SOP Number: SOP028
Title: Wild Game Bird Capture, Mark, and Release Methods
Revision No:
Replaces:
02
01
Author: Dr. Mark Wallace
Date in effect:
8-8-2007
Page:
1 of 6
Responsible faculty: John McGlone
(Signature/Date)
8-8-2007
The following protocols will be used when capturing any species or subspecies of wild game birds in
the order Galliformes (turkeys, pheasant, or quail). We provide specific protocols for wild turkey
(Meleagris gallopavo) and northern bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) which will serve as
guidelines for most other Galliformes though special additional considerations may be required for
some Threatened and Endangered species. For any animal that is to be released to the wild, the prime
consideration shall be that the procedure will have minimal effect on the animal’s subsequent survival
and reproductive potential. All protocols described here are current accepted practices established
under the American Ornithologists Union Ad Hoc Committee on the Use of Wild Birds in Research
Guidelines (1988) (AOU Guidelines) or recommended by the American Veterinary Medical
Association Panel on Euthanasia (AVMA 2000).
1) Capture
a. Capture with walk-in traps – Gallinaceous birds can be live-trapped at baited sites in
box or cage traps (Baldwin 1947).
i. Wild Turkeys – Turkeys will be passively captured in walk-in traps. Live traps
used for capturing wild turkey are a funnel type trap (approx. 6’ wide x 8’ long
x 4’ tall) constructed with livestock fence panels placed around the bait-site
(Davis 1994). The trap is set by establishing a funnel entrance after turkeys have
become accustomed to feeding at the bait inside the trap. The trap allows bird’s
free access to bait but the funnel design complicates egress so that turkeys
cannot find their way out. Traps will be set in the crepuscular hours (from
before dawn to approx. 9:00 am and from 4:00 pm to approx. 9:00 pm) and
traps will remain open (NOT set) overnight and during daylight hours (Davis
1994). However, it is possible that individual birds may be in traps (with food
and water) for a maximum of 6 hours. Bird movements within the trap are not
restrained. Turkey poults will be caught using hand capture techniques
described below.
ii. Northern Bobwhite Quail- Walk-in traps for northern bobwhite quail are of
similar design. They are wire mesh design (approx. 2’ wide x 3’ long x 10’ tall)
with a funnel entrance (Smith et al. 1981). Traps will be set in the crepuscular
hours (from before dawn to approx 9:00 am and from 4:00 pm to approx 9:00
pm) and traps will remain open (NOT set) overnight and during the daylight
hours. However, it is possible that individual birds may be in traps (with food
and water) for a maximum of 6 hours. Bird movements within the trap are not
restrained. Northern bobwhite quail chicks will be caught using hand capture
techniques described below.
SOP Number: SOP028
Title: Wild Game Bird Capture, Mark, and Release Methods
Revision No:
Replaces:
02
01
Author: Dr. Mark Wallace
Date in effect:
8-8-2007
Page:
2 of 6
Responsible faculty: John McGlone
(Signature/Date)
8-8-2007
iii. Walk-in traps for birds will be shaded or positioned to avoid full exposure to the
sun (Friend et al. 1994).
b. Capture with cannon or rocket nets- This technique is widely used for turkey and
waterfowl (Dill and Thornsberry 1950).
i. Wild Turkeys – A large, light weight net is shot at a 20 degree angle by blasting
caps (cannon) or mortar projectile (rocket) over birds baited to a trap site. Sites
are pre-baited with a blind established (100-200’ away with a line of vision
parallel to the net) to accustom birds to its presence (Grubb 1988). The net is
folded flat in a line adjacent to the line of bait with the trailing edges lapped
under and staked securely. Firing is accomplished by electric charge, from
battery held technician/observer in the blind when the desired number and/or
composition of birds are in front of the net. Trained technicians then secure the
birds and remove them from the netting for measurement, marking, biological
sampling, and release as described below.
c. Hand Capture – Gallinaceous birds are not strong fliers. Chasing and flushing them
until they run instead of flying so they can then be captured on the ground with a longhandled net (approx. 120 x 120 cm net with a 3.6 m handle) is an effective method to
capture northern bobwhite quail and young turkeys (Wilbur 1967). Using a spot-light at
night to freeze birds on roosts prior to netting them with a long-handled net (Labisky
1969) has also been successful. We will capture turkey poults and bobwhite chicks by
homing in on hens with transmitters. Coveys will be flushed or illuminated with a
spotlight and then netted using a long-handled net.
d. Capture with dogs- This is essentially the same procedure as hand capturing, except
that trained bird dogs are used to locate birds and to flush them until they can be hand
captured.
