Turkey Season Summary - Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

T U R K E Y C O N S E R V A T I O N I N A R K A N S A SFeeders not for the birdsMany Arkansans use corn feeders for deerhunting and wildlife viewing. But feedersaren’t always the best practice for outdoorsenthusiasts interested in wild turkeys and otherbirds.Ever wonder why corn bagged as “deer corn”is usually cheaper than corn at the local farmerscoop? Often, it’s because the grain has beenrejected for domestic livestock or humansbecause of high levels of aflatoxins (>20 ppb forhumans or dairy cows), so it’s bagged and sold asdeer corn.Aflatoxins are produced by fungi that growon corn under certain conditions. These toxinscan cause liver damage in humans and areparticularly toxic to birds. Large-scale die-offsof ducks and other birds have been traced toaflatoxin-laced grains. Research with domesticand wild turkeys has shown that moderate levelsof aflatoxins cause liver damage, immune systemdamage and death. For this reason, wildlifemanagers do not recommend feeding anythingother than corn sold as domestic livestock feed.This corn should be kept dry and fed in smallamounts to prevent fungus. Feeders shouldalso be moved often to cut down on diseasetransmission.Many biologists discourage the use of feedersbecause of the disadvantages associated withthem (listed below). Food plots including graincrops, such as corn, soybeans and milo, andother habitat management is more beneficial andcost effective to wildlife in the long run.Corn feeders may be convenient, but food plots providemuch better nutrition throughout the year. Photo byJeff Williams.Feeder benefits1. Attract wildlife2. Provide supplemental food3. Provide high-energy food4. Grow larger deer with larger anglers5. Improve selectivity of wildlife harvest6. Improve reproductive condition7. Keep wildlife on the property8. Reduce stress on wildlifeFeeder disadvantages1. Aflatoxin poisoning or death2. Potential poaching at feeders3. Turkey harvest is illegal over bait4. Nest predators (raccoons) benefit5. Domestication of turkeys and wildlife6. Increased predation near feeders7. Disease transmission potential increased8. Ethical issues with hunting over bait2 0 0 6 - 0 7 T U R K E Y S E A S O N S U M M A R Y 3 3