MDC invites landowners to learn about property management for wild turkey in Versailles May 18

VERSAILLES, MO. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites landowners to learn how to manage their property to create nesting and brood-rearing habitat for eastern wild turkeys in Versailles on May 18 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.

This workshop will cover turkey biology, desired nesting and brood-rearing habitat, state and federal cost share programs for land management, habitat management techniques, and field demonstrations. This is an outside event with lunch provided. Participants are asked to bring a lawn chair and wear appropriate clothing for the weather. Closed-toe shoes designed for walking are recommended.

Adult wild turkey males in Missouri are very large and dark with a bare, red and blue head, with red wattles on the throat and neck. They have long legs, and their feathers are bronzy and iridescent. Males, and some females have a tuft of hairlike feathers in the middle of their breast. Females are smaller and less iridescent. Turkeys are most famous for their gobbling calls, but they make other vocalizations as well.

Wild turkeys are most commonly found in mixed forests and grasslands statewide. Like other ground nesters, their reproductive success may be greatly reduced by extensive precipitation during nesting time. Successful management focuses on proper seasonal combinations of food, cover, and water.

This workshop is designed for participants of all ages, and registration can be done at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/46B. Questions about this event can be directed to Meagan Duffee-Yates at Meagan.duffee-yates@mdc.mo.gov. This workshop will be held on private land at 23916 Locust Road in Versailles.