Evaluation of Potential Wild Turkey Habitat in Eastern Illinois

Reestablishment of the wild turkey has been successful in the southern part of Illinois where large established tracts of woodland occur. However, turkeys are capable of surviving in areas with less forest cover, if food, nesting materials and protection are available. This project evaluated the potential turkey habitat of a 14-county area of eastern Illinois along the drainage of the Wabash River. Six potential release sites were selected and the habitat evaluated. In these areas, oak (Quercus spp.) and hickory (Carya spp.) were the dominant tree species. Disturbance from human populations was determined in each of the six areas, including the amount of roads and population densities. The Clark County area, in the region of Lincoln Trail State Park, appears to be the best release site, on the basis of amount of forest, forest edge and the availability of protection. Crawford and Clay county areas, which also contain sizable forest tracts should be considered as secondary sites