Podcast: Should Turkey Hunters Worry About Gobbler Sperm Counts?

Is knowing whether the gobbler you just shot had a viable sperm count important? Some leading turkey researchers think it might be. In this episode of Realtree's Outpost Podcast, I sat down with Dr. Will Gulsby, who is one of the lead researchers on a series of wild turkey studies happening right now in Alabama. Among the studies are sound meter monitoring, to measure gobbling activity on a variety of properties (public and private) over the course of the spring; tracking nesting hens with GPS transmitters to determine habitat preferences and nesting success; and yes, measuring sperm counts of harvested gobblers and jakes, to see if subordinate turkeys are still viable breeders in the spring. 

This research is being funded in part by the group Turkeys for Tomorrow, of which Realtree is a sponsor. Check out our previous podcast with TFT co-chairman of the board Ron Jolly, too, and consider joining TFT while you're at it.