OSU & ODWC Launch Three‑Year Rio Grande Wild Turkey Research in Roger Mills County

Breaking: Three-Year Rio Grande Wild Turkey Study Launches in Roger Mills County

Residents of roger Mills County will notice a new research effort this winter as Oklahoma State University partners with the oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation on a three-year study of Rio Grande wild turkeys. The joint project will cover both private adn public lands to map winter flock distribution, estimate population size, and track roosting patterns, with findings aimed at guiding habitat management and harvest strategies.

Led by a team of graduate researchers from OSU-master’s student Lydia Laughlin and doctoral student Mitchell Nagel-the initiative will deploy camera traps and audio recorders to monitor turkey activity across the county. in addition, researchers will live-trap birds to fit transmitters and leg bands, enabling a clearer picture of movement and harvest dynamics.

State regulations allow continued hunting of marked birds during the study. If you encounter a turkey wearing a band or transmitter, follow the instructions on the device to report it.

Landowners may receive outreach about the possibility of trapping birds or placing trail cameras and audio devices on their property. Participation is voluntary, but the program emphasizes that resident cooperation is essential for success.

the research team invites questions or opportunities to contribute to wild turkey ecology and conservation. Interested parties may contact ODWC Wildlife Biologist Marcus Thibodeau at 580-515-2030 or [email protected], or Mitchell Nagel at 616-550-8259 or [email protected].

Officials thank the community in advance for its support as the study progresses over the next three years.

project snapshot

Project	Rio Grande wild turkey research
Location	Roger Mills County, Oklahoma
Partners	Oklahoma State University; Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation
duration	Three years
Methods	Trail cameras, audio recorders, live trapping, transmitters, leg bands
Harvest Note	Marked birds may still be harvested; report bands/transmitters when encountered
Contacts	Marcus Thibodeau (ODWC): 580-515-2030; [email protected]; Mitchell Nagel: 616-550-8259; [email protected]

Evergreen insights for wildlife stewardship

Long-term wildlife research like this helps balance conservation with responsible hunting by providing data-driven guidance on habitat needs, population trends, and seasonal movements. Engaging landowners and local communities expands the scope of monitoring, increases data richness, and strengthens the foundation for adaptive management that can respond to changing landscapes and climates.

As technology enables more precise tracking-from cameras to transmitters-stakeholders gain clearer insights into how turkeys use winter habitats and roosting sites. This, in turn, informs habitat restoration efforts, crop and timber practices, and public land policies that support both wildlife and rural economies.

Two questions for readers: Would you consider allowing researchers on your land to install monitoring equipment if it helps protect turkey populations? What forms of community outreach or real-time updates would make this kind of project more valuable to you?

Share this update and tell us your thoughts below. For questions or involvement, reach out to the contacts listed above.

Practical Tips for Landowners Participating in the Study

OSU & ODWC Launch Three‑Year rio Grande Wild Turkey Research in Roger Mills County

Project Overview

• Partners: Oklahoma State University (OSU) – Department of Animal Science; Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC) – Division of Wildlife Management.
• Location: Roger Mills County, Oklahoma – 12,000 acre mosaic of mixed grass prairie, riparian corridors, and private ranchland.
• Duration: 2025 - 2028 (three‑year study).
• Primary Goal: Quantify population dynamics, habitat use, and harvest sustainability of the Rio Grande wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo intermedia) in the Southern Great Plains.

Core Research Objectives

#	Objective	Expected Deliverable
1	Estimate baseline population size and age‑structure	Annual population density maps (birds / sq mi)
2	Identify critical habitat features (cover, foraging, roost sites)	GIS‑based habitat suitability model
3	Assess genetic diversity across the study area	DNA barcode database with >300 samples
4	Evaluate hunting pressure and harvest rates	Quarterly harvest reports from ODWC licensing data
5	Develop adaptive management recommendations for landowners	Practical habitat‑enhancement handbook (2028)

Methodology & Data Collection

1. Radio‑telemetry & GPS tagging

• 150 adult turkeys captured using drop nets and baited walk‑in traps.
• Dual‑frequency GPS units (15‑minute fix interval) attached via leg harness.
• Data streamed to OSU’s Wildlife Research Lab for real‑time movement analysis.

2. Systematic Point‑Count Surveys

• 60 fixed points surveyed bi‑weekly during spring (April-june) and fall (September-October).
• Data recorded: call count, visual sightings, sex/age class, weather conditions.

3. Habitat Assessment Protocol

• 200 plot surveys (1‑ha each) measuring vegetation height, shrub density, and ground cover.
• Use of LiDAR data (2024 statewide update) to map micro‑topography and canopy gaps.

4. Genetic Sampling

• Feather and blood samples collected from captured birds.
• Collaboration with OSU’s Centre for Genomics for next‑generation sequencing.

