Abstract
Gobbling activity of Eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo
silvestris; hereafter, turkeys) has been widely studied, focusing on
drivers of daily variation. Weather variables are widely believed to
influence gobbling activity, but results across studies are
contradictory and often equivocal, leading to uncertainty in the
relative contribution of weather variables to daily fluctuations in
gobbling activity. Previous works relied on road-based auditory surveys
to collect gobbling data which limits data consistency, duration, and
quantity due to logistical difficulties associated with human observers
and restricted sampling frames. Development of new methods using
autonomous recording units (ARUs) allows researchers to collect
continuous data in more locations for longer periods of time, providing
the opportunity to delve into factors influencing daily gobbling
activity. We used ARUs from 1 March to 31 May to detail gobbling
activity across multiple study sites in the southeastern United States
during 2014 – 2018. We used state-space modeling to investigate the
effects of weather variables on daily gobbling activity. Our findings
suggest rainfall, greater wind speeds, and greater temperatures
negatively affected gobbling activity, whereas increasing barometric
pressure positively affected gobbling activity. Therefore, when using
daily gobbling activity to make inferences relative to gobbling
chronology, reproductive phenology, and hunting season frameworks
stakeholders should recognize and consider the potential influences of
extended periods of inclement weather.