Trends in male wild turkey abundance and harvest following restoration efforts in the southeast region of Missouri, 1960–2010

摘要: Long-term estimates of abundance can be useful in elucidating wildlife population and hunter dynamics as well other potential factors affecting populations. We used estimated vulnerability coefficients from a statistical reconstruction (SPR) analysis (1996–2010), along with 50-year time series harvest hunter-effort data to reconstruct male wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) southeastern Missouri, USA (1960–2010; Gast et al. 2013). Following restoration efforts, the Ozarks East productivity region grew rapidly following logistic growth pattern, 2,932 turkeys 1960 15,764 1980, vacillated around stable equilibrium 1980 2010. Distance St. Louis, explained 19.8% variation density while only 1.1%, suggesting that beyond game influenced distribution. To explain high inter-annual found historical reconstruction, we examined relationship between spring weather, recruitment, metrics. A multiple linear regression total precipitation June positively correlated number cold days April negatively yearling (1 year old): adult ratios spring. Our results suggest current is controlled primarily by extrinsic through effects on reproduction. Evidence lends support for using consistent regulations rather than altering annually accommodate short-term trends abundance. research highlights utility SPR models assess demographics. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.