Wanted: Turkey Nest Locations-April

[Goosehunter]

Not sure if the link will work, Mary Jo is looking for turkey nests



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OBJECTIVE: Determine if wild turkeys are susceptible to West Nile Virus.

Wanted: Turkey Nest Locations-April

Subject: Wanted: Turkey Nest Locations-April
Importance: High
Hi All,
Similar to the grouse/West Nile Virus study, this spring/summer we will determine wild turkey susceptibility to West Nile Virus.
Also, similar to Lisa Williams requesting help locating grouse nests, Mitch and I are doing the same for turkey nests….during APRIL.

If/when you spot a pre-incubated turkey nest this April, please take a GPS point, or flag the area, and email or call/text:
Mary Jo Casalena, [e-mail] 717-433-8776 or Mitch Blake, [e-mail], 814-977-0007.
Please Do Not Disturb the eggs. Mary Jo or Mitch will remove all eggs from each nest located so the hen will lay another complete clutch.

Please share this 2-page handout with anyone you know who’ll be in turkey habitat during April - info for what to look for, contact information, and material regarding the study.

Thank you so much!!
Mary Jo Casalena, Wild Turkey Biologist
PA Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management
342 Station Rd
Bedford PA 15522
717-433-8776 (mobile)
Certified Wildlife Biologist®
[e-mail]

[Dutch]

My brother and I were just talking about this. Our turkey population has dropped like a rock.

My daughter and I watched a flock of 11 the other year in archery season, from a blind. Four were young of the year

[turkeykiller]

The spring gobbler season it set so the hunters won't be disturbing the nests. If disturbed, sometimes the hen won't return

[redarrow]

I found nests twice on the first day of spring season in the past. The rain we had nearly everyday last year probably hurt turkey populations.

[bushmaster]

I find nests all the time while hunting Morels. Still see quite a few turkeys around here.

[Goosehunter]

Mary Jo still needs your help with finding turkey nests.

All,
As of April 19 we remain at 0 turkey eggs collected, of the 80 needed.
With the late start of turkey nesting I’m still not too concerned, yet. We’ll now collect eggs from pre-incubated and incubated nests as we have incubators ready in our vehicles. We’ll continue through May until the 80 are collected. Turkey and mushroom hunters – please be on the lookout!!

Please keep a search image of turkey eggs and nesting sites in your head as your in turkey habitat.

Also, incubating hens typically leave their nest in late afternoon to feed/drink. If a solitary hen is seen feeding during afternoon consistently in the same area she likely is incubating nearby. Please relay me the location and I’ll beg a volunteer with a good bird dog to assist in locating the nest.

Please distribute the attached 2-sided flyer to others who might be in the woods/fields this spring.
Mitch and I welcome calls/texts/emails any time of day & day of the week to reach our goal.

With everyone’s help I know we can collect 80 eggs across the state.

Thanks.

Mary Jo Casalena, Wild Turkey Biologist
PA Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management