Wild turkeys typically go to roost in the evening around sunset. The exact timing can vary depending on factors such as the season, daylight hours, weather, location, and predator presence. Generally:
- In spring and summer, turkeys roost later between about 7:00 to 9:00 PM due to longer daylight.
- In fall and winter, shorter daylight causes them to roost earlier, approximately between 5:00 to 7:30 PM.
- Turkeys generally head to their roosting trees about an hour before darkness, flying up just before nightfall.
- They prefer to roost in large trees with sturdy, horizontal branches to avoid ground predators.
- Turkeys tend to roost in the same area or tree repeatedly unless disturbed by predators or weather.
- Behavioral variations occur based on turkey subspecies, local habitat, and environmental conditions.
In summary, turkeys go to roost at or near sunset, with timing shifting seasonally from around 5:00 PM in winter to around 9:00 PM in summer, generally about an hour before nightfall to settle safely in trees for the night.