Unfortunately, there are not a lot of options for control of wild turkeys.
Propane cannon used to frighten birds and other wildlife from sensitive areas. Image courtesy of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Your options are:
- 1. Trim tree branches to “open” up the area and give them less cover. These birds are there for a reason (shelter from elements or predators, close to food or foraging areas), and making the trees less attractive may encourage them to leave. Remember, however, that you will have little control over where they go next!
- 2. Haze them with noises, flashing lights, and, if the situation permits, propane cannons, pyrotechnics (just make sure the birds don’t get hurt!). Check with your local law enforcement agency about noise or pyrotechnic-related ordinances. It is also a good idea to let your neighbors know what is going on. Harassment techniques work fairly well, but the trick is to: 1) be persistent, and 2) start harassment as soon as possible (in this case, when turkeys first show up).
- 3. Apply for a depredation permit with your state’s wildlife agency.