2) Handling
a. Safe handling procedures, as described in the AOU Guidelines (1988), will be used for
all capture, handling, blood collection, and marking procedures.
i. Wild Turkeys- Net and walk-in traps can capture large numbers (more than 30)
turkeys at one time. Individual turkeys will be removed from the traps or nets by
hand and secured by holding both legs together behind the bird and holding the
wings closed to prevent flight attempts. Turkeys will be placed in National Wild
Turkey Federation (NWTF) or similar cardboard boxes (approx 2’ wide , 3.5’
long, and 3’ tall) with ventilation holes to reduce potential struggling in nets or
SOP Number: SOP028
Title: Wild Game Bird Capture, Mark, and Release Methods
Revision No:
Replaces:
02
01
Author: Dr. Mark Wallace
Date in effect:
8-8-2007
Page:
3 of 6
Responsible faculty: John McGlone
(Signature/Date)
8-8-2007
traps until all captured birds can be processed. Turkeys will be restrained long
enough (less than 1 hour in boxes) to age and sex individuals and take standard
physiological measurements (see below). Depending upon study objectives,
non-target birds (sex or age classes that are not needed for the study) will be
measured and released with leg bands (see marking below) without additional
handling. For target birds we take standard measures, blood samples, and attach
leg bands, color collars, or radio transmitters (see below).
ii. Northern Bobwhite- Northern bobwhite will be removed from walk-in traps or
hand held nets by hand and secured by holding both legs together and holding
the wings closed to prevent flight attempts. DeMaso and Peoples (1993) devised
a simple frame with a 3.81 cm slot through which northern bobwhite quail legs
are restrained that reduces struggling and flight attempts during handling.
Depending upon study objectives, non-target birds (sex or age classes that are
not needed for the study) will be measured and released with leg bands (see
marking below) without additional handling. For target birds we take standard
measurements, blood samples, and attach a leg band, color collar, or radio
transmitter. (see below)
3) Standard Measures: Adult birds are sexually dimorphic and can be distinguished by plumage
characteristics. Most gallinaceous birds can also be identified as juvenile or adult by plumage
characteristics. Examination of primary feathers (which are molted sequentially), Rectrices,
and wear on primary covert feathers is necessary to detect diagnostic characters. Standard
measures for gallinaceous birds include: weights, wing length, spur and beard length of turkeys
(Dimmick and Pelton 1994)
4) Blood and tissue sampling: Blood samples will be taken from adult turkeys and from northern
bobwhite quail following protocols described in Dein (1984). Samples (approx. 2 ml) will be
obtained from either the jugular or brachial vein using sterile 20-gauge needle. For northern
bobwhite quail, blood (up to 0.25 ml) may be drawn by picking the ulnar vein and using
heparinized capillary tubes to collect the sample for clinical chemistry anaylsis. All blood
samples will be stored or treated in the field in the appropriate manner for the desired clinical
chemistry analyses (Dein 1984). Used materials will be disposed of in approved manner (Dein
1984).
5) Marking or Radiocollaring: Butt end aluminum or colored anodized aluminum leg bands are
used to mark individual birds for identification upon recapture (field observation or in-hand)
(Nietfeld et al. 1994). Bands are selected for appropriate size and weight for the bird species to
be marked. Since these marks are intended to remain throughout the life of the bird they must
fit snugly enough to stay on juveniles but be loose enough to allow free movement up and
SOP Number: SOP028
Title: Wild Game Bird Capture, Mark, and Release Methods
Revision No:
Replaces:
02
01
Author: Dr. Mark Wallace
Date in effect:
8-8-2007
Page:
4 of 6
Responsible faculty: John McGlone
(Signature/Date)
8-8-2007
down the leg of an adult. Bands are applied with pliers, with care taken not to damage the
bird’s legs by bending, twisting or pulling them during the banding process. Radio transmitters
are used to mark individual birds for subsequent relocation in space and time. Transmitter
types, and attachment methods are widely varied but fitting the transmitter to the animal is
crucial. The primary objectives are to attach transmitters so they do not affect the movements,
behavior, or survival of the animal and will not fall off or be lost during the data collection
period. Most species require restraint while being radio-tagged.
a. Wild Turkeys- Wild juvenile and adult turkeys commonly require leg band sizes #28
(7/8 ‘ aluminum butt end tag). Turkey poults will not be marked with leg bands.
Juvenile and adult turkeys will be fitted with backpack style radio transmitter packages
(Samuel and Fuller 1994). We use standard (Advanced Telemetry Systems (ATS) 201
model 8:1.3’ x 2/5’ , 75 gm, or similar) backpack mounted transmitters which are
currently in use on turkeys throughout the U.S. Adhesives will be used to attach small
transmitters (greater then 2% of poults body mass; see bobwhite quail package) to
poults for telemetry to determine movements, habitat use, or survival over short periods
(greater than 24 days) post-hatching (Johnson et al. 1991).
b. Northern bobwhite- Northern bobwhite quail use leg band size #8 (1/4’ aluminum butt
end tag). Radio transmitters weigh less than 5% of the animal’s weight. We use a
standard ATS 204 (models B2016 through B2477) that are approximately 1’x 75’ and
weight 4.9 -15gms, or similar backpack or necklace mounted transmitters. Chicks will
be weighed and then fitted with radio transmitters that will weigh less than 5% of the
animal’s weight.
