Do Deer and Turkeys Feed Together? A Comprehensive Analysis

The question of whether deer and turkeys feed together has been a topic of debate among hunters and wildlife enthusiasts for years. Some believe that the presence of turkeys can deter deer from feeding in an area, while others claim that the two species can coexist peacefully and even benefit from each other’s presence. In this article, we will delve into the available evidence to answer the question: Do deer and turkeys feed together?

Evidence from the Field

Numerous observations and anecdotal accounts suggest that deer and turkeys can indeed feed together. In the provided URL, a thread on the Archery Talk Forum titled “Do turkeys bother deer?” features several firsthand accounts from hunters who have witnessed deer and turkeys feeding in close proximity. One user describes watching a flock of turkeys feeding alongside a group of deer, with the deer seemingly unbothered by the presence of the birds. Another user recounts an experience where a deer walked up to a turkey and smelled it before continuing to feed. These observations suggest that deer and turkeys can tolerate each other’s presence and even share feeding grounds.

Supporting Research

The idea that turkeys and deer can coexist and even benefit from one another’s presence is also supported by scientific research. According to a study in the Journal of Wildlife Management, deer and turkeys frequently forage in the same places, and the presence of turkeys had no discernible effect on the deer’s foraging habits. Turkeys can serve as sentinels, warning deer of possible predators, so the study found that deer may even benefit from their presence.

Factors Influencing Coexistence

While deer and turkeys can coexist and even feed together, several factors can influence their interactions. These factors include:

• Habitat: The availability of food and cover can influence whether deer and turkeys will share feeding grounds. If resources are abundant, the two species are more likely to tolerate each other’s presence.
• Predator pressure: The presence of predators can also influence the interactions between deer and turkeys. If predators are common in an area, deer may be more wary of turkeys, as the birds can attract attention.
• Human activity: Human activity can also impact the interactions between deer and turkeys. If humans frequently disturb an area, deer may be less likely to share feeding grounds with turkeys.

Based on the available evidence, it is clear that deer and turkeys can feed together under certain circumstances. While the presence of turkeys may sometimes deter deer from feeding in an area, the two species can often coexist peacefully and even benefit from each other’s presence. The factors influencing their interactions include habitat, predator pressure, and human activity.

Additional Resources

• Do turkeys bother deer? (Archery Talk Forum)
• Do deer like wild turkeys? (Mike Hanback’s Blog)

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do deer and turkeys compete for food?

Turkeys and deer may compete with one another for food, but how fiercely they do so will depend on the resources available. The two species can coexist in areas with plenty of food without facing much competition.

• Can deer and turkeys transmit diseases to each other?

Yes, deer and turkeys can transmit diseases to each other. However, the risk of disease transmission is relatively low, and the two species can generally coexist without significant health concerns.

• Is it legal to hunt deer and turkeys together?

Depending on the state or area, hunting deer and turkeys simultaneously may or may not be permitted. It is important to check local regulations before hunting.