M.S.

The primary objects of this study were to try to determine the variation in the principal early winter foods taken by the wild turkeys on the Virginia State Forests, the management implications of these annual variations, and the value of artificial plantings as natural food supplements. All introduced foods appearing in the crop and stomach material will be considered as having been obtained from the food plantings or from those areas on the forest which are rented for agricultural use. In keeping with Leopold’s statement (1939, p. 302) that: “Composite analyses of food habits are only a general guide to local questions—” this work should add to the local records and knowledge of food habits of the Virginia wild turkey. It is hoped that this study will supply data that will permit a more intelligent management of the wild turkey on the Virginia State Forests and on other publicly owned forest lands both here in Virginia and elsewhere. / M.S.