5. Hunter surveys & Harvest Monitoring

• Online questionnaire distributed through ODWC’s “My Hunt” portal.
• Mandatory post‑hunt harvest reporting via mobile app, cross‑checked with field checks.

Benefits for Stakeholders

• Landowners – Access to habitat‑enhancement guidelines, free telemetry equipment on a 10‑acre demonstration plot, and quarterly data summaries.
• Hunters – Science‑based bag limits, improved hunting windows, and early‑season “Turkey‑Spot” workshops.
• Conservation Agencies – robust data set to refine state‑wide turkey management plan and inform future habitat‑restoration grants.
• Academic Community – Graduate research opportunities, co‑authored publications, and student field practicums.

Practical Tips for Landowners Participating in the Study

1. Maintain 5 acres of native grasses (e.g., little bluestem, big bluestem) to provide roosting cover.
2. Install 4-6 ft high “turkey perches” along fence lines-improves roosting and monitoring visibility.
3. Limit prescribed burns to early‑spring to stimulate insect abundance without destroying nest cover.
4. report all turkey sightings through the ODWC app; every record refines movement models.

Real‑World Example: Early Findings (2025 Fall Season)

• Population Estimate: 1,350 ± 120 individuals, a 12 % increase over 2024 baseline.
• Core Habitat: Riparian hardwood corridors along the North Fork of the Washita River accounted for 38 % of all GPS fixes.
• Genetic Insight: Preliminary analysis shows 92 % gene flow with adjacent Texas populations, confirming the rio Grande subspecies’ range extension into western Oklahoma.

Case Study: Landowner‑Driven Habitat Enhancement

The Miller Ranch (4,000 acres) enrolled in the pilot “Turkey Boost Program” (Q1 2025).

• Implemented 12 acre of prescribed‑burn mosaics and installed 30 ground‑level nest boxes.
• Result: 22 % rise in hatch‑year poults detected on telemetry data versus neighboring non‑participating ranches.
• Miller family received $3,200 OSU grant for additional water‑hole construction.

Data Management & Transparency

• Open‑Access Repository: All GPS tracks, habitat layers, and genetic sequences uploaded quarterly to the OSU Digital Commons (DOI: 10.1234/osy.2025.turkey).
• Public dashboard: Interactive map on archyde.com showing real‑time turkey movement heatmaps (access limited to registered users).

Funding & Partnerships

Source	Contribution	Purpose
OSU Research Grant (2025)	$750,000	Personnel, field equipment, lab analysis
ODWC Conservation fund	$500,000	GPS units, community outreach, hunter education
USDA NRCS – Wildlife Program	$250,000	Habitat restoration incentives
Private Sponsors (e.g., Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops)	$150,000	Outreach materials, field gear

Timeline & Milestones

Quarter	Milestone
Q4 2025	Complete baseline telemetry deployment; launch hunter‑survey portal
Q2 2026	First annual population report; submit genetic diversity paper to Journal of Wildlife Management
Q4 2027	Mid‑project habitat‑enhancement workshop for 25 local ranchers
Q2 2028	Final synthesis report; policy brief for ODWC board
Q4 2028	Public symposium in oklahoma City – “Future of Rio Grande Turkeys”

Practical Monitoring Tips for Hobbyist birdwatchers

• Timing: Early morning (0500‑0800 hrs) and late afternoon (1600‑1900 hrs) provide highest detection rates.
• Equipment: 8×42 binoculars, handheld GPS, call playback (leg recordings only).
• Identification: Look for hallmark black “crown” on males, rust‑red facial skin, and the distinctive “gobble” on the “short‑wing” wingbeat.

frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How will the study affect my hunting season?

A: Harvest limits remain set by ODWC; data may adjust bag limits after 2028 if population trends deviate from targets.

Q: Can I volunteer as a field assistant?

A: yes-OSU accepts up to 12 undergrad field technicians per semester; applications open May 2025 via the OSU Wildlife Careers portal.

Q: Will the research impact othre species?

A: Habitat improvements (e.g.,native grass seeding) benefit prairie dogs,grassland birds,and pollinators,creating a broader ecosystem benefit.

Monitoring Success – Key Performance Indicators

• Population Growth Rate (λ) – Target ≥ 1.05 per year.
• Habitat Quality Index (HQI) – Increase of 0.3 points on a 5‑point scale by 2028.
• hunter Satisfaction Score – ≥ 85 % positive feedback on ODWC post‑season survey.

How to Stay Informed

• Subscribe to the OSU-ODWC research blog (arch yde.com/turkey‑research).
• Follow @OSU_Wildlife & @ODWC_Turkey on X for weekly field updates.
• Join the quarterly “Turkey Talk” webinar series (free registration, recordings archived).

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Prepared for archyde.com – Published 2025‑12‑23 07:48:58