TacomaNWTF.org

Washington Wild Turkey Status and Trends Report
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During late winter and early spring 2000, 268 eastern wild turkeys from Iowa were released at sites in Thurston, Pacific, Grays Harbor, and Mason counties.  There were no new releases in 2001.

Harvest and hunter numbers continue to increase.  In 1994 the regulations were changed to allow the harvest of up to three turkeys per year (one from each subspecies). As turkey populations continue to expand in the Blue Mountains, northeast, and north-centralWashington, additional opportunity may be provided.  Habitat enhancement activities for wild turkeys should focus on food improvements (especially winter foods) in terms of grain, clovers, fruiting shrub, and mast producing tree plantings. These types of plantings would be most helpful in the northern portions of Washington’s turkey range and other forested areas where food sources may be limited, especially after winter snowstorms.  Populations of wild turkey in Region 1 continue to increase. Hunter interest and harvest have both increased over the last 10 years (Table 1). Releases of turkeys in Pend Orielle County are encouraging expansion of the population into new areas of suitable habitat.  Spokane County is seeing an increase of turkeys despite the urban nature of the area. Other areas are currently under expansion of a naturally increasing wild population and trap and translocation efforts will continue as funding and opportunities arise. The Blue Mountains support excellent Rio Grande populations.  Some hunting areas are becoming so popular that hunter crowding and safety are becoming a concern on opening day and weekends. Turkey damage complaints are being received from areas of Region 1 and these turkeys are a continuing source of stock to initiate new and supplement existing populations (Table 2). The population of turkeys in south-central Okanogan County appears to be stable or increasing following several mild winters. No changes in the harvest are recommended at this time. Even though deleterious competition between turkeys and other game birds in Washington has not been identified, any augmentation that could potentially put birds in existing sharp-tailed grouse habitat, should be avoided as a precautionary measure.  The turkey population in Chelan and eastern Kittitas counties is expected to continue to increase through both augmentation efforts and natural production. In 2002, an additional 12 turkeys will be radioed to help assess survival, production, and movements of released birds. Winter feeding will continue to help birds make it through difficult winters.  Several states have noted a positive correlation between the abundance and distribution of turkeys and the proportion of deer hunters that see turkeys during the fall deer season. Asking Washington deer hunter whether they see turkeys would enhance our information on turkey numbers and the extent of their distribution, particularly for recently established turkey populations.  Releases of Merriam’s turkeys in Yakima and Kittitas counties will continue in 2000-01.  Radiotracking will help determine success of translocations and future management direction.  Winter feeding will probably be needed to sustain a huntable merriam’s population. The potential of releasing Rio Grande turkeys will be explored.  In 1994, regulations were changed to allow the harvest of up to 3 turkeys/year (1 of each subspecies).  However, methods to monitor both hunter numbers and harvest need to be refined. Harvest projections now used are based upon old assumptions about harvest report card compliance that may no longer be valid.  With a point-of-sale licensing system soon to be implemented, at least the latter problem will be resolved.  Expanding density and distribution of the western Washington turkey population has been identified as a priority for turkey management. Research to determine limitations to dispersal and population expansion could better direct future efforts, but other issues have taken higher priority within the Upland Game Section.  Current information suggests that wild turkeys may be establishing viable populations in Region 6.  However determining actual population trends for the established wild turkey population in this region are difficult. The augmentation of additional birds released within the region likely contribute to an increase in harvest and potentially to the population.  Increases in turkey sightings throughout the year and away from release sites, in addition to gradual increases in harvest observed in recent years, all contribute to increased interest in hunting wild turkey. If populations continue to increase due to natural population growth and augmentation, so too will hunter interest and success. No changes in harvest are needed at this time.  Following releases of >600 eastern wild turkeys in western Washington since 1998, there are no plans for further translocations in the near future. Observations and analysis of data (e.g., percent young males in spring harvest) collected over the next several years should determine whether eastern wild turkeys will achieve viable population status.  There are currently 2 areas where forested habitat occurs in Washington that are not occupied by turkeys:  parts of Spokane County and northwest Washington.  Experimental releases along the east slope of the Cascades are being monitored to estimate habitat use, productivity, and limiting factors. These releases may eventually lead to successful population establishment.

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