Wild turkey behavior varies between spring and fall, Mississippi wildlife officials say

Wild turkeys in Mississippi exhibit different behaviors in spring and fall, according to the state Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks.

During the spring, gobblers, or male turkeys, become more vocal and actively search for hens. They strut to display dominance and attract mates. Turkeys tend to spend more time in open woods with abundant herbaceous vegetation during this season, the department said.

In contrast, fall brings a shift in priorities for wild turkeys. They focus on finding food and managing flock dynamics. Birds are typically grouped by sex and age, including hens, jakes, adult gobblers, and poults. During this time, turkeys forage for hard and soft mast in mature forests, as breeding is no longer a primary concern.

The department emphasized that while the same birds are involved, their goals change with the seasons. To learn more about wild turkeys, visit the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website.

Photo by Steve Gulledge.

Source: Original Article