Missouri's Turkey Habitat Initiative (THI) aims to help landowners and land managers enhance and restore habitat for eastern wild turkeys in Missouri. Declining poult production has led to declines in the turkey population statewide, and adding or improving nesting and brooding habitat is the surest way to improve nest success and poult survival.
Why is the Turkey Habitat Initiative important?
A lack of brooding and nesting habitat in Missouri is limiting potential growth of our turkey population. With resources developed by the THI, land managers can better manage their land to give hens and poults the resources they need to thrive and, in doing so, produce more gobblers.
Benefits of increased turkey habitat
Restoring and enhancing turkey habitat benefits not only turkeys but also a wide range of stakeholders, including:
Landowners: Landowners benefit from improved land productivity, enhanced soil health, and increased wildlife presence.
Wildlife: Healthy habitats benefit other species such as quail, deer, and pollinators.
Communities: Communities will see more opportunities for hunting, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreation, which will in turn support local economies.
MDC staff can provide:
- Cost-share information
- Technical advice
- Lists of contractors
- Step-by-step recommendations
MDC’s approach to restoration
The Missouri Department of Conservation uses science-based strategies to restore and improve wild turkey habitats. These include:
- Conducting prescribed burns to promote native plant growth.
- Implementing timber stand improvement (TSI) to create better nesting and brood-rearing environments.
- Removing invasive species to enhance habitat quality.
By connecting landowners and land managers with both financial and educational resources to improve their property, the THI and MDC can help simplify a complex restoration process.
Goals of the Turkey Habitat Initiative
- Improve turkey production through the addition or enhancement of nesting and brood-rearing habitat across Missouri.
- Build partnerships with landowners and conservation groups to magnify habitat improvement efforts.
- Develop and implement tools that make creating turkey habitat successful.
- Ensure the health of Missouri’s wild turkey population through proactive habitat management and restoration.