Reproduction of eastern wild turkeys in Virginia and West Virginia

Knowledge of reproductive parameters and assessment of the relative importa nce of factors affecting reproductive success are essential for effective m anagement of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris). We dete rmined reproductive parameters of 599 radiomarked hens (293 for >1 yr), and the effects of age. year, region, condition (winter weight), incubation ch ronology (periods), land-ownership, and weather on their reproductive succe ss in 3 Appalachian Mountain regions of Virginia and West Virginia. Average first nest incubation initiation was May 5 +/- 0.6 days ((x) over bar +/- SE, n = 629). Production rate (poults alive 4 weeks post hatch/female alive 1 Apr) averaged 1.46 +/- 0.09 (n = 863). Nesting rates were lower than stu dies in other regions and may be limiting reproduction. Production rates in creased with age (juv: 0.4 +/- 0.14, 2+: 1.40 +/- 0.14, 3+: 2.55 +/- 0.25), but did not differ among regions, years, or weight classes of winter-trapp ed juvenile or adult hens. Reproduction was evaluated by quintiles (periods ) of the first incubation dates by year. Hens that began incubation in the second or third periods had higher (>67%) incubation completion rates than other periods (less than or equal to 50%), but potential production rates ( poults alive 4 weeks post hatch/female completing incubation) were not diff erent among incubation periods. Potential production rates were higher on p rivate lands (3.93 +/- 0.30) than public lands (2.67 +/- 0.43). Nest incuba tion dates in Virginia were correlated with mean March temperatures (p = -0 .53) and snow depth (p = 0.52). Managers should cautiously implement or inc rease fall either-sex hunting seasons in populations with survival and prod uction rates similar to those we studied. Older hens play a critical role i n reproductive success in the Appalachians. In areas with fall either-sex h unting, season timing and length that reduce adult vulnerability may lessen hunting impacts on reproduction and population growth.