One question I always have about the predation theory is how do we explain the past? According to early American reports, there were huge turkey populations recorded by early American settlers yet many more predators existed at that time as well. I believe Alabama was home to our current predators (minus the hogs) plus wolves, bears, mountain lions, ect. How did the turkeys thrive surrounded by more predators than today and no trapping at all?
Good question and here’s your answer
All those predators you named off were targeted by trappers, farmers, ranchers and hunters
Now we have very little predator management
Growing up in the 70’s and 80’s almost every boy I knew trapped and/or coon hunted
There were no coyotes or hogs and very few bobcats and foxes
I lived in what is now mulberry fork wma and we had a abundance of turkeys until the state took over that property which now attests to the states ability to manage any property for game animals
