Weather throwing off turkeys breeding seasons?

[MarkJM]

We have had the most unusualest weather here in PA, about 3 or 4 heavy snow falls in my area. The snow was gone by the nest day. I was just wondering if the warmer weather would cause toms and hens to pair up earlier in the year and then maybe lay off by the time the season comes in? Our season starts May 3rd

[ground control]

Nope. Breeding is brought on by increasing daylight. "Gobbling is cheap, eggs are expensive."

[VaTuRkStOmPeR]

Nope. Breeding is brought on by increasing daylight. "Gobbling is cheap, eggs are expensive."

Breeding is in fact triggered by photoperiodism but weather is also a significant factor in when the process begins.

If Photoperiodism was the only factor, the breeding cycle would be a more precise and systematic process, which it is not.

Indications of this can be found seen in the variations in turkey behavior from season to season.  Typically, if it has been a cold, wet winter, you will see winter flocks maintained longer than you will in years where winters are mild.  When this occurs hunting is typically more difficult earlier in the season because a large majority of hens were unbred before the season came in. Comparatively, mild years typically offer good hunting opportunities early because hens were being bred before the season.

Ask any southern turkey outfitter if photoperiodism is the only factor affecting breeding dynamics and you'll get a mouthful about how tough it can be to gauge client bookings between march 15 and April 1 due to the issues created by weather.

[VA_Birdhunter]

breeding with turkeys is hard to judge but like said already its brought on by the longer hours in the day and warming weather. I think this year it could happen sooner than usual and thats really not good for WV and PA seasons since they come in so late but then you will be able to find those lonely gobblers so it may not be too bad. Gobblers are like male humans, they want it all the time, but its up to the women when they are ready for it. lol.

I agree....it could come a little early this year.  Been hearing reports of strong gobbling for this time of the year in VA & WVA.  VA just got a good snow might slow them down a bit but its suppose to be back up in the 40's today where my parents live in VA (South West Part of the state).  Very mild winter which I'm not going to complain about....if the Lord blesses me to make it back into the woods this spring I'll take it anyway it comes!

God Bless

[MarkJM]

Thanks for all of the replies guys. The winter here in PA has been very mild with little to no snow at all. Its hard enough to get a PA gobbler to come running in as it is! These eastern birds are smart at the same time dumb as a rock.