What triggers them to breed?

[U.P. MAN]

We have been having crazy warm weather here in the U.P. Snow is mostly gone, have seen toms displaying already. We hit mid 70's yesterday. Can't hunt turkeys till april 23rd, what triggers them to breed? Worried about how vocal the toms will be in another month. We could still very possibly get another huge snow storm, but not looking like it at this time. Is it the weather, the amount of daylight in a day, ect ect?

[Stanley]

Great question. I don't know. I'll bet this early warm weather messes them up though.

[Ack]

The amount of daylight is supposedly what triggers breeding. Warm temps just get them thinking that it's time.

[Goober]

cheap alcohol and dancing ususally does it :-)

[U.P. MAN]

I am thoroughly convinced that this is a contributing factor!

[Uncle Lou]

Great question, been thinking the same. Last year I saw some little fall turkeys indicating some late breeding. I was afraid some wouldnt make it through winter. But the mild winter really did them well.

Don't know what gets them started other than receptive hens. I would think that warm weather could kick start them, because if they loose a nest they can/will renest.