Author: John Tucker
Planning Unit: Hickman County CES
Major Program: Wildlife Habitat and Damage Management Education
Plan of Work: Unrelated to a specified County Plan of Work
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Crop production uses 85% of the land in the river counties in far Western Kentucky. There are over 11,000 acres of Wildlife Management Areas in Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton Counties (Public Land Search on KDFWR website). Most landowners want a balance of wildlife with minimum damage to crops. Due to a decline in harvest numbers of wild turkeys and increasing problems with predator animals, agriculture agents in Carlisle, Hickman, and Fulton County decided to host a wildlife meeting to address these concerns. Zak Danks, wild turkey program coordinator with the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources along with Micah Seavers, owner of a local pest control company, were contacted to discuss the problems. Zak talked about research with the decline in turkey harvest numbers stating that it is not just one particular issue causing the decline. The harvest number in 2023 in Carlisle was 263 birds, 147 in Fulton and 201 wild turkeys in Hickman County (Harvest Report Explorer on KDFWR website). The record number for Kentucky overall is over 36,000. In 2022, total spring harvest numbers were 26,862, a 25% decrease from record highs. The research is ongoing to see what farmers and landowners can do to help, but nesting habitat and native pollinator flowers were two ideas discussed that would lead to more successful polt survival. Micah Seavers a professional trapper talked about homeowner and farmer problems with predator animals. Micah demonstrated several different traps and gave helpful hints with what biggening trappers do wrong. He also brought several different traps, baits, and lures for door prizes. Cook Wild Kentucky recipe cards were given out and attendees had the chance to sample the Wild Turkey & Broccoli Casserole Cook Wild Recipe. Twenty-one (17 male and 4 female) wildlife enthusiasts attended the Wild Turkey update and predator trapping program. 100 % of the clients said they were very satisfied with both speakers. 100% rated the session time was just right. 87% of those attending said they were very capable of making good choices and being accountable and using the information presented. 67% said the meeting was great while 33% said they were very satisfied with the meeting.
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