Identification | Biology | Damage ID | Management | Resources
Overview of Damage Prevention
and Control Methods
Habitat Modification
- Not feasible.
Exclusion
- Netting
- Bird spikes
Frightening
- Mylar® strips
- Motion sensing sprinklers
- Propane cannons
- Radios
- Scarecrows
- Dogs
Repellents
- Methyl anthranilate
Toxicants
- None are available
Shooting
- Shotguns (12-gauge)
Trapping
- Drop nets
Damage Prevention and Control Methods
Habitat Modification
Habitat modification generally is not a feasible means of reducing conflicts with turkeys.
Exclusion
Netting is the best method to prevent access to sensitive areas by wild turkeys. To be effective, nets must cover stop access from all accessible sides, thereby making exclusion quite expensive and cumbersome to use.
Use bird spikes or other ledge exclusion products to prevent turkeys from roosting in unwanted locations.

Photo by Stephen M. Vantassel.
Frightening Devices
Short-term results may be obtained by hanging strips of Mylar® tape in locations where turkeys are not wanted. Motion sensing sprinklers, propane cannons, radios, and scarecrows also have shown some effectiveness. Move items every few days to reduce the likelihood of the turkeys habituating to them.
Some landowners have reported benefits from hazing turkeys with dogs and from patrols of individuals on all-terrain vehicles. Be sure turkeys are not harmed when using any frightening technique.
Repellents
Products made with methyl anthranilate are available to disperse roosting birds and to protect blueberries, cherries, and grapes from bird damage.
Toxicants
None are available.
Shooting
Shooting is an effective way to manage turkeys. Shotguns (12-gauge) with #6 or heavier shot is effective for taking turkeys within 30 yards. Shooters are advised to test various loads and chokes to determine the best combination for their needs. Follow all safety and legal requirements before shooting.
Trapping
Large flocks of wild turkeys may be trapped using nets dropped from elevations or fired from cannons. Set nets in open areas along travel paths of the turkeys. Pre-bait the sites with corn (white or yellow) and sorghum to encourage turkeys to visit. Drop nets consist of 60- x 60-foot net with 2- x 2-inch mesh. Set the drop net at least 8 feet off the ground to reduce likelihood of turkey refusal. NetBlaster™ nets range in size with 60- x 40-foot net being the largerst.
Technicians should be available to remove captured turkeys quickly in order to reduce the risk of injury or capture myopathy. Three technicians can handle up to 35 birds per capture.
Disposition
Relocation
Due to their mobility, relocation of wild turkeys is only practical when turkeys need to be rescued from life-threatening hazards.
Translocation
Many states prohibit the translocation of wildlife, including wild turkeys, for humane and public health reasons. If translocation is legal, move turkeys to suitable habitat at least 10 miles, preferably across major barriers such as and mountain ranges to reduce the likelihood of their return.
Euthanasia
Euthanasia by CO2 is suitable for wild turkeys.
Disposal
Check your state regulations regarding disposal of carcasses.