Different wildlife species often interact indirectly, although we may not see it often.
This video shared by BDN Contributor Allie Ladd shows two turkey families, or broods, and two bucks in close proximity, sharing food and cover.
While these two species vary drastically, they are known to share the same habitats, sometimes sharing the same stands, to attain food and cover requirements.
During the brood-rearing season, turkey hens have specific habitat preferences, which include a mix of grassy openings and fields, field edges, and forest openings. Ideal vegetation will provide an umbrella-like canopy that offers protection from predators while allowing poults to move around more freely. Abundant insect populations are found in these open areas, which contribute to the protein-rich diets that young turkeys need for development.
In the spring and early summer, whitetail deer favor regenerating forests which provide ample vegetation like grasses, forb, and new browse on trees. Deer need the nutrients from these food resources after winter. Whitetail does also require these nutrients for the fawning period.
As the year progresses and the turkey brood ages, resource needs shift. Turkeys will use mature forests, especially those with oaks and beech trees. Due to their greater mobility, they will select areas with roost trees, which are often pines, as an escape route from predators. Thicker stands will also provide better cover during inclement and cold weather.
Whitetail deer will similarly modify their habitat selection as fall nears. They will primarily consume acorns, but will also eat beech nuts, wild cherry seeds, twigs, buds and fruit.
