546 - Research Project Check-In with Dr. Craig Harper

Episode 546: Progress Check-In: The Multi-State Wild Turkey Research Project & Predator Index Study

Guest: Dr. Craig Harper (University of Tennessee at Knoxville)

Episode Overview

In this episode, Cameron and Andy check in on a groundbreaking multi-state wild turkey ecology study spanning 11 properties across nine states. Joining the show is Dr. Craig Harper from UT Extension, who breaks down early pre-treatment findings, turkey demographic metrics, and practical habitat management practices landowners can execute right now.

The hosts also announce that all proceeds from the annual South Texas Rio Grande Wild Turkey Hunt Raffle will directly fund this critical research project to support field equipment, camera grids, and graduate student research.

Key Takeaways & Research Findings

1. Multi-State Wild Turkey & Predator Index Study

• Scope: Research properties cover 11 sites across 9 states—including Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Arkansas, and Pennsylvania.

• Methodology: Researchers placed automated recording units (ARUs) and camera grids at a density of roughly 1 camera per 20 acres alongside 160 artificial nests per property using unwashed brown chicken eggs to establish a pre-treatment baseline.

• Goal: Establish a standardized Predator Index so landowners can use trail camera data to evaluate whether low productivity is caused by excessive predator density or poor habitat.

• Artificial Nest Depredation: Depredation rates averaged 20% during the 12-day egg-laying stage, driven by a global predator community including raccoons, opossums, skunks, coyotes, bobcats, and crows.

2. Wild Turkey Demographics & Season Delay Study

• Season Delay Impact: Post-treatment data showed that implementing a 14-day spring season delay and bag limit reduction had no impact on turkey productivity or reproductive success.

• Survival Rates: Adult hen survival averages ~50% annually, poult survival averages 20% or less, and nest success averages 25%–30%. Overall recruitment yields only about 5% of eggs reaching adulthood.

• Jake Management: Removing juvenile males (Jakes) from regular spring bag limits preserves a ~73% annual survival rate into their 2-year-old season, significantly increasing gobbling activity—the single highest metric for hunter satisfaction.

3. Practical Land & Habitat Management

• Eliminate Woody Thickets: Remove dense, thicket-like woody cover (both native saplings and non-natives like privet or honeysuckle) to improve turkey line-of-sight and reduce predator concealment.

• Canopy & Sunlight Balance: Maintain 30%–50% sunlight in woodlands to promote understory herbaceous growth while keeping overall plant height low enough for hen visibility.

• Field Edge Strategy: Disperse nesting cover in field interiors and keep the outer 30–60 feet disced or mowed low. This keeps hens from nesting along predator-traveled edges while providing ideal brooding cover right next to woodland or nesting shelter.

• Cool-Season Grass Eradication: To eliminate fescue or orchard grass, mow fields multiple times through early fall and spray with herbicide in mid-November while cool-season grasses are actively growing.

Support Turkey Research: South Texas Rio Grande Hunt Raffle

All proceeds from this year's raffle directly support Dr. Harper’s multi-state study, covering camera maintenance, field travel, student research stipends, and equipment.

• The Prize: 4-day, 3-night Rio Grande Wild Turkey Hunt for 2 winners (each allowed up to 2 adult gobblers) in South Texas at El Pintor Ranch.
• Dates: February 24–27, 2027.
• Inclusions: Guided hunting, lodging, and meals included.

** Enter the 2027 Texas Wild Turkey Raffle Here

Episode Timestamps

• 00:00:00 – Intro & Fall Food Plot Planting (Clover & SEC Blends)
• 00:06:30 – Announcement: Raffle Proceeds Donated to Turkey Research
• 00:12:17 – Tennessee Season Delay Study Results & Productivity Metrics
• 00:15:46 – Camera Trapping Data & Global Predator Community Impact
• 00:20:19 – Multi-State Research Study Setup & Artificial Nests
• 00:31:57 – Breakdown of Hen, Poult, and Nest Survival Metrics
• 00:39:42 – Why Protecting Jakes Improves Gobbling & Hunter Satisfaction
• 00:45:55 – 4 Core Habitat Management Rules for Wild Turkeys
• 00:54:34 – Strategic Field Edge Mowing & Brooding Cover Layout
• 00:59:33 – Fall Fescue Eradication & Late-Season Burning Tips
• 01:00:53 – Outro & How to Buy Raffle Tickets