Volume 65, November 2014, Pages 221–226
Perceived impacts of wild turkeys and management techniques for Wisconsin ginseng production
Highlights
- •
- 110 respondents from 2006 to 2012 WI ginseng producer surveys.
- •
- Most respondents reported turkeys present and cause damage each year.
- •
- Most respondents reportedly spend <$2000 annually for turkey damage management.
- •
- Vertical fencing was reported as the most used/effective management technique.
Abstract
The restoration of eastern wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo silvestris; Viellot) within Wisconsin has successfully populated the central counties which account for 95% of American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius
L.) production. In response to perceived and emerging conflicts, the
Ginseng Board of Wisconsin, Inc. conducted producer surveys in March
2006 and 2012 to determine the extent and timing of wild turkey damage
experienced among all Wisconsin ginseng producers, and the methods used
to minimize wild turkey damage. We summarized 47 and 63 completed
surveys in 2006 and 2012, respectively. Most survey respondents reported
that wild turkeys were present and caused damage at their ginseng
facilities every year. Turkey damage was regarded as “moderate” among
most survey respondents. The majority of respondents in 2006 reported
that annual losses were $2000–$5000, while most respondents in 2012
reported losses of less than $2000. Most producers reported spending
less than $2000 annually for turkey damage management. Vertical fencing
was reported as the most used and most effective damage management
technique; the reported use and long-term efficacy of vertical fencing
increasing substantially from 2006 to 2012. The increased use of
vertical fencing may be related to the general downtrend in annual
monetary losses due to wild turkeys from 2006 to 2012. These survey
results will be used to further identify, investigate and manage the
impacts of wild turkeys to Wisconsin ginseng production.
Keywords
- Human–wildlife conflicts;
- Meleagris gallopavo;
- Panax quinquefolius;
- Wildlife damage management
- Corresponding author. Tel.:
+1 970 266 6133; fax: +1 970 266 6138.
Published by Elsevier Ltd.
