Study wild turkey gobbling chronology across latitudinal gradients within illinois and nesting phenology in northwestern illinois to support wildlife management

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 3 awarded $501,135 to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) on July 1, 2025, under the Wildlife Restoration and Basic Hunter Education and Safety program (CFDA 15.611). The award funds a one-year research project examining wild turkey gobbling chronology across latitudinal gradients within Illinois and nesting phenology in northwestern Illinois. The research is designed to generate scientific data that supports improved wildlife management practices and outcomes for wild turkey populations throughout the state. Southern Illinois University at Carbondale serves as a subrecipient, leveraging academic expertise to conduct the field research and analysis components of the project.

The project directly supports the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act's mandate to restore, conserve, manage, and enhance wild birds and their habitats. Deliverables include comprehensive field data on turkey breeding behavior and timing patterns, research findings that inform state wildlife management decisions, and enhanced scientific understanding of how geographic and climatic factors influence turkey reproduction across Illinois' diverse ecological regions. The award represents standard formula grant funding mechanisms through which the Fish and Wildlife Service supports state wildlife agencies in conducting research and management activities that benefit wildlife conservation and public recreational access to hunting resources.

Expected benefits are better management of wild turkey. Southern illinois university at carbondale is an expected subrecipient of this grant.