Movement and reproductive ecology of female eastern wild turkeys in a managed longleaf pine forest

Longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forests rely on frequent prescribed fire, but how prescribed fire influences habitat selection, and nest and brood survival of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris; turkeys) is poorly understood. I captured 63 female turkeys during 2015-2016 and used GPS transmitters to document reproductive chronology, movement, and habitat selection during the reproductive period. I found that increased patch diversity increased nest survival, whereas proximity to stands burned 3 growing seasons prior reduced brood survival. Females selected hardwood stands during pre-nesting and post-nesting phases, open vegetation communities during all phases except pre-nesting, and used pine stands regardless of fire return interval throughout the reproductive period. I suggest managers focus on creating a mosaic of pine seral stages, intermixed with open and hardwood vegetation communities, while applying frequent prescribed fire (1-3 years) to create understory conditions selected by turkeys for foraging and concealment year-round.