Turkey study

[Paulmyr]

They just had a MD wildlife biologist involved with this study on the Wild Turkey Science Podcast talking about the state of the wild turkey in MD. Seems red fox  are pretty tough on nesting hens in the eastern part of the state.

Need more coyotes?    They are tough on red fox.

The guy didn't get into it much but the coyotes mainly inhabit the western part of the state and red fox the eastern shore. Anecdotally turkey populations are doing better in the western part of the state.

[GobbleNut]

They just had a MD wildlife biologist involved with this study on the Wild Turkey Science Podcast talking about the state of the wild turkey in MD. Seems red fox  are pretty tough on nesting hens in the eastern part of the state.

Need more coyotes?  They are tough on red fox.

The guy didn't get into it much but the coyotes mainly inhabit the western part of the state and red fox the eastern shore. Anecdotally turkey populations are doing better in the western part of the state.

I am pretty much in the camp (also anecdotally, based on my personal observations) that coyote predation on wild turkeys is relatively minimal. I have observed coyote and turkey interactions on a number of occasions here and there seems to be a mutual understanding between them that they will go about their businesses without much concern for each other. Now, I am sure that coyotes will look for an opening to snatch an unaware turkey on occasion, but in each instance I have witnessed, every turkey in the area was quite aware of the coyote's presence and paid close attention to his actions... keeping an eyeball on him with obvious clear intent to take evasive action if needed. ...I suppose I will get more concerned with coyotes when they learn how to fly...     

I suspect, as others here might be suggesting, that coyote predation on turkeys is more than offset by the benefits of them preying on the smaller predators that can have seemingly much more impact on turkey populations. 

[Paulmyr]

Yeah, that balance of nature thing we humans are so readily willing to upset with our greed and our amazing ability to be shortsighted, looking only at what we think might benefit us in the near future and not taking in the whole picture.

[deerhunt1988]

The fox bit intrigued me. Last spring I was hunting a state on the east shore and saw more red foxes in 2 days than I had the previous 3+ years combined. I had no clue red foxes were that thick anywhere!! It was nice to see them instead of coyotes that plague everywhere else. My friend actually got to watch 2 foxes unsuccessfully try and take down a hen.