Wildlife officials in Mississippi say wild turkeys change their behavior based on the season. During spring, turkeys focus on reproduction. Male gobblers become more vocal, searching for hens and strutting to display dominance and attract mates.
In spring, turkeys often spend more time in open woods with abundant herbaceous vegetation. This seasonal shift contrasts with fall, when turkeys prioritize food and flock dynamics.
During fall, turkeys typically group by sex and age, including hens, jakes, gobblers, and poults. Their focus shifts from breeding to searching for mast — hard and soft nuts and fruits — in mature forests. This change reflects their different priorities throughout the year, wildlife officials say.
For more information about wild turkeys’ behavior and life cycle, visit the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks website. Photos are credited to Steve Gulledge.
