Turkeys need suitable habitat to survive and thrive. Turkey management is primarily about habitat; maintaining, developing and managing suitable food, cover and water. The best turkey cover is a well-protected area of several hundred acres, preferably 500 acre or more. The majority, 60 to 90 percent, of the area can be forested/brushed, with a variety of tree species present. About 50 percent should be comprised of mature oaks, with an open understory. At least 10 to 15 percent of the area should consist of scattered, grassy openings at least one acre in size. Although the above describes ideal turkey habitat, habitat management is the key for healthy turkey populations.
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) will be accepting grant proposals through November 1, 2012 for funding projects on TPWD’s WMAs, other public lands, cooperative habitat projects on Wildlife Cooperatives and Wildlife Management Associations, prescribed burn associations, youth outdoor education events, and upland game bird research projects. NWTF has a very simple application process and they are no longer focused solely on wild turkeys. Any project with a focus on upland game birds and habitat management qualify. Proposals will be reviewed/ranked at the January 2013 Texas State NWTF Board meeting and funds will be allocated soon after. Continue reading Turkey Management: Turkey Habitat Super Fund Proposal Projects