MACROHABITAT ASSOCIATIONS OF MERRIAMS TURKEYS IN THE BLACK-HILLS, SOUTH-DAKOTA

Merriam's turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo merriami) were introduced into South Dakota in the late 1940's and have since expanded to occupy the entire Black Hills. Because little is known of their habitat requireme nts and the effects of forest management practices on this important g ame species, macrohabitat selections patterns of Merriam's turkeys in the Black Hills, SD were studied. Habitat units of 3-32 ha were deline ated and described with methods used by the Forest Service for assessi ng impacts of management activities on wildlife. Winter habitats of tu rkeys were ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) with greater than 70% over story canopy cover. Summer habitats of turkeys were open ponderosa pin e. Meadows were selected less than expected during all seasons. Resolu tion of conflicts over management of national forests depend largely o n understanding of effects of management activities on wildlife specie s. Managing ponderosa pine at 14 to 18 m(2)/ha basal area in mature st ands will reduce winter habitat for turkeys, but is consistent with su mmer habitat of adult turkeys without poults.