6) Euthanasia
a. Death is not an expected endpoint of capture and handling during most mark-recapture
studies and therefore birds will be euthanized only if they are experiencing chronic
distress or pain during the trapping, handling, or marking process. Relatively few of
the methods reviewed by the AVMA (2000) are appropriate for wild game birds.
Northern bobwhite quail and wild turkey can be effectively and humanely euthanized
by cervical dislocation (requires training for birds as large as turkeys) or by
decapitation (AOU 2000). Both methods are best performed after sedation or
tranquilization of the animal. Birds requiring euthanasia will be administered a mixture
of ketamine hydrochloride (10mg/kg body wt) and xylazine hydrocholoride (0.05 –
1mg/kg body wt) (Amand 1982, Kreeger 1996) prior to cervical dislocation. Birds in
field situations where anesthesia is unavailable will be euthanized by gunshot to the
head.
SOP Number: SOP028
Title: Wild Game Bird Capture, Mark, and Release Methods
Revision No:
Replaces:
02
01
Author: Dr. Mark Wallace
Date in effect:
8-8-2007
Page:
5 of 6
Responsible faculty: John McGlone
(Signature/Date)
8-8-2007
7) Literature
American Ornithologists Union. 1988. Report of Committee on the Use of Wild Birds in Research.
Auk 105(1. Suppl.): 1A-41A.
American Veterinary Medical Association. 2001. 2000 Report of the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia
JAVMA 218(5): 669-696.
Amand, W.B. 1982. Chemical immobilization of birds. Pages 199-213. In: L.Nielsen, J.C. Haigh,
and M.E. Fowler eds. Chemical immobilization of North American wildlife. Wisconsin Humane
Society Inc. Milwaukee.
Baldwin, W.P. 1947. Trapping wild turkeys in South Carolina. Journal Wildlife Management
11:24-36.
Dein, F.J. 1984. Laboratory manual of avian hematology. Association of Avian Veterinarians. East
Northport, NY. 38pp.
Demaso, S.J. and A.D. Peoples. 1993. A restraining device for handling northern bobwhites.
Wildlife Society Bulletin 21:45-46.
Dill, H.H. and W.H. Thornsberry. 1950. A cannon-projected net trap for capturing waterfowl.
Journal Wildlife Management 14:132-137.
Dimmick, H.H. and M.R. Pelton. 1994. Criteria of sex and age. Pages 169-214 in: T.A. Bookhout,
ed. Research and Management techniques for wildlife habitats. Fifth edition. The Wildlife
Society, Bethesda, Md.
Fowler, M.E. 1978. Restraint and handling of wild and domestic animals. Iowa State University
Press. 332pp.
Grubb, T.G. 1988. A portable rocket-net system for capturing wildlife U.S Forest Service Research
Note RM-484. 8pp.
Jessup, D.A. W.E. Clark, and D. Hunter. 1992. Wildlife Restraint Handbook. California
Department of Fish and Game. Sacramento, 151 pp.
Johnson, G.D. , J.L. Pebworth, and H.O. Kruger. 1991. Retention of transmitters attached to
passerines using a glue-on technique. Journal of Field Ornithology 62:486-491.
Kreeger, T.J. 1996. Handbook of wildlife chemical immobilization. International Wildlife
Veterinary Services Inc. Laramie, WY. 342pp.
Labisky, R.F. 1969. Nightlighting: its use in capturing pheasants, prairie chickens, bobwhites and
cottontails. Illinois Natural History Survey Biological Notes 40. 11pp
Nietfeld, M.T., M.W. Barrett, and N.Silvy. 1994. Wildlife marking techniques. Pages 140-168 in.
T.A. Bookhout, ed. Research and management techniques for wildlife and habitats. Fifth
edition. The Wildlife Society, Bethesda, Md.
SOP Number: SOP028
Title: Wild Game Bird Capture, Mark, and Release Methods
Revision No:
Replaces:
02
01
Author: Dr. Mark Wallace
Date in effect:
8-8-2007
Page:
6 of 6
Responsible faculty: John McGlone
(Signature/Date)
8-8-2007
Samuel, M.D. and M.R. Fuller. 1994. Wildlife radiotelemetry. Pages 370-418 in: T.A. Bookhout,
ed. Research and management techniques for wildlife and habitats. Fifth edition. The
Wildlife Society, Bethesda, Md.
Smith, H.D., F.A. Stormer, and R.D. Godfrey, Jr. 1981. A collapsible quail trap. U.S. Forest
Service Research Note RM-400. 3pp.
Wilbur, S.R. 1967. Live-trapping North American upland game birds. U.S. Fish and Wildlife
Service. Special Scientific Report. Wildlife 106. 37pp.