How Long Does A Turkey Live?......
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: The Wild Turkey Capitol of the World......Missouri
Posts: 1,027
How Long Does A Turkey Live?......
I saw this article in Turkey & Turkey Hunting written by Lovett E. Williams Jr. He states that out of 1000 eggs layed, only 69 will make it to 1 yr., 34 to 2 yrs., 17 to 3 yrs., and only 9 will make it to the ripe old age of 4 yrs. old. I know the next time I take an old hooked spurred 3 or 4 yr. old bird, I will appreciate it even more knowing that old boy beat some incredible odds to make it to that age. There are just so many different predators out there that target the wild turkey for a meal, from the egg stage to full grown birds, that it is amazing that we have so many birds that we can hunt. A big thanks goes out to the NWTF and the conservation departments everywhere for doing such a great job in maintaining huntable numbers of birds everywhere.
#3
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Salem VA Salem, VA
Posts: 753
RE: How Long Does A Turkey Live?......
I knew turkeys had it rough... but when I read that article I couldn't believe it. Great article by Mr. Lovett.
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"A vote is like a rifle: its usefulness depends upon the character of the user."
Theodore Roosevelt
http://tscott.fws1.com
ONE NATION UNDER GOD!
#4
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Omaha NE USA
Posts: 261
RE: How Long Does A Turkey Live?......
Read the article too and thought it was very informative. I've always liked his studies on wild turkeys.
I think in that same article he stated the oldest recorded was 10 years old for a wild turkey and 12 years old for a domesticated one.
I think in that same article he stated the oldest recorded was 10 years old for a wild turkey and 12 years old for a domesticated one.
#5
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Juneau Alaska USA
Posts: 157
RE: How Long Does A Turkey Live?......
Whew - A 10 year old wild turkey! That would be like a 100+ of our years! <img src=icon_smile_shock.gif border=0 align=middle> I'm wondering if the hens live longer than the toms - I guess the secret is to look for that turkey retirement community! <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>