wildlife management: eastern wild turkey

Mississippi has one of the largest populations of wild turkey in the United States, with about 300,000 turkeys. They are valued by wildlife watchers and as a game species. These publications describe the habitat needs of wild turkeys as well as their food requirements and how to manage forested property to provide the best for turkeys.

These resources have been compiled from various resources and agencies and are provided here for educational purposes only. Please if you find information that needs to be updated, broken links, or if you have an additional resource you feel is pertinent.

• Forest Management for Wild Turkeys - Mississippi State University Extension Service. A variety of habitat types are necessary for wild turkeys, including forests, old fields and open lands. This publication describes habitat needs for turkeys including seasonal needs, the effect of roads on turkeys, and their water requirements. A list of tips on bettering the habitats of wild turkeys is included. Information is given on how to maintain pine plantations, mixed upland pine-hardwood forests and bottomland hardwood forests for the benefit of turkeys. A chart on foods by habitat type is provided.
• Wild Turkey - Mississippi State University Extension Service. This publication gives physical description of wild turkeys including how to distinguish between domestic and wild, male and female, and old and young turkeys. Information on flocks, reproduction, and the turkey’s diet is also listed, along with suggestions for habitat and population management.
• Wildlife Food Planting Guide for the Southeast - Mississippi State University Extension Service. This guide provides information on food planting and habitat management practices.  It covers disturbances that can benefit wildlife if handled properly including disking, mowing and prescribed burning.  The importance of openings is also discussed. Habitat and food necessities for white-tailed deer, eastern wild turkeys, bobwhite quail, mourning doves, and waterfowl are given. A combination of supplemental forages in food planting is often necessary. Testing soil quality, fertilizing and liming are also often needed. The location, size and shape of food plots as well as how to prepare them and which plants to use is included. An extensive guide on planting materials is given.