knocked down by wind, water or other animals, or left in the fields after harvest (Greene et al 2010;Groepper et al 2013;Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 2007;Tefft et al 2005;Wright et al 1989). Their presence in fields may actually benefit farmers because insects that damage crops are an important summer food for turkeys, particularly young poults (Groepper et al 2013;MacGowan et al 2006;Wright et al 1989).…”

“…Turkeys will scratch at cobs on stalks that have been knocked down by wind, water or other animals, or left in the fields after harvest (Greene et al 2010;Groepper et al 2013;Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources 2007;Tefft et al 2005;Wright et al 1989). Their presence in fields may actually benefit farmers because insects that damage crops are an important summer food for turkeys, particularly young poults (Groepper et al 2013;MacGowan et al 2006;Wright et al 1989). Adapted from Speller et al (2010: Figure 4) (United States and Central America), Eaton (1992) (Ontario) and Schorger (1966:43, 49) (United States and Canada).…”

Testing for Mississippian Period Turkey Management in the Archaeological Record of the Southeastern United States

“…Most foods consumed by wild turkeys are C 3 plants (e.g., fruits, shrubs, nuts, and flowers), but native C 4 grasses (e.g., Panicum virgatum, Andropogon gerardii ) are also available in the Southeast. Although turkeys often are considered crop pests, turkeys in maize fields primarily consume insects and waste grain (i.e., grain left over from the previous harvest) instead of seedlings or ripening maize grains (Groepper et al 2013). Turkeys will consume maize when it is made available by people or when crop pests such as deer, squirrels (Sciuridae), blackbirds (Corvidae), and raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) knock down stalks or pull off cobs to obtain grain (MacGowan et al 2006; Otieno and Frenette 2017).…”

A Survey of Wildlife Damage Management Techniques Used by Wildlife Control Operators in Urbanized Environments in the USA

“…Wildlife, particularly burrowing animals, can undermine the integrity of earthen structures, such as dams and levees, and structural failure may occur if not addressed (Bayoumi and Meguid 2011 ). Wild turkeys in urban and suburban environments often become acclimated to human activities and, in the absence of hunting, may lose fear of humans (Groepper et al 2013 ). These birds may appear tame and, given their proximity to humans, may be more prone to infl ict damage to golf courses, gardens, and lawns by scratching turf or mulch in search of insects, peck at cars, and chase or frighten people (Sanford et al 2004 ).…”