Quick Answer
During nesting season, turkey behavior changes as hens become more secretive and protective of their nests, often abandoning established roosting sites and traveling shorter distances to forage. This shift typically occurs in late April or early May, depending on location and weather conditions. Hens may also become more aggressive when approached.
Pre-Nesting Season Behavior
Eastern wild turkeys typically begin their nesting season in late April or early May, around 30-40 days after the start of their spring molt. During this time, hens will often abandon established roosting sites and begin to search for secluded locations to build their nests. These sites are usually hidden in dense vegetation, such as leaf litter, shrubs, or grasses, and may be up to 100 yards away from the hen’s normal roosting location.
Nesting Season Habitat and Behavior
In the early stages of nesting, hens will often travel shorter distances to forage for food, typically within a 100-yard radius of their nest. This reduced range is due to the hen’s increased vigilance and fear of predators, which could disrupt the incubation of their eggs. As the nesting season progresses, the hen will become even more secretive, often disappearing from view for extended periods of time as she incubates her eggs and cares for her brood.
Identifying Nesting Season Activity
To identify when a turkey hen is nesting, look for changes in her behavior and habitat use. A nesting hen may appear more skittish or aggressive when approached, and will often avoid established roosting sites and travel routes. By observing these changes, hunters and wildlife enthusiasts can better predict the timing of the turkey’s nesting season and adjust their strategies accordingly.
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